Xavier Rudd Recent News

Xavier Rudd Announces North American Tour

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:05:00 -0700

Ground Breaking Multi-instrumentalist to Tour North America in Support of His Evocative New Album Dark Shades of Blue

Australian musician, activist, and surfer Xavier Rudd's newest tour will be nothing short of out of this world with headlining dates begin June 18th in Houston and ending up north in Canada July 23rd.

It only makes sense that one would wake up in outer space listening to Xavier Rudd's music, and so it did for the astronauts aboard the space shuttle Endeavour last November when they awoke to Rudd's otherworldly song "Shelter" serenading them as they floated in orbit. The rest of us can now recreate the experience when this entirely original artist embarks on a musical trek across North America in support of his landmark new album Dark Shades of Blue.

Dark Shades highlights a heavier psychedelic side of Rudd only hinted at on earlier releases. The guitar-fueled songs, mixed by the renowned Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age), are more complex and rocking than what audiences have come to expect from the lifelong surfer and Dave Matthews tour mate. Yet fans will not be disappointed, for the new direction still holds true to Rudd's passion for mixing rock and folk with indigenous instruments and a host of other voices.

"On Dark Shades of Blue, I think we captured what we do live," Rudd explains. "The thickness of it, the tone - I think we finally achieved what I've always wanted to hear on my recordings".

Praise for Xavier Rudd:

"...he struck a sure bond with his jam-happy audience, encouraging rapture as well as a sense of belonging" - New York Times

"The audience... were soon mesmerized by this energetic one-man jam band's musical joie de vivre and songs evoking the natural world sung in a mellow, Jack Johnson-Ben Harper-style voice. Rudd's now a bona fide phenomenon." - Rocky Mountain News

"It's an ethereal, mesmerizing mix, a hypnotic caustic carnie, burning to your very soul." -The Telegram

"The opening fifteen minutes of Rudd's performance had the audience bouncing uncontrollably to a heady fusion of throbbing lap-guitar riffs and huge, almost tribal beats." - dailymusicguide

Xavier Rudd North American Tour Dates

Thursday, June 18, 2009 House of Blues Houston
1204 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002

Friday, June 19, 2009 House of Blues Dallas
2200 N Lamar, Dallas, TX 75202

Saturday, June 20, 2009 La Zona Rosa
612 West 4th Street, Austin, TX

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 Rialto Theatre
318 E. Congress, Tucson, AZ

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 Marquee Theatre
730 N Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

Thursday, June 25, 2009 House of Blues San Diego
1055 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Friday, June 26, 2009 House of Blues
8430 Sunset, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Saturday, June 27, 2009 Fillmore
1805 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94142

Monday, June 29, 2009 The Showbox
1426 First Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 Commodore Ballroom
868 Granville St, Vancouver, BC (Canada)

Thursday, July 2, 2009 Commodore Ballroom
868 Granville St, Vancouver, BC (Canada)

Friday, July 3, 2009 Commodore Ballroom
868 Granville St, Vancouver, BC (Canada)

Saturday, July 4, 2009 Donald Cameron Hall Ampitheatre
Banff, AB (Canada)

Sunday, July 5, 2009 Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
1415-14 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB (Canada)

Monday, July 6, 2009 Winspear Centre
9720 102 Ave., Edmonton, AB (Canada)

Wednesday, July 8, 2009 TCU Place
35-22nd Street East, Saskatoon, SK (Canada)

Thursday, July 9, 2009 Winnipeg Folk Festival @ Birds Hill Park
Winnipeg, MB (Canada)
Set: 8:00 PM

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 Metropolis
59 Ste. Catherine E., Montreal, QC (Canada)

Saturday, July 18, 2009 Sunflower Valley
Evolve Music Festival, Antigonish, NS (Canada)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 Queen Elizabeth Theatre
CNE Grounds, Toronto, ON (Canada)

Thursday, July 23, 2009 Queen Elizabeth Theatre
CNE Grounds, Toronto, ON (Canada)

ANTI- RECORDS LOOKS BACK AT AN OUTSTANDING 2008

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:12:00 -0800

Releases from NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS, JOLIE HOLLAND, MAN MAN Hailed as Career Bests, MAVIS STAPLES Captures a Moment in Time on Live Recording, MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD Crack the Top 40 for the First Time

Billy Bragg Mr Love & Justice - in this momentous election year, the man who has dedicated his life and music to political action gave us his most intimate and introspective record yet, without losing the passion that has characterized this beloved firebrand 's career.

