Xavier Rudd stands as one of the Australian music industry’s all-time greats, with a remarkable career spanning over 20 years. His unique and uplifting music has touched lives around the globe. Beginning with his seminal 2002 album To Let, Xavier quickly captivated fans with his extraordinary talents as a multi-instrumentalist and his unwavering commitment to social and environmental activism. Over the years, his dynamic live performances have evolved from full band and trio showcases to his current internationally acclaimed one-man band format, the most intricate setup of his career to date. The amazing Lisa Purmodh will join Xavier on stage in 2025 as a second multi instrumentalist, helping shape the most intricate 2 member show of his career
In 2024, Xavier released his EP Freedom Sessions, featuring standout tracks such as “Moments,” “Road Trippin’,” and “World Order (Parts 1 and 2),” the latter accompanied by a captivating music video where Xavier invites viewers on a journey of self-discovery. The EP reveals new layers of complexity in his music, and the resulting live performances mesmerise audiences through his seamless integration of multiple instruments, intricate live looping, and immersive soundscapes.
In recent years, Xavier has celebrated significant milestones, including the 2022 release of his critically acclaimed tenth studio album, Jan Jun Moon, which garnered an Australasian Performing Right Association Award (APRA Award) for Most Performed Blues and Roots Work. He also received first place in the Environmental Music Prize for his song “Stoney Creek,” donating the $20,000 prize to four grassroots environmental organisations. Throughout this period Xavier has also performed at major festivals in Australia and around the world, including Glastonbury (UK), Pinkpop (Netherlands), Rock Werchter (Belgium), Esperanzah (France), and the Byron Bay Blues Festival (Australia). He recently returned from two successful summer tours in North America and Europe, where his career continues to travel an impressive upward trajectory.
Xavier’s activism for equality and environmental conservation is well documented. He has partnered with numerous organisations, including Sea Shepherd, Clean Up Arnhem Land, and Save the Kimberley in Australia. His many global activism endeavours include projects like Surf for Life and Waves of Hope, where he helped build a high school in northern Nicaragua. He has also raised funds at charity events and awareness on topics ranging from rallies against gas pipelines across North America, to Indigenous land rights in Dakota, and environmental clean ups in Indonesia. The list of his contributions continues to grow.
Xavier is set to tour Australia with Freedom Sessions in Spring 2024 and again in April 2025, including a headline performance at the Byron Bay Blues Festival.
