Less Is More

Judging by the title, one would be led to believe this particular blog is going to to written about a more simplistic style of music. I hate to disappoint, but by less is more I am referring to an artist who prefers the simpler way of life. I have chosen to write about Xavier Rudd, the multi-talented, multi-instrumental, Australian one man super group. The music is put together solely by Xavier, and in turn is performed solely by Xavier. The way he manages to accomplish this is through his incredible capability to keep is mind on multiple instruments at one time, and the unique setup that he has put together for live performances. He may begin a song with a simple acoustic guitar riff and some singing, then he will begin to play the drums with his feet on an electronic drum kit (while continuing to play guitar and sing). What he does next separates him from other musicians. In front of his face on stage, the audience immediately notices the three tube-like instruments that are fastened securely in front of his "workspace". The instrument is called the didgeridoo, and it is a native instrument of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia. It can create a variety of sounds, but primarily he uses it to make a bass-driven, buzzing rhythm on top of the rest of his sounds. The combination of the didgeridoo, guitars, drums, harmonicas, and serene vocals all coming from one man at the same time is enough to send a shiver down anyone's spine. Even in its fullest sound the songs of Xavier Rudd are still generally slow, gentle compositions. It is the kind of music you can just sway back and forth, and sing along with. Personally, I have had the pleasure of seeing Xavier live on one occasion. It is a wonderful experience, as he shares both his music and his thoughts with the audience. It was also the first experience I ever had where the girls that joined us for the show swooned over Xavier Rudd like he was Justin Timberlake, which was both a funny and awkward situation. Many of his songs incorporate socially conscience themes, primarily environmentalism. He describes himself as a full-time barefooter, claiming that he does not own even one pair of shoes. He is also a vegetarian, an activist with the PETA organization, and was awarded PETA's annual "World's Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity" award for 2007. Unfortunately, he does not frequently visit America to do North American tours. His last American tour ended in September of 2007, and I would expect to see him back in the states this summer at the very soonest. Here we have a truly innovative musician, a one man blend of rhythm and activism.