Fed: Rudd plays a whole bunch of instruments

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2004
Fed: Rudd plays a whole bunch of instruments

By Jonathon Moran, National Entertainment Writer

SYDNEY, April 23 AAP - Xavier Rudd can play a "whole bunch" of instruments but settles
for using just 11 when he performs on stage.

The roots rocker has slowly built up a strong following over the past few years and
recently released his fourth album - Solstace.

"I pretty much try and play anything if I can get my hands on it," Rudd, 25, said.

"I have always just fiddled around with stuff and taught myself to play different things."

Rudd, who splits his time between Australia and Canada, recorded his latest album himself
and said he was determined to capture the energy and intimacy of his live style.

"Live has always been what I am about and always will be I think," he said.

The didgeridoo, which he learned to play as a young kid, has been particularly popular
when performing overseas.

"People are definitely intrigued," he said.

"A lot of people don't really know much about it or where it is from and I guess indigenous
culture is not too promoted here in the way it should be, so it is hard to filter overseas.

Rudd's favourite instrument is the Weissenborn slide guitar which is also keenly played
by American singer Ben Harper. He can also play the piano, drums and various percussive
tools.

His following in Canada has provided him a good stepping stone to the United States.

He is due to do his second tour in the US later this year.

"The US is intense to get into," he said.

"I guess Canada opened that door and I have had some big festival offers which I'm
quite stoked about.

Rudd has a busy schedule for the rest of the year. He is off to Canada next week before
returning to Australia.

He then heads to the US in June to play the Bonnaroo Music Festival which boasts headline
acts Willy Nelson, Bob Dylan and Dave Matthews.

"I kind of have to tour," he said.

"It has been something I have been doing since I was a little kid just to play my music
and express. I have always been an emotional person and the way I release that is through
my music."

When not on the road or writing music, Rudd is a keen surfer.

He said he is inspired by the ocean and surfing.

"I like to feel fresh and isolated a bit in the water," Rudd said.

"It is definitely my biggest passion besides music. It is a place for expression and
surfing blows me away."

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KEYWORD: RUDD (PIX AVAILABLE)

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