If Chris McCandless went on a musical journey through the wilderness, then it would be a mixture of rock, reggae, and indie music that illustrates a person’s life’s journey. That is exactly what this Australian artist has been doing for the past fourteen years.
Xavier Rudd grew up in Torquay, Victoria, Australia, where he learned how to play several of instruments including guitar, clarinet, and the saxophone. Influenced by so many genres of music, Rudd could not just stick to one. Every single one of Rudd’s albums is completely different genre.
“I don’t really realize that till after I’ve made it,” said Rudd. “I guess it’s just a different chapter in my journey.”
His latest album, Nanna, is a reggae album that has been Rudd’s dream album to create.
“I guess I came through that journey and the spirit said it was time to make this album and put all of these people together,” said Rudd.
Rudd included his new band, The United Nations, comprised of musicians from Australia, Africa, Samoa, Germany and New Guinea. Although the album was self-produced in Australia, the album was mixed by the legendary Errol Brown at King Tuff Studios in Jamaica.
When it comes to songwriting, Rudd lets the songs, “become what they are,” said Rudd. Rather than thinking about how the song is going to flow before recording. Rudd has been in love with reggae music from a very young age and has been inspired by so many musicians throughout the years.
“For me, to carry the spirit of this music, the spirit of what this music is about made me strong and on top of my game in every way,” said Rudd.
His first album, Live in Canada, was released independently in 2001 which lead to his first full length album titled, To Let, that was released the following year. Fourteen years and nine albums later, Rudd is widely known playing different music festivals in Australia and Canada. He was most recently at the Shaky Knees music festival in Atlanta, GA.
Rudd, who is on tour in the United States, will be making his way to the Queen City on May 20 at 20th Century Theater with Daniel Bambaata Marley. Be prepared for some high energy and a lot of dancing. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $23 in advance and $25 at the door.
Enter to win tickets to the show HERE!
