Serendipity, Movement and UNBLOCKED Flow with Bobby Alu: Finding Clarity in Career Paths and Career Pivots
Episode Details
Transcript
In this episode, Greg sits down with Australian singer, songwriter, and musician Bobby Alu for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, movement, rest, and what it really takes to stay in flow. From touring the world to trusting his gut and going solo, Bobby shares how he’s built a life around rhythm—onstage and off.
Bobby's music is known for capturing the feeling of your favorite drink at sunset. But behind that breezy vibe is someone who has taken big creative risks, followed unlikely threads, and chosen a path that prioritizes joy, intuition, and people over convention.
Together, Greg and Bobby talk about what it really means to live and create in flow. They dig into the unexpected moments that shape us, and what it looks like to build a life and career around rest, movement, and community.
Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else.
Here are just a few of the themes they explore in the episode:
- The power of rest and Bobby’s philosophy on naps and recharging
- What he calls his “Rhythm Quest” to Ghana and how it helped him reconnect with presence and passion
- The importance of movement and why any step counts
- How we often glorify the leap of faith when the real challenge is surviving the free fall
- Why people and connection are the real compass in both life and business
- Letting go of control and allowing spontaneity to shape the creative process
- Creating space on purpose to invite magic and possibility
- What it means to keep things in perspective and “Keep It Tropical” even when life feels uncertain
There’s a lot packed into this one—travel stories, rhythm quests, real talk about creativity, and how to move through the stuck moments without overthinking them. It’s one of those conversations you’ll want to revisit. And if you’re looking to add something new to your bookshelf, listen to the end for Bobby’s go-to book recommendation.
Enjoy this conversation with Bobby Alu.
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Bobby
I think for me, it's it's like what I'm what I'm thinking of right now is is, like, is movement is any progress. Like, doing something is something. Yeah. This this feeling of stuck is is staying still. And I think that, like, if you are just activating some direction even if you feel like I don't know if this is the right direction, but this is all I can think of. I feel like that is progress. Whitney
Hey. I'm Whitney. Greg
And I'm Greg. And this is the Unblock Yourself podcast. Speaker 1
We personally know what it's like to feel stuck, living on autopilot, checking all the boxes, but wondering, is this really it for me? Greg
We genuinely love having conversations with people who are living cool lives. So we thought, hey, we should record these conversations. And by having them on a podcast, we can ask all kinds of questions to get to the bottom of how they got unblocked and are living these cool and inspiring lives. Speaker 1
In each episode, we'll have honest and raw conversations about the highs and lows of their journeys. Greg
Once in a while, it will just be the two of us sharing what we're learning along the way as we build our own lives and where we're screwing up right alongside you. Bobby
So if Speaker 1
you want some inspiration and actual things that you can start doing to make bolder moves and get unblocked in your own life, this podcast is for you. Today, Greg is chatting with Bobby Allou, an Australian singer, songwriter, and musician who's built a life around rhythm, movement, and staying in flow. I actually set this one out because Greg is a huge Bobby Allou fan, and I wanted to give him space to go full on fanboy. We've actually listened to Bobby Allou's music for a number of years now, especially when we're at our family cottage. The song that you're hearing in the background is his song called Do It. We're super grateful that he let us use this song for this episode. Bobby's music has been described as feeling like your favorite drink at sunset, and it seriously does. In this episode, they talk about what it really means to live in flow and build a creative life that doesn't follow the script. Bobby shares the story of one of his rhythm quests, Ticana, and his philosophy on napping. Yes. Like, actually napping. He also talks about how your life can expand and contract in proportion to your courage. Because as Bobby says it, all the good stuff is so scary. Bobby gets real about starting out and how his very first paid gig as a solo artist had only eight people in the crowd. Now he tours internationally and has half a million listeners on Spotify. We love everything about Bobby's laid back vibe, his energy, and the way he chooses people and presence over pressure and convention. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Bobby Allou. Greg
Thank you for joining. Before we dig in, I had two young guys that were, like, pretty excited about the fact that I was gonna be talking to Bobby Allou. So do you mind if they say a quick hello to you? Bobby
