Ziggy Alberts, with his grassroots brand of folk storytelling, is the name on everyone’s lips. 2020 saw the release of singles ‘heartbeat’ and ‘letting go’, to universal acclaim. Full length release searching for freedom promises to be an exploration into some of humanity’s most heartfelt and complex emotions, translated into beautiful simplicity in Ziggy’s capable hands. In Alberts’ own words, it’s “an expression of an adventure that I’ve realised will last a lifetime”.
searching for freedom is out now.

A twelve-track collection of songs which span topics such as environmental awareness, celebrating our differences, and embodying love and hope in our day-to-day lives, searching for freedom is the kind of album which doesn’t come along every day. The sound throughout is intimate, as if Ziggy is in the corner of your favourite record store, playing just for you and a select few others.

In Ziggy’s own words, “I chose this album title because I think it is the overarching theme of both the record and human existence. I believe the pursuit of love and freedom connects everyone on the planet. This record certainly marks a new chapter in my life, and perhaps a new one in yours. searching for freedom is a journey, both literally and spiritually. This album is just a part of the greater exploration I am personally on. Thank you for joining me, and I hope you enjoy it.”

Founder of his own independent label, Commonfolk Records, Ziggy Alberts has managed to craft what every musician dreams of - the ability to tell a story on their own terms. It is exactly that which we get with searching for freedom: a world in which Ziggy points out the beauty in the everyday, and reminds us that working together and loving each other really can help us get through anything.

Lead single,’heartbeat’, started off “as a breakup song - hence the chorus - but turned into a story of hope and trust on a summer adventure, discovering new parts of who I was along the way.” It is here, for example, that Alberts’ skills as a storyteller can be clearly seen, with past present and future melding together as one, “finding resolution in the common thread of all good things - love.”

‘letting go’ allows us an insight into Ziggy’s philosophies as an artist and a public figure, encouraging us as he does to let go “of fear and the notion of having to heal everything alone. We find strength and joy in companionship on adventures, lifting each other up along the way.” This song illustrates his maturation as an artist, as it’s one he’s worked on for many years now, lending it an ‘old Ziggy’ vibe, with updated elements to show how much he has grown in his approach to his art.

Title track ‘searching for freedom’ is a heart wrenching detailing of Alberts’ quest to find his own identity. It was a song finished in part in the recording studio, in the final moments of the album being put together. The fact that it has ended up being one of the most poignant tracks on the album is a testament to Ziggy’s intuition as a songwriter. “This song talks about growth, self-love, trade-offs, nurturing environments, expectations of others, slowing down time, the inner spiritual journey, searching for identity, uncovering the layers of our true nature, breaking out of conditioning, perspective shifts, being present, freeing ourselves from ourselves, healing, realigning self-expectations when they aren't healthy, seeing yourself for who you truly are, finding peace day-to-day, finding peace on the journey, looking into the unknown with hope, reconnecting with nature, the pursuit of truth.”

With over 1.59 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, show sizes on the continuous rise and praise from the likes of Billboard Magazine, American Songwriter, EarMilk and Clash UK, there is no doubt 2021 will be Ziggy Alberts’ year. Ziggy has been awarded ARIA Platinum certification for his tracks Gone, Runaway, Heaven, Love Me Now, Laps Around The Sun, Stronger and Four Feet in the Forest (EP) plus, Gold certifications for three tracks in his catalogue.

This album might just be the antidote to what a crazy ride the past year has been. Ziggy Alberts’ dusty tones waft over a minimalist accompaniment - a few select backing vocals, a strummed guitar, perhaps a quiet trumpet here and there. It’s meditation in its purest form, the musical equivalent of listening to those Australian waves upon which Ziggy loves to surf.

searching for freedom is out now.