Mountain FM

Best-selling Canadian-Australian singer-songwriter Xavier Rudd is set to release his latest studio album, Koonyum Sun, on April 20, 2010 through Salt X Records distributed by Fontana North.

Koonyum Sun marks a fresh musical and spiritual awakening for Rudd, perhaps most notably as it’s his first album with his new incredibly funky rhythm section featuring bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo of the late afro-reggae legend Lucky Dube’s band. Xavier, Tio and Andile formed a bond that extended beyond their musical respect for each other in the summer of 2008 at Austria’s Nuke festival.  This relationship, like their musical tastes, reflects a passion for unifying culture, sound and understanding.

Under the collective banner of Xavier Rudd & Izintaba (Zulu word for mountain), Koonyum Sun sees Rudd moving away from the heavier edged sound pursued on Dark Shades of Blue, and embracing the happier, hip-swinging vibes that have characterized his earlier albums. A matchless mixture of reggae, funk, blues and folk with deep-rooted Australian Aboriginal and South African influences, Koonyum Sun truly showcases the magical connection of this new trio. Inspired by his new band and touched by the spirit of the sun, sand, and sea surrounding the famed 301 studio in Byron Bay where the album was recorded, the release of Koonyum Sun marks one of the most exciting times in the musical journey of Xavier Rudd. 

Over the last few years, Rudd has graced stages at festivals around the globe, including the Bonnaroo Music Festival, Ottawa Bluesfest, The Great Escape, Bumbershoot, and Austin City Limits, to list a few. Indeed, where he has been physically has had an immense impact on where he has gone musically. He explains: “I’ve absorbed so much culture and energy from where I’ve traveled, and it becomes a part of me.”

Koonyum Sun is the culmination of where Rudd wants to be musically, and along with Izintaba, he’s ready to make his music mobile once again. “I’ve never been more excited to tour,” he says, and his fans are undeniably ecstatic about his assertion. Xavier Rudd returns to Canada this May after a string of sold-out festival stops in Europe and Australia.