Not at all. Not at all. Greg
You did the golf ball for this guy. Bobby
I remember the golf ball. Yep. Greg
Yeah. Well, you can say hi. Bobby
Hi. Hey. Greg
And this is Maxwell. So there's a whole other story to this, but Maxwell played guitar at her wedding. And so I think I I asked you for, like, any tips for an aspiring young musician. And I said something you to him, but I don't know that it came along. So it'll probably be it'll probably mean more coming from you directly. Bobby
The tips would be to have fun. It's like because that's what I still I still love it. It's when it's fun, you do you have, like, an extra power because you love it. Well, that's what I've been doing mostly the whole time. Greg
There you go. Speaker 1
Have fun. Greg
I'm, like, I'm grateful you're here, Bobby. But these guys are are too. So thank you for saying hello. Bobby
I swear. It's good to see you. Greg
I'd love to go back to how we got connected in the first place. So, Spotify did its magic. So I'm a big Ziggy Alberts fan, and so I'm listening to a lot of Ziggy. I'm listening to a lot of Zave or Xavier Red, and Spotify starts just serving me up some recommended music. And I come come across this music or this song. I think it was It's Time. It was the first song. I'm like, who is this? Like, who's this guy? And I was really digging your music. Then I started going deep into flow, like your whole album flow. And Sham and Lisa are good friends of ours, and we get into the car to go out for dinner with Sham and Lisa. Lisa is Australian. Shum and Lisa live with us now locally here. And they get in the car. We got an hour drive to head to this dinner spot. Lisa turns around and says, well, what do you guys wanna listen to? I'm like, they have this amazing new artist. You guys need to put it on. His name's Bobby Allou. And Lisa turns around in the car. She's like, are you serious? I was like, yeah. Have you heard of him? She's like, yeah. A bit. Like, what song do you wanna hear? And I started just rhyming off all of your songs. Like, let's do fire. Like, let's do dust. Like, let's just do all these songs. Like, do all these and she's like, I need you to know. Like, after we listened to a few, I went to high school. Bobby
Oh, that was so wild. Greg
AKA Bobby Halu. Like, that was it. And the rest Bobby
of the night, it was just freaking out. Greg
It was wild. So it's a small world moment. Bobby
In conjunction with AI. You know? It's cool. Greg
Yeah. It was a combination of AI magic, and then not long after that, you're in Toronto, and Lisa was kind enough to connect us. I've been listening to a lot of conversations you've had on podcasts and reading a lot about your work, and it feels to me a lot like those magical serendipitous moments that brought us into connection with each other, that seems to be just a huge part of your life. Bobby
You've you've got my secret. That's a hundred percent powerful. You know? This is my business model. Greg
I actually I love that. Bobby
Yeah. It's funny because my manager and I, we have this this our mantra, one about things that we always see is we we follow the people and, you know, follow the connections and and it could just be like a feeling or I don't know. It's it's it's amazing. Like, there's seven billion people on the planet, but for some reason, you just roll with the same people. You run into the same people and you, there's someone knows someone else. You know? It's, it's, I'm not surprised by it anymore because I I do feel like it's it's something. You know? And, yeah, I guess it goes down into, like, the those feelings of intuition, like, when you just know something or, and they're the they're the feelings and stuff that can get you through for me that kept me through, like, anything that's a bit hard or a bit, like, I don't really know what to do. You know? It's sort of like, well, you know, just keep doing what you're doing. Greg
Yeah. I wanna talk about how Bobby Allou kind of came to be and and sort of emerged on the music scene as, as you are and that sort of version of yourself is today. But before we get into some of the story that brought you there, we'd love just to hear maybe a bit of context on, like, who is Bobby Allou, and what is where is that name from? And if you were to describe Bobby Allou and what Bobby Allou is and who he is, like, what's his vibe for music listeners? Bobby
Yeah. Well, he is, he makes music. It's, he makes music that's about, being together and being present and being, having your favorite drink at sunset with your favorite people, that kind of thing. You like that? And, yeah. It's basically, it's just an extension of, of, like, this musical journey that I've been lucky to be on so far. And it started pretty young, but I think I was unaware that it would be how I'd walk through life. However, now looking back at everything that's happened, I'm like, actually, yeah, this is there's no this is exactly what I'm supposed to do. You know? It's, you know, even just that, my mom is from Samoa, and I have sixty four first cousins. Basically, mom's one of ten. And of all those cousins, like, I'm the only one that's play that plays music. Yet they're all musical. You know, well, I guess, I'm the only one that travels with it. Everyone sings and plays, but just the fact that I my mom married in Australia and I was born in Australia and I was, you know, fortunate to to grow up in on the Gold Coast with Lisa. That, you know, I had just more opportunities to, to be inspired by other forms of music and and collaborate with with lots of different musicians. So, you know, it just just little things like that. Yeah. Like, they just feels if, you know, I was I was always here to play music. Greg
