brainwaves

by Ziggy Alberts

Brainwaves is a polite request. An invitation into a vulnerable relationship between the writer and the reader and is an ode to word of mouth. To paper pages. To hard copies. Handed to strangers, shared with lovers, kept with family. To taking chances on books without knowing the entirety of its contents first. To do and practice just that of which we do so little of today. With books and relationships alike. Brainwaves was not made for the internet. It was made for you.

Genres: Poetry

88 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2021

About the author

A platinum ARIA-accredited Australian singer-songwriter turned literary voice, Ziggy Alberts has captivated readers through his thoughtfully independent approach to poetry publishing. Following the success of his debut poetry collection 'brainwaves', Alberts released his second self-published poetry book 'sun memos' through his own Commonfolk Publishing, showcasing the same fiercely independent ethos that has defined his musical career with over 1 billion streams worldwide.

'sun memos' offers an introspective look behind the mind of the musician on the road and at home, featuring his signature environmental metaphors and split into four distinct parts. The collection invites readers to join Alberts on a journey of personal realizations, creating a vulnerable relationship between writer and reader with each page. Born from the relative chaos of his extensive world touring - which has seen him perform to over 110,000 fans at headline shows across Australia, Europe, the UK, North America, South America and South East Asia - the book captures what Alberts describes as an "outpour" of minimal planning and maximum emotion.

Aligned with his acclaimed lyrical work that includes hits like "Runaway" (100+ million Spotify streams) and "Love Me Now," Alberts' poetry explores themes of love, self-discovery, environmental connection, and the pursuit of freedom and joy. His commitment to authentic, direct connection with his audience has built not just a readership but a community united across continents by his words and message.

This raw, honest approach to both his musical and literary work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, establishing Alberts as a distinctive voice in contemporary poetry and folk music alike.

Reviews

[Siobhan Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not normally one for poetry, or really one to obsess over song lyrics but I have always loved Ziggy’s way of using words.

Some favs from the book

“You do not have to make something into a problem in order to change it”

“Living well is hard, but living poorly is harder”

“There isn’t one answer, life isn’t that black and white. To be human is to make colours of everything that is grey”

“It’s amazing how often we believe the mind knows better than the heart when the heart knew exactly what to do well before our mind had words to speak”

“In the busyness that is between living and dying Remember to water your garden”

[Nikki Minty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just went to Ziggy Alberts Brainwaves book signing and heard some of these poems read straight from the source. Such a cool night, such a cool book. Go Ziggy!

[Leonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
I love it, these words touched my soul 🤍

[Tahnee Hanlon Fiers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and delightful. Thanks Ziggy, you’re a master. Highlights on every page. Read it in one sitting and have reread it every year whenever the need for reflection is needed afterwards.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was pure joy reading Ziggy's musings on life. I felt connection with the author through his authenticity and love.

[Alan Burzevski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was at a bookstore looking for a language textbook, but they didn't have what I was looking for. I didn't want to leave empty handed and I'd been wanting to read more poetry, so I went to the poetry section and picked this one out. I didn't really know what to expect - I didn't recognise the author, the title was suitably vague, and I didn't flip through the book because I wanted to be impulsive. I did not expect a photography/poetry hybrid book written by an Australian surf folk singer-songwriter.

But I was glad to have taken this book home. Most of the poems were quite comfortable reads, but they excelled in defining and describing the mundane beauty of nature, like the morning light through a window or the ocean and its breeze. Some of the more emotion-evoking poems also touched on human connections with friends and partners, or the difficult lack thereof. The photography was also wonderful, and really contributed to the aesthetic of the experience.

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love a quick lil poetry book when I go to the beach. So this book was the perfect size for me to read whilst enjoying the sun.
I really enjoy Ziggy’s music so I was coming into this book with some favouritism. But he didn’t disappoint.
Was a very easy and simple read, I was able to feel the emotion and understand it. I’m sure everyone takes something different out of the poems. I will be keeping this one so I can enjoy the read again in the future and take something different away from it next time.
I will be getting his new book sun memos, looking forward to reading that one whilst sitting at the beach.

Favourite poem this sitting:

It's amazing how often we beliéve
the mind knows better than the heart when the heart
knew exactly what to do well before our mind had words to speak
— heartbeats.

[Anna Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book on a shelf in a coffee shop in Atlanta, Georgia that said “support local artist” and it was a copy to read while you were there. I loved it! I kept taking pictures of the poems I really liked because I don’t own the book 😂. I’m gonna have to find it somewhere and buy it now! Highly recommend! Great poetry, straight to the point! I think I might be in love with Ziggy Alberts now lol.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

this absolutely stunning collection of words brought all my feelings tumbling out. I enjoyed flipping through this and connecting to the poems - I couldn't recommend it enough

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a lovely read.

[Olive Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, uncomplicated and raw. I have related to so many poems depending on my day, will go back and reread.

[Tristan Sailor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful 🫶
I read the photo edition

[Kaplan · Rating 4 out of 5]

thought provoking
poems
neatly written
in a
comprehensible style.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌊The thing I am most gravely frightened of is not experiencing life
As beautifully as I can express it in words.

[Sara Croft · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can’t he do? Beautiful.

[Sophia Mcdowell · Rating 3 out of 5]

took notes from Miss Kaur's formula it seems. Very heartfelt, pity my heart felt nothing reading this collection; with the exception of a few nice reminders...
'You do not have to make something
into a problem
in order to change it.'
Taking that wonderful advice in my stride I'd like to say I don't want to a vilify notes app poetry but I am always eager to change it a little ;)

[emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

life and love explained in one of the most beautiful ways by one of the most brilliant musicians i’ve ever heard. people say poetry is music — this book proves this unlike anything else i’ve ever seen. raw, real, truth.

even better the second time.