Name: Xavier Rudd

Genre: Alternative

Formed: 2000

At the Webster Theatre: 07/29/2009

Show Info: Doors: 7:00pm | Buy Tickets

Origin: Torquay, Australia

Website: xavierrudd.com/

Myspace Page: /xavierrudd

In the fall of 2008 for one absurd reason or another I decided that a trip to the land down under (aka Australia) might be appropriate. This was not any trip—not a two week honeymoon, instead a 5 month study abroad experience in a country 14 hours away from dear old Connecticut. In light of this, it would appear that I am the most qualified of the Webster Star staff to write an artist profile for this Australian, born and bred.

The PETA 2008 Australia’s Sexiest Vegetarian grew up in Victoria, the Australian continents most southern state, in a town named Torquay which is about two hours east of Melbourne. And what a life he must have had, given the multitude of dangers that inhabit the Australian mainland; including, but not limited to, crocodiles (‘salties’), the first, second, fourth, fifth and tenth deadliest snakes in the world, box jellyfish, spiders, and a personal peril of mine, trams. Rudd has been described as a spiritual person with, even from a small age, a love of music. As the story goes, Rudd mastered the complicated techniques of the didgeridoo on a vacuum hose. He also surfs and practices yoga. Xavier Rudd does share the last name of the current prime minister of Australia (no, not the one accidentally misplaced on the beach one day and was never found—true story ala Bill Bryson), but has no relation, just in case you were wondering.

It was on the Australian island state of Tasmania that I first heard the music of the multitalented Xavier Rudd, on what can only be described as a bizarre one week escapade-slash-tour around its entirety. Under the leadership of Khani (a peculiar but untypical Australian nickname) the little-bus-that-could blasted favorite Australian songs like ‘I am Australian’ and ‘tie me kangaroo down’, but also the musical styling’s of Xavier Rudd. Known most notably for his use of the classic Australian instrument the Yirdaki (the original Indigenous name for the now commoditized didgeridoo) and slide guitar at the same, Xavier Rudd also plays a horde of other instruments as well as singing. His music is spiritual yet political, incorporating into his work and life environmentally conscious principles and a deep respect for the Indigenous people of Australia.

Throughout his career, the musician has played with the likes of the Dave Mathew Band and Jack Johnson, who both share the Australian song writer’s folk feel. In 2008, Xavier Rudd released his latest and fifth studio album Dark Shades of Blue, and after a tour in Europe and Japan is heading to North America and The Webster Theatre this September.