Well, I think there's something there's something to this though that I'm intrigued by because I think there's a lot of people that have something that is just part of it's part of who they are. It's part of it's maybe something that they love, and so in this case, music for you. But you've transitioned that from I mean, it's part of your culture. It's part of your family. It's just part of who you are, having learned more about even especially that Samoan heritage that you bring. But you've made it a career. And you still seem to love music. Like, you've been able to bridge that gap from something that's personal and just part of who you are, but you've made it your life. And I think a lot of people don't bridge that gap or maybe they fall out of love with that thing. I mean, I guess, simplest question, I don't wanna make assumptions. So do you love making music and playing music? And then how do you keep that love? Bobby
Yeah. It's a it's a really good question. I think in the past, I've just had to make some changes or or just sort of pivot in a way, you know. I I do feel like sometimes, you have to protect it and protect it means by doing it more or doing it less. And at the moment, I'm doing it a lot and I love it which is great, but I feel that, yeah, I'm always just checking in, trying to be aware of what's what's going on and, what's really kind of feeding all this energy. Greg
Interesting about this idea of doing it more or doing it less. I'm still learning how to know. Like, oh, I need to just like, I feel like I should keep writing or I should keep speaking or should keep teaching, but I don't know whether it's time for me to step back or to lean back in and just force myself to do more. Is it so how have you learned when to do one or the other? Bobby
Yeah. What you say is is so true in that, you know, I feel like I should be doing this more, so I'll just push myself through it. And, it's the same concept really with this, you know, there's something telling me that I need a break. What does that look like? I was like, well, let's just give it a shot. Let's just not do anything for a week. Yeah. There is this thing of less, and we, we I'm with my band at the moment and we have this thing we call it DJ Les. And it's like DJ Les Les is more, you know. And so if there's like a a song that we're working on and someone's doing something like, oh, I think we need DJ Les. Just a bit less of this. And it's, you know, like, there's something that I've that I've started doing over summer in Australia, which was which started as, like, I'm so exhausted. I need a break. And that was, like, I took November off. Greg
This past November? Bobby
No. This was like a few years ago. And then for some reason, there was a miscommunication with my manager and we did we we didn't book anything for December. So I accidentally had November and December, and it was the best thing that could have happened. And I was so amazed at, like, just in Australia that time of year is very because it's it's for us, it's summer on the other side. So, you know, people kids are going off on holidays. Yeah. It's the end of year work parties. It's, like, it's the stress of the year that's all all compounding and and, like, funneling into this point. And then it's Christmas. And Christmas for us is hot and it's crazy, and it's, and it's stressful. And everyone's just in this, like everyone's just so lit and stressed and then and, and not me. I was just cruising and catching up with friends and, like, you know, getting that And so since then, I take as much as I can. I've been taking, like, last year, I took December of January off two months over summer, and it's just a new thing that that has had this come in by accident. But it's it's like, wow. I I know I really need this. Greg
This goes back to your advice on business models. Spot let spontaneity guide your Yeah. Guide your business model. I love that. Ash Grenwald, you were on a podcast with him a number of years ago, and I think he got to the end. And I'm gonna ask you a similar question at some point, but it's like, what's one piece of advice you give? And I think your answer was, like, to learn how to nap. It was such a great anecdote, and I'm sorry to ask you to maybe reshare your philosophy on naps and napping. But it lines up so nicely with what you just said that I I feel like I have to I have to get that from you. Bobby