• "Classic Bragg: frequently fantastic folk-rock that keeps both the faith and your attention." -Village Voice
• "Rather than being a return to form, it 's a leap forward in maturity, depth and nuance." -Paste

Bob Mould District Line - It is near impossible to calculate the level of impact or influence that Bob Mould has had on the last two decades of modern rock, from the Pixies to Nirvana, to Green Day to Daft Punk. District Line combines the fire of Mould's earliest work in Husker Du, the accessibility of his alternative rock, genre-defining trio Sugar, and the introspection found in his solo releases.

• "District Line is a ¬focused, gripping zigzag between fury and woe, scorched rock and folk-pop distress, much like the Hüskers' best records--now with a longer view." -Rolling Stone

• "He's rarely been more compelling." -Spin

DeVotchKa A Mad and Faithful Telling - 2008 found the Denver indie band -- who beautifully combines Eastern European bohemia with American prairie rock and south of the border melodies -- coming into their own with sold out tours, festival appearances at Coachella, Lollapalooza and Red Rocks, and a record that charmed everyone from the Eastern bloc (a rare appearance in Moscow) to the online community (the much-discussed use of a DeVotchKa track on the Gears of War trailer)

• "Huge indie−rock anthems and lute−driven ballads defined by infallible melodies, heartbreaking arrangements, and dark, funny lyrics. It leaves you wondering whether to weep or dance." -Esquire

• "Cheerful, eclectic lunacy with a heart as big as the world * * * * " -Spin

Islands Arm 's Way - the 2008 release found the young, critically-acclaimed Montreal sextet heading in a surprising new direction. Their 2006 release, Return to the Sea, was heralded as a stunning work of impulsive outbursts and emotional explorations. Arm's Way saw the band naturally evolving a more lavish yet centered sound that showcased songwriter Nick Thorburn's astounding talent.

• "Freaky, transcendent stuff." -Filter

• "A rich tapestry of pop from a band that has fully coalesced under his [Nick Thorburn] self-proclaimed benevolent dictatorship. Their latest Arm 's Way is a sophisticated, majestic and visceral journey into the limelight." -Village Voice

Jolie Holland the Living and the Dead - the young songwriter with the incomparable voice adds rock n roll to her impressive resume that already includes folk and country and jazz on her third studio album with help from co-producer M. Ward and guitarist Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello). The results are hailed as a career best from critics and widely embraced by fans.

• "Jolie Holland's voice beguiles like something from an old 78.... she channels the folky, sultry, blues Joni Mitchell trademarked and conjures her own stunning takes on lost lovers and sly approaches." -Elle

• "Her fourth - and perhaps best - album foregoes the smoky speakeasy atmosphere of 2006 's Springtime Can Kill You for a more contemporary roots sound, which provides a more evocative backdrop for her signature vocals." -Paste

Lyrics Born Everywhere At Once - not just the title of Lyric Born's Anti Records debut but a statement about this most industrious multi-tasker's vida loca. The lyricist, producer, label exec, and non-stop live performer (2008 saw world tours, festival appearances and television gigs) never rests on his laurels and is always changing sh*t up and Everywhere is a perfect example: bored with the drum machine and over licensing rights, LB gathered a crew of top musicians and made a real live record, full of funk and feel, grooves and guts, topped off with Lyrics Born's unmistakable signature smoothness and loquacious flow.

