1.Growing Up
For me, music was a part of life. My mother is a Samoan dancer; when she moved to Australia dancing was her income. I was at all her shows soaking up the Polynesian vibes. I remember music blaring so loud whenever Mum did the housework, cooked or when we were just sitting around. She would also sing and play the ukulele.
2.Inspirations
The first time I went to a music store by myself, I was in the Queensland team for athletics competing at nationals in Perth. I went to the Fremantle markets and bought three albums: Bob Marley – Catch A Fire, Metallica – …And Justice For All and Michael Jackson – Thriller. At the time I had no idea I would be a musician. Those albums still inspire me.
3. Your Band
The Palm Royale. We started out as friends. I played drums in many bands around south-east QLD before I started my own, and I met this crew as time went by. I really enjoy touring with them because we strive to keep it fun, and remain grateful that we get to travel and play original music. Everyone in the band has jobs on the road. They call me ‘Bossy Alu’. Paulie B (guitar) is the trolley whisperer and funnyman. He scopes out free trolleys at all the airports – when you travel with 10-15 pieces of luggage, four trolleys at four bucks a pop can make the difference. Richie (drums) is the tour doctor. Being a vet, he keeps us animals in check. Hua (vocals) is the personal trainer and NZ tour guide. Stu Barry (bass) in in charge of activities and he drives.
4. The Music You Make
We play ‘hammock music’. There is no doubt that our music and the hammock go hand in hand. There are many ingredients that combine to create this feel. Polynesian, soul, Afrobeat and reggae flavours can all be heard. Rather than focus on the traditional aspects of a particular style, we use our knowledge and experience of each to convey feelings.
5.Music, Right Here, Right Now
Music will always have a place. Critics say live music is under siege with lockout laws, broken festivals and a demising live culture. I feel there is real strength and importance in recorded music. Everyone in the Western world holds a device in their pocket that gives them access to their favourite songs. For me, live music will always have a place and it’s a sacred practice that has been going for generations.
One Spacepresents Island Sessions on Saturday March 19 at the Factory Floor, with Bobby Alu and The Palm Royale and Declan Kelly.
