Xavier Rudd, the ultimate one-man band, who typically hits the stage with three didgeridoos, a guitar, stomp box, assortment of drums, banjos, harmonicas, bells, and a bass guitar, is bringing all of his gear, and himself, to Victoria once again.
The fact that Rudd is self-taught and able to execute all of these talents by himself in a one-man show is proof that he’s a natural-born entertainer.
“Music has always been in my bones,” says Rudd. “I’ve been writing my own music since well before I even really knew what I was doing.”
Rudd recalls that he and his father used to listen to music in the car together growing up in Australia, and he often sang along to Neil Young and other artists of that time. Rudd taught himself to sing first, then to play any new instrument he came in contact with.
“I never played my songs for other people at first, it was just something I did for myself,” he explains. “Some of my friends convinced me to play live in front of others, so when I eventually did, people reacted well, and now I play everywhere.”
Rudd says he’s progressed to where he is now by building the amounts of instruments he had. He says that he slowly amassed his instrument collection, and that’s what has helped him tie them all together.
“I like having as many instruments around me as possible when I create my work,” he says. “Most of the music I create is about the spirit within me, the generations through my family lines, and the experiences that my children, as well as life travelling around the world, has given me.”
As for future music, Rudd is looking forward to working on a dub project but doesn’t really know what to expect, considering that his music comes in the moment and flows out rather than being calculated in advance.
“Music to me is like breathing; it’s so much a part of me that I can’t imagine not having it in my life. It just comes natural and is always in my mind, heart, and body,” says Rudd.
Rudd enjoys the studio process but loves performing and usually produces most of his recordings live. He loves doing concerts anywhere but finds that performing out in nature is always an extra special experience.
“Usually before my performances I have an active day, do yoga before I get on stage, sometimes I even stand on my head for five minutes,” he says. “My pre-stage ritual all depends on where I am, but none of that really matters because I’m in my element once I’m out on the stage.”
Rudd says he has no specific message he’s trying to send with his music but just makes it about what he’s feeling. He hopes his songs give his fans big smiles on their faces and warm, fuzzy feelings in their hearts.
“When people take my music and use it as positive message, or enlightenment on their journey, it’s the biggest compliment I can receive,” he says. “I am not necessarily setting out to do anything, but when people use my music as a part of their journey for weddings, funerals, or powerful events, it feels pretty amazing.”
Xavier Rudd
Wednesday, November 14
Royal Theatre
rmts.bc.ca