A couple weeks back, “Tidal Wave” by Alexander Biggs hit the inbox and really turned us on with its simplicity and depth. I thought we should get to know a bit more about Melbourne’s Alexander Biggs and his Music…
What attracted you to the music you practice?
I guess I kind of just fell into this style through writing as honestly as possible. A lot of it ended up falling on the lyrics, not straying too far from how it was written – on an acoustic in my room.
How long have you been making music? Have you been performing or sharing it with the public all that time?
I’ve been making music since I was a teen, but in hindsight I probably wasn’t too good back then. I’ve been writing folk music for maybe 3 years now, but I’ve only just started sharing what I’ve got in the last year.
Who or what influences your writing and performance?
Huge question! Probably most artists I’ve ever listened to have left something or another with me. Mostly I’m inspired by lyrics and their delivery – artists with a lot of honesty like Elliot Smith, Bright Eyes, Listener and spoken word poets like Shane Koyczan.
It seems all creative people go through rough patches or writer’s block of some sort. What motivates you to keep going?
From what I’ve learned, songs are infinite. For myself, this means when songs don’t come, and all I can actively try to write isn’t flowing or isn’t as good as it can be, I sit through it, be completely in what ever else I’m doing, and then I’ll either come back to something great, or more often than not it’ll just fall on me. I’m actually pretty prolific so mostly I’m fine.
Were you trying to accomplish something different or specific with this project – creatively or otherwise?
I’m not really trying to do anything different or break any boundaries. To me, that would just distract from being genuine and wouldn’t feel honest. I appreciate artists that try to push boundaries with their art, but for me, at this point in time, I just want to write songs that are honest and engaging. I guess what I’m trying to accomplish is to strike people with how honest the lyrics can get. I want to relate on a level that’s just like I’m sitting with you somewhere, telling you how it is.
What was the last song you listened to?
It would probably have been something from ‘A-Sides’ by AdriAnne Lenker and Buck Meek. That album has been 90 percent of my listening for the last month and a bit. Go buy it on Band Camp!
Do you prefer a certain medium for listening – vinyl, CDs, mp3, reel-to-reel, Pono,(lol sort of)?
If I’m wanting to enjoy the production, FLAC or WAV out of my studio set up would be great. Otherwise, I’m happy with listening to mp3s in a car or whatever. Nothing beats the homey feeling of crackling vinyl, if we’re honest here.
If you had to choose one place to host your music, would you prefer Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, or … ?
All I can ask for is that people listen to my music, whether it’s streaming or buying digital. I like the idea of streaming as it’s more environmentally friendly. If I had to pick one, I’d say Spotify just because I’ve been honoured to be featured on so many playlists on that platform.
Do you ever feel as if your tunes are lost in a sea of music? What are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract new listeners?
I guess saturation is an issue with getting my music heard. One challenge, just off the top of my head, is that a lot of folks don’t give new music the time to listen and enjoy it. All I can do in these situations is focus on making art that I like and hope others do too.
Are you playing on live stages, clubs, bars, the local town picnic, festivals?
You can catch me at a few local shows around Melbourne, Australia. We’re working on getting to a few more places so the sky’s the limit really!
Do you ever stream your performances over the net? Where can music lovers see you perform?
I’d love to get a few more live videos onto the inter web but for now it’s mostly live shows.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and/or discover more of your music?
Probably best to head over to the Facebook for now to keep in the loop with future releases and plans! You can find my music on Spotify, Band Camp, iTunes, and Soundcloud!
Can you share an anecdote or tale of woe or inspiration like a story about an out-of-touch club manager, your favorite fan interaction, broken busses, or you know… just some experience in your musical journey you’ll never forget?
Haha oh boy. In my early days of live music I was playing bass for a fairly new band, and we got offered a very decent guarantee to do a residency at a venue we’d never played before. After rocking up, we realised it was playing to a dining crowd and we couldn’t have a drummer because it would be too loud. We played to a very small set of diners each night. Those four shows put our morale in an early grave. We look back and laugh now, but it was so painful to play. It was a very early lessons that life’s too short to play shows you hate, and that it’s better to play shows you enjoy than have a great pay day.
Lightning Round
What’s your favorite ice cream?
Gelato Messina in Fitzroy, Melbourne! Chocolate Gelato any day.
Dream vehicle?
A comfy, lightweight bike.
Sailing yacht, catamaran, bass boat, or kayak?
Kayak!
Place on Earth you must visit some day
Portland, Oregon.
Batman or Spiderman?
Batman
James Bond or Jason Borne?
Jason Borne seems like he can do a lot more crazy MacGyver
Bugs Bunny or Anime?
Bugs Bunny for sure! Always up for some classic stitch ups!
Favorite beer or beverage of pleasure?
I honestly can’t think of anything as versatile as fresh water.
Movie or book quote you are liable to drop at the wrong moment?
Probably something from the first 7 seasons of The Simpsons, but then there’s never a wrong time to drop those lines!
Left with a choice of one instrument, which would you keep?
I guess vocals because it’s portable.
