We Say…
Hailing from Melbourne, Alexander Biggs is only just starting to share his music with the world, yet has already shared stages with the likes of Julien Baker, Frightened Rabbits and Evan Dando. Alexander has recently made his first trips to America, and the latest product of the fertile Melbourne scene is quickly becoming a worldwide proposition.
This growth in Alexander’s profile has come quickly on the back of a string of singles, the most recent of which, Madeleine, and Miserable, showcase two sides of his impressive songwriting. Miserable is a gorgeous and self-effacing number, recalling Angelo De Augustine, as Alexander’s fragile vocals and finger-picked guitars reverberate and echo around a subtly dense backing of piano, banjo, and slide guitar. Lyrically, it’s heart-stoppingly sad, as he asks how our own sadness can reflect on those around us, “do I slow you down, with my heavy frown? If you floated I would sink like stone”. If Miserable is a reflection of Alexander himself, Madeleine offers a different perspective, Alexander taking on the role of an observer, as over a guitar-line reminiscent of early Bon Iver or Jacob Golden, he reflects on toxic relationships and how our destructive and chaotic streaks come from a place of pain and anger. These songs may take on heavy themes, they exist in the darker recesses of the human mind, yet they always seem to be striving for the light, always asking for a hand to guide them into the light, a flicker of hope that all things, even the worst things, must eventually pass.
They Say…
FTR: For those who don’t know who is Alexander Biggs?
AB: Not too sure yet. Still figuring that out. I know they’re a songwriting, Earth-dwelling, air-breathing human.
FTR: What can you remember about your first show?
AB: I think my first show ever was playing grunge covers at a school/community fete. Very green, though surprisingly I don’t think I remember being nervous. Must have had a late reaction (haha). It was hot, we played The Vines.
FTR: Why do you make music? Why not another art form?
AB: I make music because I must. I guess I’m just compelled to. It’s the only way that feels completely right. I’m still trying to master it but I believe I can express a lot more nuance through the power of song. I think, as an extension, performing my art, or delivering a record is a way to speak your truth, and that’s a powerful thing, to be heard. Everyone wants to be heard.
I still express myself in other forms. Mostly writing of some kind, like poetry or journaling. I keep that mostly to myself for now.
Songs are powerful, art is powerful. I suppose it doesn’t matter to much how you say it, just what you’re saying.
FTR: What can people expect from the Alexander Biggs live show?
AB: Awkward and inappropriate banter is usually to be expected at a show. Aside from that, people can expect some songs I wrote, probably in a room of some sort, that generally talk about love or death or sex. Misery and joy and all that.
FTR: What’s next for Alexander Biggs?
AB: Well, I’m kind of perpetually writing, so more of that, a brief traverse of the US, and then more planning of shows, recording, laying down.
They Listen To…
A playlist of Melbourne Friends
RAT!hammock – Pick Up
Merpire – Habit
Tram Cops – California Way
Ruby Gill – Your Mum
David M. Western – Step On My Toes
Zoe Fox and the Rocket Clocks – Fists
Miserable and Madeleine are out now. Click HERE for more information on Alexander Biggs
For The Rabbits 