Like, honestly, it's just this recharge, this feeling of recharge and it is so I think that a big part of it is, is is, two massive part of it's parts are like being grateful that you've taken a rest. Like, it's such a little thing, but it really is something that I think that for people that work really hard, that when you do take some time off, you actually feel proud. You're like, oh, I did that. And so basically, yeah, my advice is to, like, find a place that's comfortable, shut your eyes for two minutes, don't try and sleep. You're just like shutting your eyes for two minutes and in your head, you're like, I'm resting. And then when two minutes is up, like, you know, no alarm, you just sort of just go as long as you can and it should be like two minutes when you first start. And you open your eyes, and the fact that you were still for two minutes and you were like just not doing anything, that's me that means that you've rested. That's like you've done something. So then you're like, the next really important part is that you have to thank yourself. You're like, thanks, you know, like, this is the point of gratitude. You're just like, you know, I'm, like, really grateful that I could be here and rest for a few minutes, and then you're then you're off on your way. So you're, like, then you start to bump that up. So we'll, like, bump that up to five, you know, to maybe seven if we're crazy. You'll find that, like, in time, like, you'll nod you'll you'll nod off, and it will be a really special moment because you'll you'll, like, open your eyes and be like, oh my. What just happened? And, there's so much to learn. There's so much to do that if you could just, like, stop for a moment, it's so so much so valuable. Greg
Bobby Alou, napping advice? Is it life hacks life hacks coming, coming in hot from the Unblock Yourself podcast with Bobby Ella? Speaker 1
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If we could, I'd like to go back, just a little bit. We're gonna go, like, a half step back and then two full steps back because we have this shared friend, the wonderful, talented, beautiful, and amazing Lisa. But Lisa gave us some inside intel. And so on this idea of staying, staying energized or recharged for the work, she talked about something you did a number of years ago, traveling to different countries and learning different types of drumming as a way to keep yourself fueled, motivated. Because when I saw you live and for anyone who sees you live, when you sit down at a drum kit, something amazing happens. It's not drumming like you've heard. I have a video on my phone of, like, guys watch this. So can you talk about that that trip you did to just maybe unblock yourself in some way? It seemed like, at least in the description of it, that it was you needing to tap into another gear or maybe move yourself past some sort of a a block and what that trip is about. Bobby
Yeah. It's so true. So I've called them my rhythm quests now. And since we've spoken last, I went to another country. I I heard this particular music, this drumming music, and, it it just moved me. It did something. You know? I couldn't really explain it, but I just love the sound of it. And, so I did some research, and I found out the music was from Ghana. I found out that the country is pretty big and but there's lots of people and it's, it's in West Africa and it's very hot there. It's right on the equator. And it was just this act of researching for this, like, it opened up my world, you know. It's it's just talking to different people about it and their opinions and what they liked, what they didn't like. And I felt like I was I'd already visit visited before I even got there. And, he this one guy gave me his contacts, the teachers. He just said, look. Just here's a WhatsApp number. This is a guy named Wheezy, and, you know, just call him. And I'm like, what? And so I texted this guy in Ghana. I said, hey. My name is Bobby. I wanna come to Ghana. And he's just replied with, okay. Let's do it. And then so I just, like, booked a flight. And I'm like, this is okay. Okay. Here we go. You know, this this leap of faith. Got everything together, and I I flew and landed in a crowded capital. Like, I like, my heart just sank. Like, I thought I've made the most the worst decision ever. It was just so it was biggest shock landing in the The airport was absolute chaos. I couldn't find my luggage. It was just and I'm it was an absolute mess. I finally found my bags. I walked out the front, and there's this guy with, like, gold chains, big singlet, dreadlocks, and he's and he's, like, crossed his arms and sunglasses. He's just like, Bobby, you woke up to Ghana. Greg
And Oh, no. Bobby
And I honestly was petrified, and I thought that I'd that I'd get malaria. I was like Yeah. You know, hand sanitizing the whole time Greg
and Mosquito nets. How do you drum in a mosquito net? Bobby