• "Near-perfect party record...propelled by sweet soul melodies and rumbling funk grooves reminiscent of the Gap Band and the Ohio Players…crunchy, unstoppable beats that will have you coming back from more." - Mother Jones

• "On his second solo album, he sounds transformed - festive and celebratory, his smarts undiminished." -Vibe

Man Man Rabbit Habits - Part swampy juke joint brawlers, part smooth Philly warehouse doo-wop crooners, with a sprinkling of wild-eyed, demon-haunted art hustler, and a hint of punky kindergarten playroom Pollyannas, Man Man brought their incomparable vision of "pop music" to bear with Rabbit Habits. 2008 saw the roustabouts on tour non-stop with labelmate Tim Fite, indie darlings Yeasayer and at every festival ever conceived (Coachella, Bumbershoot, SD Street Scene, ACL, Voodoo)

• "While the band still has its head in the clouds, or beyond, it has made its finest, most listenable album to date." -Filter

• "One of the year's best rock albums (devoid of nearly any guitar parts, mind you)." -Pitchfork

Mavis Staples Live: Hope at the Hideout - Mavis Staples saw her life 's work singing alongside Dr King and marching for civil rights redeemed with the 2008 election results, and suddenly this live record, full of gospel classics and freedom songs, is a testament to the uplifting hope and certainty of success that has marked her 50+ year career.

• "Whether fronting the Staples Singers or on her own, Mavis Staples has always fared best in a live environment, where her powerhouse of a voice can take any lyric and transform it into an inspirational anthem…this is Mavis Staples at her fiery best." -Relix

• "She sat in at lunch counters and marched with King..now Mavis' marvelous new Live: Hope at the Hideout revisits that era with personal recollections and brilliantly evoked songs from (or recast for) the movement... if this concert doesn't get your heart pumping, check your pulse." -Philadelphia Daily News

Michael Franti & Spearhead All Rebel Rockers - 2008 saw some well-deserved recognition for the indefatigable Micheal Franti and Spearhead. Their sixth studio album cracked the Billboard Top 40 (debuting at #39) for the first time. They drew an unprecedented 70,000+ fans and activists to Michael 's Power to the Peaceful festival in San Francisco and closed out the acclaimed KCRW World Music festival at the Hollywood Bowl, keeping the 17,000-strong crowd dancing through the set. Television appearances, 130 tour dates, film festivals and more kept the hardest working band in rock cheerfully occupied for the year.

• "An album of shimmying, pop-reggae…it 's a well deserved holiday in the sun." -Rock Sound

• "More specific, hopeful, and incendiary than ever....All Rebel Rockers represents his most canny mixture of political topicality and musical accessibility." -Utne Reader

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! - if there was a single record that came out to universal acclaim this year, Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! is definitely a top contender. Nick and mates kicked off the year as Plug Impact Award honorees, and high profile nominations from the Q Awards and Mojo and two wins at the Austrailian Age awards (Best Band and Best Album) fueled the international recognition. The record has already made the "Best Of" lists of Blender, Mojo, The Guardian UK, The Times UK, Uncut and Paste magazines. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds have been tapped to curate the inaugural Australian All Tomorrow 's Parties, their Hollywood Bowl performance was one of the shows of the year and Nick talked smack with Terry Gross on NPR 's "Fresh Air." It was a very good year.

• "The album is a triumph from first to last." -Observer Music Monthly

• "t's not every goth-punk fiend who can celebrate his fiftieth birthday with an album as loud, filthy and brilliant as Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!" -Rolling Stone

One Day As A Lion One Day As A Lion - the reemergence of the year was less about Axl Rose and all about Zack de la Rocha. His incendiary partnership with Jon Theodore in One Day As A Lion set the music community aflame with some of the most aggressive and original recordings heard all year. The two are currently at work on their full-length release, coming soon.

