Australian singer-songwriter and musician.
Australian singer-songwriter and musician.
Bobby Alu is back with not one, but two exciting tours to soundtrack both sunrises and sunsets across Australia!
After the massive success of last year’s Breakfast Tour, which saw cafes buzzing and his album Keep It Tropical hitting #1 on AIR’s Independent Label Albums chart, Bobby returns with 42 free morning shows nationwide. This time, he’s bringing even more brekky vibes, with support from macamilk, Harris Farm Markets, and Sanremo Coffee Machines.
But that’s not all – 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of his beloved track My Style, and to celebrate, Bobby will switch things up with the My Style Tour, delivering intimate, full-band evening shows in nine cities. Before heading off for an international run across North America and Europe, this is the perfect chance to catch him live, whether you’re sipping a piccolo or a margarita!
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I was born at the Southport Hospital. I went to Coomera Primary School, Trinity Lutheran College and Griffith university. I live in the Northern Rivers these days however I still spend a lot of time with friends and fam on the GC.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
For me it’s the land – the beach meeting the hinterland. So many different pockets and beautiful places. It’s so different from Coomera to Cooly. Even though it’s growing so quickly it still feels so small compared to the likes of LA, Berlin, London or Montreal, which I like.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I like to cruise. I like to appreciate what’s happening in the present moment. Even though sometimes it might not be a great moment, I trust that it’s a stepping stone to something amazing. I like adventure, I like discovering new places and people, which almost always has a role in me appreciating the friends and family I have and the place I live.
Tell us about the Breakfast Tour.
I’ve always wanted to play music in the morning, it’s a whole different experience. People are just waking, still in a dream state. Life is busy, so playing chill music for people in the morning feels like I’m setting them up for a good day. I developed the idea of doing a tour with my friend Mark who has a business called Breakfast Shirts. We love breakfast culture in Australia so a cafe tour seems perfect.
Performing 42 free morning shows is an impressive feat! What’s the wildest or most memorable breakfast gig you’ve played so far?
Honestly they are all pretty memorable. It’s fresh and new and I’m constantly surprised at what happens. We’ve had people dancing in the street at 9am in the morning on a Wednesday. We took the breakfast tour to Europe last year. Playing in Amsterdam, Berlin, Hamburg and Zurich have been definite highlights.
You’re used to playing in both intimate cafes and larger evening venues—how does your approach to performing change between the two settings?
They are completely different. I believe that if you choose music you choose all the types of gigs. I’ve played to 20,000 and I’ve played to 20 and honestly there is beauty in both. Breakfast shows are wayyyy more chill. It helps me connect at the most basic of levels. Don’t get me wrong, I love the rocking venue shows too. It’s just different and I really like both.
Your tours are backed by some delicious sponsors like macamilk. and Harris Farm Markets—what’s your ultimate breakfast spread before a show?
I like to try things while visiting all the cafes on the breakfast tour, but right now my go to is pretty simple. Avo on sourdough, lemon, salt and pepper with a drizzle of olive oil. A piccolo with macamilk of course, and a glass of coconut water. I also love a good toasty.
Your music has such a laid-back, feel-good vibe. Who are your biggest influences?
I like music with mood. Music that makes you feel. Bob Marley, Bill Withers and Fat Freddy’s Drop influenced my music however these days I’m listening to Cleo Soul, Yussef Dayes and Thee Sacred Souls. So much good music out there.
For fans coming to your Gold Coast show at Whyld Coffee – what can they expect from the experience?
I seriously think all you need is some good food, good coffee and good music to brighten your mood. That’s exactly what we are offering.
What are your Gold Coast Favourites:
Favourite café: Whyld Coffee of course, also Lovestreet Cafe
Favourite restaurant: Franc Jrs Famous Pizzeria in Cooly
Favourite bar: Precinct Brewing Co, Burleigh
Favourite beach: Rainbow Bay
How do you choose to spend your days off?
Morning coffee and breakfast out. A rainforest walk. An arvo nap. A sunset swim, drinks and dinner with my favourite people.
She’s the Gold Coast songwriter and musician making waves in the music world and earlier this year Ella Fence received rave reviews for her performance in the Bleach* Festival production, Hotelling.
