Xavier Rudd

Xavier Rudd is an iconic Australian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist; using his music to promote unity and respect. Leading up to the release of his 9th studio album Storm Boy, Xavier is gearing up to begin his highly anticipated world tour. Laura Tedder caught up with the man himself to discuss passion, inspirations, life and music.

Did you ever think you would get this far with your music and help make such a positive impact?

No, I feel really blessed. When I was starting out I didn’t think too much about it. It was more experimenting with instruments and playing guitars and didgeridoos, and it wasn’t really commercial, it wasn’t my focus. So to have my fan base worldwide, and to get to do the things I do right now, it blows me away all the time.

Besides writing music, is there anything else you enjoy doing or are passionate about?

There’s heaps of things, I like being outdoors, I’m a real outdoors person. I like to surf, to run, to camp and just to be outside is my biggest passion.

You’ve had experience working in a band and also as a solo artist, how do the two compare?

The solo stuff is more intimate, it’s just me, the audience and the songs. Where as in the band it’s sharing, it’s sharing the music with other people on stage, it’s sharing the celebration. At my shows these days I try and do a bit of both.

You have your new album ‘Storm Boy’ coming out, and have just released the new video for the single ‘Walk Away’. Is there anything different about this album compared to previous albums that fans can expect?

Well the last album I did was like a 90’s reggae band, so this one is more of a solo album, probably a bit more like my old stuff. None of the albums are the same, they’re all different. There’s some more exclusive tracks, some more old school sounding tracks, and then some new stuff too.

Your new album has a cover of star constellations, what is the meaning behind the cover?

That was the night sky in Byron bay, on the night that I got married.

What is your favourite song to play live?

I love all the songs, there’s certain ones I play more than others, but at the moment I’m excited to play some new ones. I don’t have favourites in anything in life. I just don’t have favourites.

For new listeners how would you describe your music?

I don’t know how to describe it, there’s tribal beat elements to it, some reggae elements to it, there’s folk music. I use wooden instruments so it’s all pretty organic sounding.

You’re a very spiritual person, have you always been this way or when was the turning point?

I guess I’ve always sang about what I feel in my heart, I’ve always been intrigued by the spirits around us, and the bigger picture in life. I’ve always been that way, I guess there wasn’t really a turning point.

You’re about to take off on a world tour, does touring ever get tiring?

Yeah, it does, it gets tiring, it’s hard work sometimes. Even getting there at times, a lot of travel and a lot of different time zones, and going away from loved ones. There’s a lot of musicians that are really talented and don’t have the opportunity to do what I do; It’s out of respect to that, that I give thanks and do my thing. People are really excited to see the shows. We live in a beautiful place here in Australia, some places aren’t as amazing as what we get to live in, and those people really need the music a lot of the time. Sometimes I get that feeling of ‘what am I doing here?’ or ‘where am I?’ and I always remember that the people coming to the show really need what I’m bringing them, I need to give them that.

What is the highlight of your musical career?

I can’t say a highlight. I’ve had the opportunity to travel all over the world. People singing the lyrics to my songs in different languages. The biggest compliment for me is when people play my music in a situation that means a lot to them on their journey. Like a funeral or a wedding, to say goodbye to someone or at a birth, one of those really special moments; those types of things are one of the biggest compliments I can get. There’s a lot to be thankful for.

It was an absolute pleasure to interview Xavier Rudd, and he is as down to earth as his music implies. You can catch Xavier Rudd on his upcoming Storm Boy Tour beginning in August.

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