• "Wrathful and unyielding, the music pushes Rage's revolutionary essence further into the faces of listeners, eliminating any chance at misinterpreting these calls to arms as mere boogie-down rock." - LA Times

• "One Day as a Lion bristles with the street-level vigor that band [RATM] once embodied." - Time Out New York

• "There isn't any filler here; it's all the aural ignition of a gasoline bomb going off in your ears." -All Music Guide

Tim Fite Fair Ain 't Fair - Fair Ain't Fair is a collection of the most seasoned, reflective and charming work the genre-defying Tim Fite has ever produced. On it he growls about greed and avarice, topics manifest in last year's Over The Counter Culture (the acclaimed, free, web-only release which has topped 100,000 downloads this month), but told here with more empathy, more human-ness - perhaps signs of a deeply engaged artist growing up.

• "His new album confirms that this enigmatic, genre-bending songwriter is one of rock ‘n ' roll 's most subversive renaissance men." - Esquire

• "One of those albums that defies anyone to categorize or ignore it." - Chicago Tribune

Xavier Rudd Dark Shades of Blue - dusky and cool, the album is more sober than any work Xav has ever done, though it should not be mistaken for temperate. Guitar-driven jams, mixed by Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age), expand on a sound only hinted at on previous releases, and distortion often supplants the pretty jangly guitars heard on earlier work. Xav spent 2008 touring the world and scoring surf films like Matthew McConaughey 's comedy Surfer, Dude and the documentaries Highwater and Between the Lines.

• "Occasionally I encounter a work that so eloquently describes the human condition that my futile attempts to capture its essence in a review seem almost absurd. This album is one such work. Xavier Rudd's Dark Shades of Blue is an absolute tour de force and unequivocally his most powerful work to date." -Jambase

ANTI- Records Looks Back at a Stellar 2008 and Hints at 2009 with Free New Sampler

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:11:00 -0800

Featuring Brand-New Tracks from N.A.S.A, Ramblin Jack Elliott and William Elliott Whitmore

ANTI- Records launched its new 08/09 music sampler today on-line via the ANTI- blog and in stores with dozens of participating independent retailers around the country. In a special promotion running through the holidays, local music retailers will be offering the newest releases from ten of ANTI's latest and greatest artists for under $10. With purchase, the buyer will receive a copy of the new ANTI- sampler, or it can be downloaded for free directly from the ANTI- blog.

It is both a look back at a spectacular 2008, which saw releases from artists such as Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Jolie Holland and Michael Franti & Spearhead called "career bests," and a look into the New Year, including the following:

• "Spacious Thoughts" - N.A.S.A (featuring Tom Waits and Kool Keith)

From masterminds Squeak E Clean (Sam Spiegel) and DJ Zegon (Ze Gonzales) comes the first track from the highly anticipated debut release The Spirit Of Apollo (out Feb 17 2009). The record - which pairs indie darlings such as Karen O, Santogold, the Cool Kids and M.I.A, with hip hop stars like Kanye West, Chuck D, KRS-One and Ghostface Killah - takes the "less is more" concept and turns it on its head, layering up to four famous voices over vintage Brazilian funk tracks and turntable wizardry.

• "Old Devils" - William Elliott Whimore

Iowa's own son of the soil William Elliott Whitmore premieres his first track off his ANTI- debut Animals in the Dark (out Feb 17 2009). With the old-soul voice of a master country blues balladeer and a devoted following in the punk, folk and indie rock worlds, Will captures the imagination with his raw, populist songs, seemingly untouched by pop culture.

• "Soul Of A Man" - Ramblin' Jack Elliott

He stole James Dean's girl, listened for two days while Jack Keroac read him On the Road and taught Dylan everything he knew, now Ramblin' Jack Elliott is trying something new: lending his plaintive drawl to Depression-era blues classics. Produced by Joe Henry (Elvis Costello, Solomon Burke, Bettye LaVette), the new album also features guest appearances from David Hidalgo (Los Lobos, Tom Waits) and Van Dyke Parks. Out April 7.

2009 will also see new releases from Neko Case, Bob Mould and the legendary Booker T Jones, of Booker T and the MGs fame.

