Xavier Rudd's new single Stoney Creek is out now! We caught up with the musician to chat about the songs visual, his upcoming performance at Sunset Sounds and so much more!
Image: James Adams
Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Xavier Rudd recently unveiled his charming new single, Stoney Creek. Inspired by the changing winds, both physical and metaphorical, the track is accompanied by a stunning visual that has already racked over half a million views on YouTube.
Having just wrapped up recording his tenth studio album, Rudd has also been announced as the headline act at Sunset Sounds Festival's 2021 edition! Taking place this November at NSW's Roche Estate, Hunter Valley and Victoria's Hastings Foreshore Reserve, the musician will be joined by the likes of Pete Murray, Kasey Chambers, The Church, Josh Pyke, Kyle Lionhart, Charlie Collins and more.
Tickets are on sale now! Read our interview with Xavier Rudd below.
You’re set to take to the stage for an exclusive set at Sunset Sounds in Mornington Peninsula this November! What can audiences expect from the show?
I’ll be making plenty of sound as one man. Just finished recording my next record, which is the first I’ve done on my own since Spirit Bird, so my brain has been in that mode lately.
How have you gone about crafting a live show after last years lack of performances to make your performances this year the best return to live music, not only for yourself, but for the audiences?
You’ll have to wait and see.
The past twelve months have taken its toll on the music industry, specifically the touring sector, but also in terms of making that in person connection with audience members and creating a shared feeling and experience. How important do you think live music is not only for yourself as a musician showcasing their art, but also for the audience members who resonate with your music?
Music is part of us, next to childbirth it’s one of our oldest ceremonies as humans. It’s very important especially, in times of struggle or trouble, to have music in our lives.
Which other acts are you excited to see at Sunset Sounds?
Keen to check em all out.
What lasting effects do you hope audience members walk away with after attending one of your performances?
Love in their hearts.
Could you share with us what has been your favourite concert you ever attended and why?
I’ve seen plenty, but the Paul Simon Graceland tour was a standout for sure.
You’ve also just released your superb new single Stoney Creek. Could you tell us a bit about the conceptual nature of the track and what inspired it?
We were supposed to head out to and an outer island off the coast in a tinny that day to camp but the wind started howling and we couldn’t’ go. It was too dangerous. That wind blew for months, and with COVID and all it felt like winds of change.
The release is accompanied by a stunning visual with over half a million views on YouTube so far. Can you walk us through your process when it comes to conceptualising the clip for Stoney Creek and how involved are you with the development of the visuals?
I just reached out to Valeria Gogunskaya, who my wife showed me, and I was blown away by what she does. She ended up being into my music, as was Axel Massin the camera man, and together they went out in Portugal and made that masterpiece of a clip.
How important are the visuals to you when it comes to portraying the stories and themes present on the songs?
It’s nice but sometimes it’s also nice for people to form their own visuals based on the music they are hearing.
What’s one line from the song you find at times could be stuck in your head? Or a line that you come back to?
“Ain’t no other place I’d rather be…”
Australia has a diverse and vibrant music scene, who are some of your favourite Aussie acts and why?
There’s heaps, loving Thelma Plum lately, super smooth and deadly!
Will we be seeing you hit the road with national dates anytime soon? Or any live show plans?
Yeh gonna start to get busy next year with the release of my new album both here and overseas.
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
Life
Dream collaboration?
Jimi Hendrix
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Ophelia - Natalie Merchant
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Sun Moon Rainbow
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus?
Billy Ray
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
Intense Pressure - Midnite
First concert you went to?
Leo Kottke
First album you ever bought?
INXS - Kick
Would you rather be a Spice Girl or a Backstreet Boy?
Spice Girl
If you were a Spice Girl, what would your spice nickname be?
Sporty
Most memorable show you’ve ever performed?
So many
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
Bob Marley
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry.
Ed Sheeran
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
Very early, can’t remember
Stoney Creek is out now! Watch the visual below.