On Saturday (April 14th), the talented gal will perform alongside Kate Miller-Heidke as part of Festival 2018.
We sat down for a chat about performing with one of her music idols and creating live music venues inside hotel rooms.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’ve lived here my whole life, I was born in Pindara Hospital. I’ve travelled a lot and have some family in Melbourne so I’m back and forth between here and there but the Gold Coast is such a beautiful place, I love coming home.
What do you love most about our city?
I love the people, being able to walk on the beach and say hello to everyone. There’s such a friendly culture on the Gold Coast and I love being able to feel connected to everyone. You can meet new people and everyone is always really open, kind and generous.
How does it feel to be performing at the Commonwealth Games?
It’s a dream come true. I watched Kate (Miller-Heidke) perform at HOTA (Home of the Arts) five years ago and admired her so much. This was before I was touring and I saw the live show and it was a huge driving force for me in understanding what I wanted to do. I met her afterwards and it was such a fan girl moment. To be playing such an incredible event on the Gold Coast for the Gold Coast and supporting someone I admire, who has such talent and showmanship is incredible, I’m very excited.
How did the gig come about?
Bleach* Festival have been hugely supportive of me for quite a few years.
Last year I created a show I took to Sydney, Melbourne, Byron Bay, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. We took over motel rooms and made a live music venue, like a private party, with champagne and revealed all my new songs. Bleach* was invited, and so were all my fans, and we’ve done a few things together since then, including performing with them in Hotelling – a production that took place in the Penthouse of the Soul building in Surfers Paradise. It’s really just about getting out there and getting to know amazing people.
What do you think of Festival 2018 so far?
It’s been incredible. In terms of culturally for the Gold Coast, I think it triggers ideas for other people. They’re activating spaces that aren’t normally utilised for the arts plus it’s all free and it’s such high calibre programming. They have really been engaging with local artists and putting local people in front of international crowds.
The Gold Coast is very much a holiday destination for people to come to the beach but the more art we can offer in the city, the more we can make it a destination for that kind of thing too.
What’s do you have on for the rest of the year?
I’ll be working on new music. I have a single coming out within the next month, which is exciting. It’s called Hurricane and I’m completely wrapped about it. Other than that, we’ll just be working on the stage show and writing heaps of music. I plan to tour mid-year and hopefully travel, write and play some shows overseas.
How would you describe your music?
It’s an electro, pop rock project that’s ever changing. There’s huge bass and crazy, dirty synthesizer sounds and the guys in my band sing too so there’s a beautiful vocal melody with some edgy, glam, electro sounds.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Beach: My friends and I always go to Burleigh to hang out and have a drink but on the Coast we’re also so close to beaches down south where there aren’t that many other people so I love it down there too.
Cafe: Third Base Espresso in Palm Beach. Shout out to Rhys, my favourite barista of all time.
Restaurant: One of my favourite cuisines is Turkish food and if I could eat pita all day every day I would. There’s a place in Harbour Town that’s incredible called Real Adana Chargrill, that’s my favourite.
How does your weekend usually look? My life in general revolves around music so I’m normally rehearsing, writing or performing. On days where it doesn’t look like that, I love going and finding new places and doing things that are a bit different. The other weekend someone suggested I go to a koala sanctuary so I do different things like that to find inspiration. I also love to go or dancing and party, see live music, go to the beach.
There are a great many things to get amongst on the GC, and these days, a thriving local music scene is undeniably one of them. And we can all agree, if there’s one thing that takes kicking back with a frosty refreshment to a whole new level, it’s getting your ears around some sweet tunes while you do it.
From dank, hidden indie dive bars to classic pub-style serenades for the whole fam to vibe to – whatever genre you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a venue to match.