Anti- Records 08/09 Sampler tracklisting:
01. "Mexico City" - Jolie Holland
02. "Pieces Of You" - Islands
03. "Say Hey (I Love You)" - Michael Franti & Spearhead
04. "Whispers" - Lyrics Born
05. "Freedom Highway" - Mavis Staples
06. "Big Mistake" - Tim Fite
07. "Rabbit Habits" - Man Man
08. "Spacious Thoughts" (feat. Tom Waits & Kook Keith) - N.A.S.A.
09. "DIG, LAZARUS, DIG!!!" - Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds
10. "Old Devils" - William Elliott Whitmore
11. "Freedom" - Billy Bragg
12. "Real Estate" - Cadence Weapon
13. "This World As We Know It" - Xavier Rudd
14. "Very Temporary" - Bob Mould
15. "Friend For Life" - Ersi Arvizu
16. "New World" - DeVotchKa
17. "Soul Of A Man" - Ramblin' Jack Elliott

Participating retailers:
STINKWEEDS - Phoenix, AZ
Zia - Phoenix, AZ
BOO BOO RECORDS - San Luis Obispo, CA
Fingerprints - Long Beach, CA
Lou's Records - Encinitas, CA
M-THEORY - San Diego, CA
Rasputin - San Francisco, CA
Rhino/Mad Platter - Claremont, CA
Salzer's - Ventura, CA
Streetlight - San Jose, CA
Twist and Shout - Denver, CO
EXILE ON MAIN ST - Branford, CT
Rainbow Books Music - Newark, DE
CD Connection - Jacksonville, FL
Central Square - Santa Rosa, FL
Park Avenue CD - Orlando, FL
Uncle Sam's Miami Beach, FL
VINYL FEVER - TAMPA - Tampa, FL
CRIMINAL RECORDS - Atlanta, GA
CRIMINAL/AURORA - Atlanta, GA
Record Exchange - Boise, ID
Indy CD & Vinyl - Indianapolis, IN
LANDLOCKED MUSIC - Bloomington, IN
LUNA MUSIC - Indianapolis, IN
Kief's - Lawrence, KS
CD CENTRAL - Lexington, KY
earX-tacy - Louisville, KY
Newbury Comics - Boston, MA
Bull Moose - Portland, ME
ROCK-A-BILLYS - Utica, MI
Electric Fetus - Minneapolis, MN
VINTAGE VINYL - St Louis, MO
Schoolkids - Raleigh, NC
Homer's - Omaha, NE
Lakeshore Record - Rochester, NY
Looney Tunes - West Babylon, NY
Record Archive - Rochester, NY
CULTURE CLASH - Toledo, OH
Finders Records - Bowling Green, OH
Magnolia Thunderpussy - Columbus, OH
SHAKE IT - Cincinnati, OH
Guestroom Records - Norman, OK
Guestroom Records - OKC, OK
CD World - Eugene, OR
JACKPOT RECORDS - Portland, OR
JACKPOT RECORDS - Portland, OR
Music Millennium - Portland, OR
Earshot - Greenville, SC
52.5 - Charleston, SC
Disc Exchange - Knoxville, TN
GRIMEY'S - Nashville, TN
Cactus - Houston, TX
END OF AN EAR - Austin, TX
GOOD RECORDS - Dallas, TX
Waterloo - Austin, TX
SLOW TRAIN - Salt Lake City, UT
Plan 9 - Richmond, VA
Pure Pop - Burlington, VT
Easy Street - Seattle, WA
HOT POOP - Walla Walla, WA
SONIC BOOM - Seattle, WA
SONIC BOOM - Seattle, WA
ATOMIC RECORDS - Milwaukee, WI

Xavier Rudd in-studio with OPBMusic

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:09:00 -0700

Recently Xavier Rudd’s US tour took him through Portland, where he stopped by the studios of Oregon Public Broadcasting to play a few songs off his latest, Dark Shades of Blue, and to talk about the making of the new record, scoring films and playing a Yiraki. Hear it all on OPBMusic.com

Australian Musician/Activist Xavier Rudd on NPR's "Day To Day" Tomorrow

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:09:00 -0700

Surfer Dude, Starring Matthew McConaughey & Scored by Rudd, in Theaters this Weekend

Last week Xavier Rudd played the Regency Center Grand Ballroom in San Francisco and NPR's "Day to Day" was there, recording a number of songs from the performance and speaking to Rudd about his new release Dark Shades of Blue, his US tour and the upcoming comedy Surfer Dude, starring fellow surf aficionado and #1 Xavier Rudd fan Matthew McConaughey. The piece airs tomorrow on NPR stations.

