![]() My face was covered in mud, then I opened my eyes, looked at the forest and the chorus’ words were immediately revealed to me: “Rise up to creation, spirit of the ancients”. The third is Creancient, a song I wrote in the Amazon rainforest after I took part in a ritual in the river. I connected them to my ancestors, as if the bird had brought me a message from them, a message I transferred into the lyrics. I’d never been so close to that animal, so I was paralysed in the sand and started having visions in my mind. Then comes Spirit Bird, probably my most powerful song: it narrates a mystical experience I had in the desert after an encounter with a cacatua, a sacred Australian bird. The first one would be Come Let Go, the lyrics talk about focusing on simple things, letting your mind go and abandoning material possessions, appreciating the pure pleasures offered to us by nature. Let’s make a list of your three most important songs on the environment. We have to stop just talking and act quickly. ![]() The policies brought forth by United States president Donald Trump scare me, as well as those of large multinational companies. The most pressing theme is climate change, the most serious. You’ve often supported environmental causes in the last few years: what worries you most about the current situation? We should always evolve in a positive and respectful manner, as opposed to being omnivorous and predatory. In truth it would be enough to think of ourselves as part of planet Earth and love it for everything it gives us. I think so, those beliefs influence our daily lives, but there are also many religions that teach us to respect the gift of nature. If the most important religions had focused their doctrines on Mother Earth instead of higher beings, do you think we’d love and respect our planet more? I’m not religious in the sense that I don’t believe in a God and I don’t follow the tenets of organised churches, but I believe in nature and everything that surrounds me: I love Earth, the sun, the sea and animals. I know you’re not a believer, what is your relationship with religion? Your vision shows a balance between spirituality and rationality. So if the travel or whatever is tiring, I remember this. We celebrate positive vibrations and change for a better world with so many amazing people around the globe, and I feel like it’s not about me so much, it’s about the bigger picture. You maintain a consistent worldwide touring schedule, what do you find most challenging and rewarding whilst being on the road so often?ĭelivering our music in a time of need around the world is special. I feel so blessed to share the stage with these talented musicians, but the music determines the line up, so we’ll see what happens. Will the band be a staple for the future? Two of the members played on the record, and the drummer, Lisa, was suggested by my last drummer, Bobby. The band came together pretty organically. There are no borders that apply to Xavier Rudd’s music. It was the start of a journey that would span well over 15 years (and counting) taking Xavier to almost every continent on the planet, where he has connected with people from all cultures and walks of life. Fans from all over the globe were drawn to the distinctly Australian-looking musician, activist and surfer. ![]() Beginning his career with 2002’s definitive To Let, Xavier Rudd put his message out into the world and was answered immediately. Produced by Chris Bond (Ben Howard, Tom Speight) and mixed by Tim Palmer (Pearl Jam, Bowie, U2) it is a record that reflects the power of Xavier’s songwriting – his timeless, philosophical lyrics and his masterful sculpting of melody. Led by the radiating single Walk Away, Storm Boy is both classic Xavier and something a little new. Storm Boy, Xavier’s ninth studio album, continues this upwards trajectory. Yet, with each new release, Xavier Rudd continues to surpass expectation and produce his finest work to date. Already one of Australia’s most loved artists, he has earned accolades of every kind, Gold and Platinum certification, and legions of fans worldwide. Looking back over Xavier Rudd’s stunning career, one could easily ask what is possibly left for him to achieve.
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