Xavier Rudd: Spirit Bird

Xavier Rudd is an Australian singer and songwriter. He also plays several instruments, including the guitar, harmonica, didgeridoo, and banjo, among others. Much of Xaviers music incorporates socially conscious themes, such as environmentalism, and is considered to have a spiritual connotation. One of Xaviers greatgrandmothers was an Aboriginal Australian and some of his music speaks to the plight of the Aboriginal people, who still face extreme marginalization today. His album, Spirit Bird, and the title track were created after Xaviers encounter with a redtailed black cockatoo in Australia. He had a powerful experience of imagery and emotion, stating: A lot of that album grew out of me giving myself to that country up in the Kimberley and that country gave it back to me Id been on a bit of a journey and Spirit Bird represents that. Xavier Rudd