Oh, man. It was it was scary. It really was. It's just like there's so many little little just moments of, like, what am I doing here? I'm share housing with sixteen people. I'm sharing from a bucket. I'm just like, you know, there's a goat that's in the room next to me that I've realized is for me, and I'm just like, this is just too much. You know, the the first twenty four hours was was really stressful. And then, yeah, and then the morning that they came to play, I didn't know I was getting four teachers, but there was four guys that rocked up. They didn't say a word, and then I still remember this moment. Like, as soon as they started playing and singing, like, everything just in me just completely relaxed, and I just knew I was in the exact same like, I was in the exact right moment, and, like, I had the best time. I felt safer there than, you know, parts of North America and Australia. And, like, you know, I didn't go to become a professional Pan logo. That's the drummer play player. I just really felt like the way that they approach music and and how present they are, like, the the, you know, like yeah. They don't they don't they just play music and they smile and they dance and, and it's just done so with so much passion and joy, and I, like, really, really love that. And and I think through that experience, I'm like, yeah. I really felt like that's something that I wanna keep in life. Greg
Yeah. What what takes you on these rhythm quests? Bobby
It's a really good question because I think that, like, I think when I have been stuck, like, I think that particular trip, I felt like I there was something else. There was something else at play. And so I think knowing that now about me is like this particular, like, pathway or need is sending me this way, but I'm gonna get something else out of it. You know? And, and, like, I think knowing that now is like now I have more almost like more confidence just to thrust myself into really interesting situations because I'm like, oh, something's gonna happen. And, you know, so now actually and I anticipate the stuckness. Because I know and feel that in order to be in flow, you have to be stuck. You know, as the music is starting to spread around the world, there's more territories, so I have to be more organized, which one thing that that I find when you do have to be more organized than there's less spontaneity, and spontaneity is such a big part of my creative process. So I actually plan spontaneity now. So, like, that I worked with a coach that you know, where I was sort of like, oh, you know, I I don't wanna book in twenty twenty seven because what if something amazing happens? And then they're like, well, what it like, why don't you just make a what if gap? And I'm like, wow. Greg
What is a what if gap? Bobby
It's like when I don't book anything and I leave it free and then I just let things happen. And that's the space part. So for instance, I had January and February next year a couple, like, couple of years ago. I was like, I'm gonna keep that free, because let's see. And now what's forming is, like, I'm gonna do another request. I'm gonna go to Brazil in January next year. Yeah. So it's sort of like, yeah. I don't know. It's these anticipating sorry. It's a long answer, but, like, circling back on this, it's like anticipating this stuckness that might happen. Greg
And I think there's a thing you said. In order to get into flow, you need to it need to be stuck. So it's almost like you need to realize you're stuck and do something to get yourself out of it and get yourself into flow. You can't just wait for it to show up. It's this notion of just recognizing when it's feeling like you're stuck and moving yourself through that. Bobby
And that's a good that's a good word, like, moving. It's it's that the thing of, like, you know, progress is progress. And, like, as much as you yeah. It's just like any step is is is is movement. You know? Greg
I'd love to talk a little bit about the origins of, like, how you're playing with Xavier Red and chose to step into a different path for and that were from which Bobby Allou emerged. Bobby
Bobby Allou, again, it was a happy accident. Greg
Yeah. Bobby
It comes from a middle name, and, I made some songs at university. Rather than learning an instrument, I did a course where you you learn how to record and produce, and it was more like music. And there was some music business part of it. There was there was it was like an all around music course rather than strictly learning how to do an instrument. And, yeah, assessment was to record. So I was actually, actually was running a bit late because you like, I was like, oh, I gotta record some songs. And so, and usually just get whoever's in your class to, like, help you out. But, like, I I pulled an all nighter and I made all these songs by myself where I played everything and wrote everything, and then that literally is the first Bobby Alu album. Greg
Amazing. Bobby
And so, yeah, that CD, a friend actually said, oh, you should call it Bobby Alu because it's a derivative of my middle name, which is Robert Fangalu, and, and I wrote it on the CD. So, yeah, basically, that happened, but I wasn't doing touring. You know, I was, I was playing in a in, like, an electronic didgeridoo band, and it's through that band that I met Xavier Rod. So Xavier actually met me as, as Bobby. Yeah. Greg
