A Quick Chat With Bobby Alu
What was the creative process for the record, from writing through to recording?
This album felt like an organic approach. I literally wrote as much as possible the past few years and these songs were the ones that seemed to take the lead. I had a dream once that I wrote 1000 songs, so the next day I started. I think I’m somewhere near 300 since that dream. These 10 songs are the ones that rose to the top. For whatever reason, they are the ones that I worked on with the band and all of sudden we had an album.
What is the ethos or the message behind the record?
The ethos is to follow the threads in life that lead to joy. I feel like this type of process is in my thinking at the moment. I guess I'm trying to get in tune with my values. Life happens and sometimes I make decisions on things that I think I might like, or that other people like, rather than what I actually like. The slightest spark can lead to a huge fire. Last year I went to the Cook Islands. I went because drumming and ukulele are huge there, it’s like a national sport. I didn't have any plans, I just followed this thread of curiosity and came back home from the trip inspired and full of joy. Since this experience I really feel like I've been tuning into and tugging on these small threads which have resulted in some pretty ‘out there’ touring decisions - like touring with my mum Foloi Iulia, and taking on a national breakfast tour playing 50 cafes in 5 weeks sponsored by a milk company.
What is your personal favourite song on the record, and why?
At the moment, my favourite is the title track ‘Keep it Tropical’. It’s my mantra. If I'm ever feeling a little off balance I just think to myself: ‘Bro, just keep it tropical’. For me that means to take it easy, to not overthink things, to choose joy, take a nap, be present, be kind, be in flow and to connect.
Best recording story?
The song ‘Ready For Your Love’ was written and recorded in one night. After a day in the studio with the band, we went out for dinner and afterward felt like we had a little more juice in the tank. A few days prior, I’d had an interesting encounter. A gorgeous woman propositioned me. Literally told me that when she saw me, she immediately thought: ‘HIM’. I was flustered, flattered and amazed at the confidence. She was ready for love and putting it out there. At the moment it seems I have lots of friends that are like this, they are ready to receive and give love. I was telling the band about the story and we wrote the song in 10 minutes. Dropped it live in the studio. A few hours later the song was all done.
Who's another Australian artist you're a huge fan of and why?
Emma Donavon. She’s got a new album out. Her voice. Her way. She sings from her heart. Her stories are raw and I get goosebumps when I hear her sing.
What else do you have planned for 2024?
It’s a big year of following threads. After the Keep It Tropical album launch weekend, I'm opening for Xavier Rudd on his five-week North American tour. Then I head to Europe for the next leg of Breakfast Shows. (Yes this is totally a thing - playing at breakfast time is a vibe!) I’m doing a restaurant tour of Italy. A Californian Fall tour. A November tour in Germany and then back in Aus for summer. Just keepin’ it tropical.