Hound & Stag
The new kid on Arundel’s block has been hitting all the right notes since they slid open their enormous barn door late last year. Hound and Stag is now the GC’s largest combining craft brews and live music, and honestly, how could you go wrong with a combo like that?! The regular array of gigs, open mic nights and 90’s nights are the big old auditory cherry on top of an excellent atmosphere, brew-pub bites and endless frosty beverages here, folks.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
Southport Sharks
One of Queenland’s largest AFL clubs, Southport Sharks is a family-friendly gem that’s more than merely a haven for footy fans to wet their whistles. With multiple venues and areas built-in, this Babushka doll vibing spot always has something going on, including live acts every weekend if you’re in the mood to groove. Every Friday and Saturday night, there’s an assortment of free gigs going down, from retro RnB shows, classic pub rock to tribute acts to get those toes tapping. Might we suggest first swinging by Mozza Mozza, apparently carb-loading is important before strenuous activity.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport
Vinnies Dive
We can always count on our local dive bar to deliver us the very dankest of gigs, and Vinnie’s Dive does exactly that. Championing our local music scene, they’re no strangers to big alt/indie names such as Dear Seattle, DZ Deathrays, Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band) The Bennies and Regurgiator gracing their small but mighty stage – in addition to karaoke and themed tribute nights. We think this review sums it up best: “It’s dark, the floors are sticky, the toilets seats are occasionally broken, the beers are icy cold and the staff are the best people you’ll ever meet.” Get down there for great times and even better gigs (just leave the flimsy pluggas at home).
Where: Shops A & B, 44A Nerang Street, Southport
The Avenue
When it comes to finding live acts and having yourself a good time on the central Gold Coast, you’ll be hard pushed to look past The Avenue in Surfers Paradise. From comedy nights, drag shows, DJ’s, karaoke and themed evenings, there’s something going down at The Avenue each and every night of the week.
Work week got you feeling flat? We recommend Tunes on Tuesday or Feel Good Friday’s to recharge with some dance therapy and pulse-pounding beats. Those vibes will be back on track in no time.
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Pavilion
Should you arrive by jet ski or by Uber, it doesn’t matter. Surfers Pavilion is your one-stop venue in the heart of Surfers Paradise for drinks, eats and catching a live DJ set or two. And not just any disc jockeys either; The Stafford Brothers and Peking Duk have both played to jubilant crowds here in recent times. Currently, the wheels of steel are spinning Thursday and Friday evenings and all through the weekend: perfect long weekend territory.
Where: 30/34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
HOTA
The Home of the Arts is certainly doing the heavy lifting to finally elevate the arts and culture scene here in our section of Queensland. From intimate, indoor performances to the homegrown darlings and headline acts routinely taking one of Australia’s best outdoor stages – the variety of shows are as varied and vibrant as its technicolour exterior. For an impeccable way to kick off the weekend, it’s hard to go past Fridays on the Lawn. Grab a blanket, acquire a drink from their lawn bar, and relax in their sophisticated sun-kissed setting whilst being serenaded by some stellar local talent to celebrate the end of the working week.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Den Devine
Open Tuesday to Sunday for your listening pleasure, Den Devine feature jazz and blues artists from a talent pool right here in our city. This intimate, hidden venue is well-known amongst live music fans, so we definitely recommend booking in advance to nab a seat. Grab a some eats and sips from their serious selection of whisky (the perfect accompaniment to some moody blues) and the equally stacked Mediterranean menu, and vibe to a selection of the best performers on the Gold Coast six nights a week.
Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast
When it comes to star-studded acts and internationally recognised music performances, The Star Gold Coast is the place to grab a seat in a full-blown theatre and experience music as it was intended.
To keep you bopping in-between headline acts, there’s also live and free tunes going down on the reg, in the open air ambience of Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Live on the Lawn series. Every weekend, the beats come courtesy of DJ’s, soloists, and if you time it just right, the likes of world-class powerhouse vocalist, Lisa Hunt on select Fridays. Goosebumps incoming.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Nightcap
Having duly stamped its authority on the Nobby Beach bar scene as the place to go for frolic fuelled nights, these guys will have you rocking out until the wee hours with a live band or DJ every night of the week. The venue also offers new bands the chance to get themselves out there, so keep an eye out for fresh talent!
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Highway, Nobbys Beach
Miami Marketta
Build it, and they will come… though it’s not clear in this analogy if the ‘they’ should be the steady stream of stellar, live music acts, the hungry hordes, or adoring music fans. Either way, this iconic laneway has established itself as a cracking spot for many things, including one of the best places to catch a gig on the GC.