He he met you as Bobby. Got it. You had a great gig. Like, Xavier Rudd, and that's where I saw you play opening for him in Toronto. You did an incredible like, your your set was so charismatic and engaging, and people were loving it. I was in the crowd and be like, who is this guy? You know? It's like, you you just had the crowd, and it was amazing. But Xavier Rudd has a brand. It's a known name. And then you chose, you know, I'm gonna start my own I'm gonna start my own little shop here and do my own thing, which would have been maybe counterintuitive to people around you or even for you, like, that feeling in your gut of discomfort. You know, what why did you choose to do that? Not and I asked that with full respect because it feels like it would have been a big decision to to make. Like, what what was with all these people that don't make that decision? What led you to make it? Bobby
It was one of the hardest but the best as well decisions, because you're right. Like, it was the best key. You know? He's well, one, he's really good friend of mine. Two, he's like, he just to me, he's like, do whatever you want. Like, I can play whatever I wanted. He just loved what I did. Three, I'm, like, traveling around the world, getting paid really well. And, someone used to set up my drums as well. You know? Like, I'll flat on the I can't do a thing. I was just like, amazing. And, you know, so many gigs, like, he'd he'd really supported my music. He really supports me. He really, like, just, you know, like, actually, I got my very first international gig through him because, the support didn't, their visas didn't come through in time. And he's like, well, he's like, Bobby's here. Let's just get him to do the support. So my very first international show was in a theater, in Hawaii to two thousand people in Maui. And, I didn't have my u a ukulele then, so I hired a scooter and I drove to the closest ukulele spot, and I bought a new one and then drove back to the gig and did the support. And, like, I'll never forget that. You know, it was a really special time. So, obviously, this gig was was was so good, for me, but, you know, like, I just knew that I had to stop. I just I I felt like it was time. It's actually it was after it was the same year I went to Ghana, and, I didn't go to Ghana thinking I was gonna stop the gig, the Xavier gig. But then I I remember taking a break. I was like, something's up here, and, and I took a break. And, my partner and I went to Sardinia, and, I just read books and didn't do anything. And then I remember sitting at the beach and being like, I need to stop. I need a manager, a booking agent, and a publicist. I just had these thoughts, and I was like, really? And then I was like, okay. That's what's gonna happen. And, yeah, within, you know, I feel like three months, like, it all happened. I have this theory that, like, anything that you need, there's someone that you know that knows someone. And and part of that is being, like, creative in the way you think. Part of it's, like, really, like, trying to, like, quiet the noise and just, like, single out who that person might be. Sometimes you you think it's someone and you don't talk to them and you're like, actually, it's it's not you, but you know someone or that you discover something because of the conversation. And, yeah, I had this one person in mind, and she is my manager today, and she she wasn't a she didn't manage people, but musicians at the time that, I felt like she would be great. And then, yeah, still to this day, we're still working together, but that was from that that process of, like, yeah, finding and actually, I will say that so I stopped the Zag gig in my very first show, like, as, like, the tour as. I remember I flew over to the west of Australia, and the very first show, I think we had, like, eight people come to the gig, like, eight payers. And, I was like, oh my, what have I done? You know? Like, I was just like, wow. This is this is this is gonna be a long road. It wasn't a very good first tour. And then on my way home from the airport, my car broke down. Greg
This is perfect. Bobby
And, waiting for the tow truck to get me, and the tow truck picked me up at, like, two thirty in the morning. And the closest house was my parents' house. So I took got towed to my parents' house, and I was back at, like, three thirty, four AM. I was back in my old bed, you know, like, feet sticking out the end just in my old room just going like, oh my. What is even happening right now? Greg
Rock bottom. I or I'm gonna I'm gonna go on my own. You hit rock bottom, but you keep going. And, I mean, the conviction you would have had to have had and the fact that you were able to do that in such a way that, you know, you and Xavier and others in the industry have maintained those friendships. I think so many people and people that we talk to and people who listen to this podcast have something that they're carrying around that they feel like they want to do. But whatever it was that you had inside of you to choose to take that step, I think a lot of people don't necessarily make that choice. Bobby
