From Perth’s sunlit shores to Melbourne’s vibrant music scene, Sunny Albeau known for his electrifying fusion of funky-blues, electro-pop, and disco-jazz, his journey into music is as remarkable as his sound. Drawing on influences from The Triffids, David Bowie, Mark Knopfler, and Jimmy Smith, Sunny’s music is both rooted in tradition and bursting with innovation. His breakthrough single, ‘The Shark Song’, in 2020 won him fans across Australia, while his passion for heartfelt storytelling and sonic experimentation continues to push him forward.
As he prepares for his next release and dreams of performing on international stages, Sunny Albeau remains driven by a desire to connect through music’s universal themes of love, longing, and hope. Read on to learn about Sunny Albeau’s extraordinary journey, creative process, and what’s coming next.
Can you tell us the story of how you first fell in love with making music?
As a student at film-school I was involved in an accident that resulted in a brain injury. The injury sparked a life-long craving for music and from then-on I taught myself to play the tunes I could hear in my head. I became obsessed with being able to play the tunes I thought I could already play and spent the next two years teaching myself to play these themes that were rolling around in my brain after the accident. Since then I have always composed and performed music in many various settings, events and locations around the world.
If someone pressed play on your music right now, what would they hear and feel?
If you listened to my music today you would hear a confident yet tongue-in-cheek producer-performer (aka “unstoppable groove maestro” – as my bio reads) who just wants to funk. I am looking forward to releasing my next track and film-clip ‘THE FUNKLE’ as these are both expressions of my music as art – or my art as music. I feel most alive when I combine my love of music creation with my love of film-making.
Thankfully, I am able to share some of this passion for cinema and music with a few close friends who are instrumental in helping me achieve my goals.
What’s your favourite part of making music, from that first idea to the finished track?
My favourite part of making music is probably when I realise I have a song that needs to find a home. Making music is one thing, combining it with lyrics and a melody is another layer of expression that I delight in especially when it connects in ways that bring a few chuckles to the listener (and usually that means it has to do the same for me first!). I like my music to lift up the listener as well as connect in some deeper and more meaningful way.
Which artists, genres, or even non-music influences have shaped your work?
As a teenager, I was a huge fan of Australian band The Triffids and the songwriting by the now-deceased lead singer David McComb was a huge inspiration. After my brain injury and subsequent memory issues, which remained prevalent for a number of years, I had forgotten about my love of The Triffids until I rediscovered them much later in life and my obsession was re-ignited and still rages today. The Triffids are a truly remarkable band with incredible song writing that stands the test of time and continues to inspire.
What’s the latest chapter in your music story? What are you working on right now?
Currently, I am getting ready to go through the promotion cycle of my next single and film-clip called ‘THE FUNKLE’. I dawned on me, as I get older yet still remaining passionate and enthusiastic about playing music live as well as jamming with others at any opportunity, that I fall into a category of being known as a funky uncle. The rest, as they say, is history. I chose to explore the themes surrounding “unc-ness” and the various ways men evolve or devolve as they move into and through middle-age. I’m planning on writing about “aunties” next although this might need to be a co-lab.
What’s next for you? Any big dreams or goals you’re chasing?
Big dreams for me are still along the lines of touring the world to appreciative audiences and getting my songs out there – whatever that entails. I’m hoping to help as many people as possible along the way – whether that’s musically or through the inspiration hidden or otherwise in my music and lyrics. Oh yeah, and I’m going to win Eurovision.
What’s one thing about you, as a person or artist, that your listeners might be surprised to learn?
I love to cook and I make a great carbonara!
Pre-save Sunny Albeau’s ‘THE FUNKLE’ here, give him a follow on Facebook and check out his releases on YouTube.
Elena Di Fiore is a Music Brand Consultant with almost a decade of experience guiding and championing Australian independent music artists. Through her brand Fine-Tuned PR, she specialises in artist management, brand development, digital optimisation, and authentic storytelling, helping musicians build sustainable careers.
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