When asked about choosing Rudd to score Surfer Dude, which also stars Woody Harrelson and Willie Nelson, McConaughey wrote "when I was first turned on to Xavier's music, I didn't say "who is that," I said "what is that" and I was instantly addicted to the sound and message. He's one of the most original artists in music today and the score he lays down, like our film, will be anything but typical."

Xavier Rudd, renowned for his live shows which he performs in large part as a one man band with a complement of different instruments, notably a number of his native didgeridoos, is currently on tour in the US in support of his August 18th release Dark Shades of Blue, which has been hailed as "an absolute tour de force and unequivocally his most powerful work to date" by Jambase.

Reviews of Rudd's recent performances have been equally stellar. The Seattle Weekly caught his set at the Bumbershoot festival and wrote "Xavier Rudd was the perfect Bumbershoot closer. Rudd is an unbelievably talented musician. The guy sings, blows on the didgeridoo, plays the harmonica, the bongos, slide guitar, regular guitar, the chime thingies and a base pedal – sometimes all in the same song. I know I claimed that the Black Keys were the height of my Bumbershoot 2008 experience, but that declaration was seriously challenged last night. Rudd was ridiculous."

Xavier Rudd on tour:
9/11 - Boston, MA - Wilbur Theatre
9/12 - New York, NY - Nokia Theatre Times Square
9/13 - Philadelphia, PA - Filmore at the TLA
9/14 - Washington, DC - Nightclub 9:30
9/16 - Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel
9/17 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
9/18 - Nashville, TN - City Hall
9/19 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
9/20 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
9/22 - Milwaukee, WI - Eagles Club
9/23 - Madison, WI - The Majestic Theatre
9/24 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
9/25 - Kansas City, MO - Voodoo Lounge
9/26 - Denver, CO - Fillmore Auditorium
9/28 - Austin, TX - Austin City Limits Festival

OUT TODAY: Xavier Rudd's Dark Shades of Blue

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:08:00 -0700

Beloved Australian musician/activist Xavier Rudd’s Dark Shades of Blue is in stores today. Trevor Pour over at Jambase had a listen, and wrote “occasionally I encounter a work that so eloquently describes the human condition that my futile attempts to capture its essence in a review seem almost absurd. This album is one such work. Xavier Rudd’s Dark Shades of Blue is an absolute tour de force and unequivocally his most powerful work to date.” And it only gets better. Read the rest here.

Xavier Rudd Gives JamBase Exclusive Airing of New Track "Guku"

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:07:00 -0700

Xavier Rudd Gives JamBase Exclusive Airing of New Track "Guku" From Upcoming Album Dark Shades Of Blue Due August 18

For a limited time only you can preview Xavier Rudd's unreleased track "Guku" on JamBase. Check it out HERE.

XAVIER RUDD ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN TOUR IN SUPPORT OF NEW ALBUM - OUT AUGUST 19

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:07:00 -0700

Dark Shades of Blue Pre-Order Special Allows Fans a Glimpse into Australian Multi-Instrumentalist's New Direction

Beloved Australian musician/activist Xavier Rudd's latest album Dark Shades of Blue comes out in the US on August 19th, and in support of this, his seventh album, Rudd recently announced a month-long North American tour that kicks off in Aspen CO on August 29th. The headlining dates are bookended by high profile festival appearances at Bumbershoot on September 1, and Austin City Limits on September 28.