Yeah. What's that? There's this there's this saying on my fridge, which is, life expands and contracts in proportion to one's courage. You know? And, like, I I think all the good stuff is so scary. Greg
Well and and getting getting comfortable, I guess. You talked about that feeling and that discomfort in your stomach in Ghana that you had to sit with and you you know, you you you've learned to push through and you know that there's good on the other side of that feeling. And I think that that that's huge for people to, I think, hear. Like, you're a musician, and seeing you on stage, Bobby, you're you're it's like you're at home up there, so nobody thinks that you got anything but it figured out. And so hearing that, I think, is is is a gift, actually, just to have that perspective from the other side of the stage. Bobby
Yeah. Yeah. Oh, man. It's a it's a journey, isn't it? We're living life here, brother. Greg
Yeah. Totally. So I'm curious if as you've progressed through your music career and you've seen friends that you went to high school with and and college, university, whatever, and have progressed in the world and they're now they're they're buying the house and they're starting the family or moving up the corporate ladder or whatever. And you are you're investing in you the musical career, which feels like an unconventional path, and it's so deeply connected to this passion that you have. Do you ever feel like what the hell am I doing? Like, do you ever question the path? And I don't know if that's imposter syndrome perhaps. Bobby
Yeah. It does. And I actually think that if it's not showing up, then I think there's something off. I feel like it has to show up. Like, in the moment when I'm, like, literally going, what am I doing? Like, that moment is, like, it is literally, what am I doing? It's a mirror. It's just like, yeah. Yeah. What are you doing? Like, you know, and and, like, you have to double down. You know? It's like that, you know, they they I think it's funny, like, when people say, I'm like, oh, you gotta take the leap the leap of faith. You know? It's like the the just jumping out into the abyss. I'm like, the jumping's the easy part. It's the free falling, which is which is a struggle, you know. You're just like falling and you're like, ah. But, yeah. And I and I think, like, I get it all the time. You know, there's lots of real time action happening, but there's lots of anticipation for me too. You know? And I feel like I know I'm gonna be really tired, you know, for the next three months. So I'm gonna make sure that I'm like I did a meditation course, you know, because I'm like, I need some other tools here because I need some other things to help fuel whatever's gonna happen. And, you know, and then so this practice of this Vedic meditation that I learned about is, it's very it's very my style. This this meditation is like you the whole thing is, like, to do nothing. You've gotta, like, just let all the thoughts come and you you just let them come and let them go, good or bad. And and you're in that state. And I'm like, oh, man. This is perfect. You know? So, like, I really, think in those low times of, like, what am I doing? I'm exhausted. I'm hungry. I'm, like, in a random place that I'm not sure I'm I've will ever come again, and I'm just like, just let the thoughts come. Just let them come. Let them go. Like, we're doing this. And, you know, I've been on a bit of a a role the last month. You know, I went to yeah. We came to California, with my band. We did a weekend of shows, and then I flew to Switzerland for a week. And I did some shows in Switzerland, And one of the shows was, in a restaurant. It was, in the in the Alps. And, you know, I I'm and, like, I'm I'm sort of, like, getting there. I'm like, I'm really questioning. I'm like, okay. What's happening here? You know? And I think that, like, sometimes, you know, like, I've asked for like, care for what you wish for. I've asked for this adventurous life. I've asked for these moments of, like, inspiration and to be able to share music, and this this music has taken me to the Alps. And so, you know, the gig was cool. Like, I really enjoyed it. It was, you know, it was it wasn't like your usual massive stage. But then towards the end of the gig, like, the people that were there were everything I want in life. Like, they were they were a community that grow their own food together. They've they've moved away from the city to live in live in the Alps. They're really, really special people that that are wholesome and wonderful, and I'm like, these are my people. These are people that I am inspired by and and enjoy. And then, like, I went to bed that night, and it was dark, and I stayed in this B and B somewhere. And then in the morning, when the light shone in, there was, like, literally, I was staying, like, the Alps, like, all through the window. It was the most beautiful setting. I was just like I was like in a movie. And, and it was just the one of those beautiful things I've ever seen. And I was just like staying there. I had no idea. And, you know, I think, like, yeah, those moments, they just they come when you least expect it. You know? Greg
