INTERVIEW: Alexander Biggs — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Alexander Biggs

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I have been listening to Car Ride…

by Alexander Biggs and excited to speak with its creator. Biggs talks about the song and whether there will be more material this year; how it feels getting traction from some big radio names; whether Melbourne (where he is from) is a great musical landscape – Biggs talks about idols and tastes.

I ask him whether there are gigs booked and how he spends time away from music; whether he has a favourite memory from his career so far; how being on stage makes him feel – he ends the interview by selecting an underrated Bob Dylan track.

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Hi, Alexander. How are you? How has your week been?

My week has been good, thanks.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m Alexander Biggs and I write songs and sing them.

Car Ride is new. Can you reveal the story behind the song?

I like songs most when I have to experience them and find an understanding in them for myself. The song is out in the world and is now the property of anyone who listens to it - so it’s better if I ask them what it means.

Might we see other new cuts coming later in the year?

Yeah. I’m pretty eager to put more music out pretty quickly. It’s best to act quickly on recorded music because, a lot of the time, the songs have been around for a while and they can quickly become old songs. A few of the songs were written right before recording this year, though, so thankful I’m excited about them still.

Past songs like Out in the Dark and Tidal Wave have been backed by BBC Radio and gained a lot of love! Does that give you a lot of heart and encouragement?

I really appreciate the support that I’ve had from radio all over the world and from streaming services but I try not to think too much about it. I’m thankful of the encouragement but I feel my time is better spent encouraging myself and trying hard to believe in myself than to get it from any outside sources. Getting encouragement from anywhere outside of myself runs the risk of affecting my efforts.

PHOTO CREDIT: Al Parkinson

Which musicians made a big impact when you were growing up? Who do you count as idols?

Growing up, I was really into My Chemical Romance and Paramore, so I suppose they’ve had an impact on me in their own subtle way. At the end of my teens, I was introduced to Elliott Smith too, who was a pivotal artist for me. I try not to idolise anyone because everyone’s out there trying to do their own thing and make their own way and I should be doing the same.

Less looking out, more looking in…

You are from Melbourne. What is it like recording music there? Is it a fantastically supportive and compelling part of the world?

Melbourne is a diverse and supportive part of the industry in Australia. I think it’s only as supportive as you are willing to be involved, though. I see artists every now and then visit or move here and almost expect to be held up and supported but it still takes time like any other community. I like writing and recording in Melbourne because it’s an inspiring place to live.

Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

I’m hoping to be back for the end of the year.

You live show has been celebrated and noted. Is the stage where you feel alive and free?

I’m not entirely sure I feel alive and free. Some days, the stage is a place to celebrate and some days it’s just a place that I work. There are so many underlying factors.

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

I want to release a lot more music and tour more overseas.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

I don’t have a favourite but the first memory that came into my head was when a stranger left me a drink on the bar and a story with the bar staff - that I reminded him of a younger self. I was at university and playing shows around town under a different name. I probably sucked. I remember wondering about that person and their story; whether they were happy.

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

Hard to say: I have a rotating list…

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep trying...

IN THIS PHOTO: RAThammock/PHOTO CREDIT: William Patston Photography

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

RAThammock, Mickey Cooper; Phoebe Bridgers (she’s not that new), Buck Meek (he’s not new either but his new album is ten/ten).

IN THIS PHOTO: Phoebe Bridgers

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I feel like I’m always doing something with music, whether that’s playing or listening or recording or talking about it. I unwind with more music. I did a meditation camp for ten days a month and a bit ago where you aren’t allowed to speak and when I came back I thought that I’d forgotten how to sing.

After that, I feel musically rejuvenated and inspired - so, I suppose I would say meditation courses help.