Loud and psychedelic, Dark Shades highlights a side of Xavier Rudd merely hinted at on earlier releases. The guitar-driven songs, mixed by Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age), are more complex and rocking than what audiences perhaps expect from the lifelong surfer and Dave Matthews tourmate. Yet fans will not be disappointed, for the new direction still holds true to Rudd's passion for mixing rock and folk with indigenous instruments and other voices. For a taste of what's to come, a pre-order promotion is currently running on Rudd's website: order the CD or digital download early, and immediately receive an MP3 for This World As We Know It," the first single off of Dark Shades of Blue.

Xavier Rudd's "Dark Shades of Blue" North American tour:
8/29 - Aspen, CO - Snowmass Town Park
8/30 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot
9/01 - Seattle, WA - Bumbershoot Festival
9/02 - Eugene, OR - McDonald Theatre
9/03 - Portland, OR - Musicfest Northwest
9/04 - San Francisco, CA - Regency Center Grand Ballroom
9/05 - West Hollywood, CA - House of Blues
9/06 - San Diego, CA - 4th & B Concert Theatre
9/11 - Boston, MA - Wilbur Theatre
9/12 - New York, NY - Nokia Theatre Times Square
9/13 - Philadelphia, PA - Filmore at the TLA
9/14 - Washington, DC - Nightclub 9:30
9/16 - Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel
9/17 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
9/18 - Nashville, TN - City Hall
9/19 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
9/20 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
9/22 - Milwaukee, WI - Eagles Club
9/23 - Madison, WI - The Majestic Theatre
9/24 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
9/25 - Kansas City, MO - Voodoo Lounge
9/26 - Denver, CO - Fillmore Auditorium
9/28 - Austin, TX - Austin City Limits Festival

XAVIER RUDD TO RELEASE DARK SHADES OF BLUE AUGUST 19

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:05:00 -0700

XAVIER RUDD TO RELEASE DARK SHADES OF BLUE AUGUST 19 FOLLOWED BY HIGH PROFILE FESTIVAL APPEARANCES AND A HEADLINING U.S TOUR

Best-selling Australian singer-songwriter Xavier Rudd is set to release his seventh album, Dark Shades of Blue, on August 19th. Confirmed appearances at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass and Bumbershoot festivals in August and the Austin City Limits festival in September will bookend a headlining tour that will find Xav bringing his world-renowned live performance to cities across the U.S.

Dark Shades of Blue is dusky and cool, more sober than any work Xav has ever done, though don't mistake it for temperate. Guitar-driven jams expand on a sound only hinted at on previous releases, and distortion often supplants the pretty jangly guitars heard on earlier work. Mixed by Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age), Dark Shades of Blue shows Xav at his most assertive, heavy and psychedelic, and while Xav's signature didgeridoo remains, along with the myriad of instruments and voices featured on other records, the results are less ‘world music' than they are the makings of a truly global record.

The past few years have been a whirlwind for Xavier. In between sold out tours in Europe, Australia and the US, both headlining and supporting the likes of the Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson and Ben Harper, he has been working on the film score for fellow-surfer and Rudd-enthusiast Matthew McConaughey's Surfer Dude, a film starring McConaughey, Woody Harrelson and Willie Nelson.

Known not just for his wholly original approach to making music and must-be-seen-to-be-believed live shows - where he often performs as a one-man band - Xav is also recognized as a great Australian activist, advocating for indigenous rights and environmental responsibility. Both his social conscious and sense of hopeful exultation co-exist on Dark Shades…"I was given two eyes and I see," he writes on "This World as We Know It."
From the opening notes of "Black Water" to the title track to the rocking "Up In Flames," it is clear that Dark Shades of Blue is something different and thrilling from an artist who has always carved his own way.

See XAVIER RUDD on The Jimmy Kimmel show on Jan 4th!

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:01:00 -0800

This Friday, January 4th, Xavier Rudd will be the musical guest on The Jimmy Kimmel Show, so check it out! It airs on ABC from 12:00 to 1 AM nightly.

If you're in the LA area and would like to attend go to www.1iota.com. All guests need to be at least 18 years old with a valid ID. They must be available from 5:30PM to 8:00PM and can get tickets at www.1iota.com.