Yeah. It's full circle. There's security and there's safety and reliability in a conventional path, but you're not gonna wake up in the Alps with a beautiful view and find your people without venturing into the unknown and putting yourself into an uncomfortable position. Yeah. It's it's inspiring it's inspiring to to think about what could be on the other side of that of that leap, but I think your point is is also well taken. It's not the leap. It's the free fall. Yeah. You've already given great advice on napping, which is definitely critical for any listener. We've got some great and helpful wisdom on the other side of that leap. But if somebody maybe is listening to this and they're like, okay. I've got this thing. Maybe I'm thinking about taking the leap. What advice would you give them? And would be part one of the question, and part two is, is there any book or podcast that you would recommend that they check out? Bobby
I think for me, it's it's like what I'm what I'm thinking of right now is is, like, is movement is any progress. Like, doing something is something. Yeah. This this feeling of stuck is is staying still. And I think that, like, if you are just activating in some direction, even if you feel like I don't know if this is the right direction, but this is all I can think of. I feel like that is progress. You know? That is that is it. That is the the journey, and that's the path. And I still feel like, you know, small scale, big scale, it's the same thing. And I feel like I still do that. You know? I always do that. It's like, I'm not really sure, but I'm just gonna go to the Alps right now. You know, like, I did I did a, sorry. I just thought I did this tour where, like, I collaborated with chefs and, in Sicily. So I went to Sicily, and I I collaborated with they showed me a meal, and then I played in their restaurant. And, you know, like, I think that for me, that trip was was so rewarding, and, like, that was a point of stuck as well. Like, I don't really know what to do, like, with Europe with you know, thinking about a business wise, it was like, okay. Europe's so big. We've got these markets that we're working on. You know? And my manager's like, well, look, if we do this run-in Germany, we could do this and that. And I'm like, I feel like we were stuck, you know, with with what to do, and I just did something completely left field, which was I'm gonna go and just play in restaurants. And the book I feel like the book that that or podcast that I like is really is really connected to that, and I've got a lot out of it. And some I feel like it's super famous. I think that lots of people are into it, but I've read it twice now, by, you know, by, I feel so bad now that I don't know the name. Elizabeth Gilbert? Greg
Elizabeth Gilbert. Creative living beyond fear. Bobby
Yeah. It is great. And there's so many gems in in that. And I don't know and I feel like it's not just for artists, it's for humans. And, because she speaks a lot about, like, it's a human trait to to to create, to make stuff. You know? And, like, I feel like my dad, he's a builder, and he will won't acknowledge his creativity. Yet in my family, like, my mom is Samoan, and everyone just thinks I've got, like, my music and everything from her. And I feel like I got my sensitivity in my ear from my mom, but I feel like my dad who he can make anything. I feel like I got my creativity from him. And there's something about that that is is really special and is part of human existence. And, this book is is really good for for that empowering that. Greg
And might I suggest while reading that book, listening to your song Move on repeat Bobby
Yeah. And in the background Greg
just so that you can keep yourself in that in that state of flow as you're doing it. I feel like, Bobby, we're just getting into some really meta and creative, exciting areas of this conversation. But I I think you've given us a lot to chew on, and I'd love to just stop us here for now, but plant the seed of maybe one day doing this again. Bobby
Yeah. Let's go on the back, man. We'll run about we'll check-in. Yeah. This is We'll check up on Greg
This is a it was a thrill to have the opportunity just to ask all those questions. At least you told me not to, when we met in this context. And so I'm just so grateful for for the time while you're on tour in North America, and I think you're heading back and seeing, Shyam and Lisa. I think they're waiting for you in your home country, actually, when you fly back overseas. Bobby
Yeah. Yeah. I have a gig in Michigan this weekend, and then and then we, yeah, we head back home. So I'll see them I'll see them in a couple weeks. Greg
Okay. Well, shout out to, Shamalisa, who I know will be listening and will be excited to hear, another side of the story. Bobby Allou, Thank you for spending some time with us today and for sharing some incredible thoughts and wisdom. I will continue to be one of your biggest fans, here and want to wanna get you back, get you touring Canada. Bobby
Thanks so much. It's been a real honor and pleasure. Appreciate it. Greg
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