Bobby Alu

If you ask Byron Bay’s Bobby Alu what his music sounds like, he’ll tell you how he hopes it makes you feel: like you have your favourite cocktail in hand, sipping as the sun sets on a balmy evening that’s laden with the promise of adventure. In an ideal world, he’d follow summer around the earth, in his endless quest to nail that feeling in his songs that ride the groove spectrum from Polynesian folk, through roots, soul to tropical pop.

With a reputation as a world-class performer – touring as Xavier Rudd’s percussionist for five years, and supporting the likes of Xavier, John Butler Trio and Trevor Hall across North America and Europe – it’s common to see punters exiting a show gesturing warmly to their hearts.

Entering a new album cycle in 2023 with the release of coastal pop jam Do It to mark heaving band appearances on the world-renown Byron Bay Bluesfest stages, follow-up sing-along Sunsets (With You) dropped in time for Alu’s first headline runs in the US, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Adding the lovers rock reggae swoon Ready For Your Love, before the latest single and album title track Keep It Tropical – a horn-laden tropical soul groove – Alu’s fourth studio album is a mantra. Keep It Tropical. Take naps. Be generous. Go on adventures. Have gratitude. Enjoy the little things. Strive to be better. Don’t be so serious. Love. Laugh a lot. Eat the odd donut. Swim in the ocean. Enjoy the sunshine and warmth.