Xavier Rudd: An Australian on the American Road
photos and music courtesy of Xavier Rudd
source AllAboutSurf.com
by Ken McKnight
posted 2003-07-15

I hooted Xavier Rudd into a wave recently at a local Southern California beach break. On tour he had lobbed into San Diego for a show and was eager to be on the coast after a stint in Middle America. A hardcore surfer, this South Australian boy was yearning for a surf when I hooked up with him. His gills were drying up. After watching him make the drop he took the lip right on his head driving him into the sand. Smiling as he broke the water's surface he said, "At least I went for it." And so he does.

One of the freshest faces of the burgeoning Australian music scene Xavier Rudd is going for it in a big way. Coming from Torquay, Victoria, Australia, XR is a very talented writer / musician / vocalist with a big future. His lyrics, singing talents, and guitar playing abilities are unique, fresh, and inspired. A great recipe for success in the crowded world of music.

His lyrics are heart felt, meaningful, and poetic. He is mindful of everything and sings on 12th of September:

Photo courtesy of Xavier Rudd

This singer/songwriter is in the middle of a tour that has already taken him to 26 cities in two months. He has crossed America and Canada in support of his critically acclaimed CD, 'To Let', and will quickly return to Australia mid summer for recording sessions, before coming back to North America for the second leg of this ambitious tour. He has been playing a number of solo shows as well as opening for guitarist, Dan Bern. Later this month he will be opening for the great Ani DiFranco at a couple of her shows.

Photo courtesy of Xavier Rudd

Rudd's music is a fiery blend of emotion filled, acoustic and lap guitar work, and he accompanies himself with the unique sounds of three didgeridoos. He is quickly becoming known as a multi-instrumentalist and he often drives is guitar work with the hypnotic sounds of a stomp box he pounds incessantly with his bare feet. It's a melodic sound he makes and you can't help but be pulled into the beauty of his trance like songs.

Xavier sings about what he knows best, love, life, and everything that surrounds him. His heart and straightforward writing will certainly touch the poet and musician in everyone. Attacking his guitar and singing with conviction, Xavier is the consummate artist, consumed by his work, but savvy enough to know everything that is going on around him.

And on the bittersweet, Where do we Fit?

Photo courtesy of Xavier Rudd

His words ring the truth in...

I caught up with him as he hit the stage a few nights later at the infamous San Diego club, Brick by Brick. There was an opening act but it was pretty obvious everyone in attendance was there for Xavier. He didn't disappoint us. In fact he blew the audience away.

Photo courtesy of Xavier Rudd

Like he did during our surfing session a couple of days earlier he went for it laying his heart on his sleeve and putting the songs on the table for all to see. Most of us had heard a little of his music but weren't quite sure what to expect. He didn't disappoint us with a show that lasted almost 90 minutes and had more energy then the waves we surfed earlier. They should have issued sunglasses at the door because this Aussie singer blow torched us with his guitar playing, singing, and lyrical prowess. Like a master craftsman he ambled out onto the dimly lit stage barefoot and child-like in appearance. Sitting amongst the tools of his trade he is very comfortable in front of people and his voice is strong and rich in intonation. Like being in the lineup at his home break around Bell's Beach, in Torquay, Australia, Rudd never hesitates, and never backs down.

Like the textbook definition of the word passion, driven and emotion filled, Xav holds his family in the highest esteem and misses them dearly while on the road. In the song Little Chief he sings to his young son:

Photo courtesy of Xavier Rudd

Xavier Rudd's sound is very accessible with a driving, toe tapping beat full of the sweet harmonies and delicious melodies that only the open tunings can give. His didgeridoo playing is stellar and fresh, and he sings powerful songs. His lyrics are mysteries waiting to be discovered and he takes the listener on a musical odyssey that is generic to him and him alone. Look for big things from this young Australian artist. Check out http://www.xavierrudd.com for full details or contact http://www.flemingartists.com.