Since the very beginning, Xavier Rudd's ability to connect with people has been his most powerful gift. The more he has toured the world, the more hearts he has touched and the more of the world he has put back into his music. Now, fronting a band aptly named The United Nations, Xavier Rudd has assembled a lineup of musicians from around the world as a one-people musical force. Making their debut in 2015, Xavier Rudd And The United Nations finds the iconic Australian solo artist in full band mode for the first time in a long and successful career, and introduces new album Nanna to Xavier's diverse and acclaimed discography...
Enthralling audiences with his ability to wield so many instruments at once, Xavier's 2002 debut album, To Let, introduced a sound that was a mix of guitars, yidakis (didgeridoos), stomp box and percussion, blues harp and vocals. Something distinctly new, yet tied back through time to the spirit of our ancestors. With a sound established, Xavier's 2004 sophomore album, Solace, was testament to the power of his songwriting abilities. Solace debuted in the top 20 of the ARIA charts and was met as an instant classic; going platinum and earning Xavier two ARIA nominations, with three of its songs – Let Me Be, Shelter and Solace – voted into triple j's Hottest 100.
Only a year later, Xavier was receiving his third ARIA nomination, this time for third album Food In The Belly. Celebrated for Xavier's abilities to effortlessly weave genres together - from the reggae sway of The Mother, to the irresistible tribal jam of Manã - Food In The Belly impacted strongly in Australia and Europe, landing Xavier on the Dutch album charts for the first time. Xavier's gold-selling follow-up, White Moth, continued on this path of international success. Released in 2007 on Epitaph sister label ANTI-, White Moth reached #30 on the US Billboard charts and earned Xavier another ARIA nomination back home.
Nudging ahead of White Moth one spot to peak the ARIA charts at #5, 2008's Dark Shades Of Blue was Xavier's biggest musical departure, yet resulted in massive fan and critical acclaim. Gritty, dark and introspective, the album connected deeply with fans, and reintroduced Xavier as formidable lap steel player. 2010's Koonyum Sun - recorded as trio Xavier Rudd And Izintaba - was a return to lighter shades. Featuring a new sound courtesy of a collaboration with bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo - yet abundant in the blues'n'roots charm of his earliest work - Koonyum Sun brought Xavier Rudd full circle.
Debuting at #2 on the ARIA charts, Xavier's 2012 album Spirit Bird was the triumphant pinnacle of of his entire solo career – capturing the most beautiful aspects of his voice, his songs and his spirit. Led by the wonderfully delicate Follow The Sun, Spirit Bird saw Xavier Rudd yet again tour the world, bringing together old fans and new, regardless of their culture or country of origin. Now, this ability to connect is at the heart of Xavier Rudd And The United Nations – a band with a strong message of all people coming together around the globe to return to spirit, respect the ancient ways and protect the Earth and the very essence of creation.
Mixed by Errol Brown at Tuff Gong Studios, Nanna is Xavier's ninth studio album, but his first with Xavier Rudd And The United Nations... finding one of the great solo artists of our time fronting a full band with impeccable results. Once again diving into new musical waters while still holding true to the music in his heart, Xavier Rudd has added another remarkable milestone to his already epic journey, solidifying his place as one of Australia's greatest artists, activists and spirits.