From 5pm every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Miami comes alive with foods from all around the world mixed with local blues, jazz and independent artists. A hotspot doing some solid heavy lifting to attract incredible national and international acts as they tour the country – Be sure to keep an eye on their gig calendar; tickets always sell out fast!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
Nightjar
Burleigh’s original back alley after-hours haunt is always an epic time. Nightjar is known for late-night revelry and an often stellar line-up of weekly live music. With drink specials aplenty, come and enjoy local acts as they take to the floor and keep the swinging yet sultry atmosphere going long into the night.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads
Mo’s Desert Clubhouse
Burleigh’s multi-use music, space hire and events hub, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is a melting pot of goings-on and a principal meeting place for muso’s, movers and shakers and music lovers across the GC. The industrial-style venue is outfitted with a fully stocked bar and equally stacked gig guide, so refer back often and make sure you pencil in a date with Mo’s Desert Clubhouse ASAP.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Town Hotel
A fresh af new look is not the only thing Burleigh Town Hotel is boasting these days, also ‘drumming up’ a very solid live entertainment schedule studded with emerging bands and popular Aussie acts to get your ears around. There’s DJ’s and acoustic artists bringing tunes to the beer garden most weekends, along with with Punk, Motown and Pop themed tribute shows – where you can hit the d-floor to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and queen Kylie (gold hot pants optional).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Soundlounge
This gem is a favourite among live music fans, having hosted a slew of local, national and international icons — but it also remains one of our best-kept secrets. Find your way down to Currumbin RSL, where, hidden just above, Soundlounge hosts acts from folk soloists and DJs to rock and roll bands. Listening to fantastic live music can be a hungry business, but this venue has you covered with food options, including pizza, an a la carte restaurant and bar snacks.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
The Coolangatta Hotel
Whether you’ve been catching world-class waves or lounging in the afternoon sun, Coolangatta — and specifically the Coolangatta Hotel — has long been known as one of the best for rounding out a perfect afternoon with live music. Being one of the Gold Coast’s largest live music venues, this OG frequently features both national and international touring bands and DJs on any given weekend. In between catching your fave big names, rock out to live, local tunes every Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun.
Where: Cnr Warner Street and Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Kellie Leader.
The Gold Coast is famous for fun. Current events aside, we’re a pretty good time and everybody knows it. We’re the theme park capital of Australia, our beaches are unrivalled, blockbuster movies are filmed here, fun times everywhere.
Perhaps the most fun thing of all, that’s been done on theGold Coast over the years is the making of music videos and honestly, why wouldn’t you famous people?
Here’s a little list of a few you’ll definitely know that have been filmed on our sparkly shores.
Hollow Coves – Moments
Local twosome Hollow Coves are all about cruisy tunes that’ll speak to your soul.
The indie folk band is made up of Ryan Henderson and Matt Carins from Brisbane, who now live on the Gold Coast and recently filmed a music video for their song ‘Moments’.
Shot out in nature where bird sounds, insects, water and waves can be heard amongst the sweet melodies.
Sneaky Sound System – UFO
Good time gang Sneaky Sound System have had many a hit song in their time.
In case you don’t know, they’re an Aussie dance group that formed in 2001 and have been entertaining the world with their quirky, upbeat ways ever since.
One of their most popular songs, UFO was filmed on the Gold Coast (at Miami Shore Motel) and features a local lad you’ve no doubt seen around a bit – the one and only Claudio Kirac.
It’s a chaotic, good time and you can see it for yourself below.
John Farnham – Two Strong Hearts
The man himself, Australia’s favourite and one of the strongest voices to ever come out of this country is John Farnham – king of the rock ballad.
He holds the second highest-selling album in Australian history, Whispering Jack and an absolute slew of hits besides.
Two Strong Hearts is one you no doubt already know and love and the music video was filmed right here on the Coast (back when we called him Johnny).
You’ll see the old Miami Ice building (miss you) and now we’re claiming Johnny as our own.
Australian Crawl – Errol
The much-loved Aussie rock band was formed in the 1970’s and fun fact; they were named after the front crawl swimming style (now known as freestyle).
Their music touched on social issues such as materialism, alcoholism, car accidents and cautionary tales of romance.
The five-piece band filmed their music video Errol on the Gold Coast in parts and you might spy a sneak peek of Grundy’s waterfall which was around in the 80s.
See, we’ve been fun forever.
Go the Gold Coast.
Words by Kirra Smith
