Australia’s sexiest vegetarian lands in NZ
Australian Xavier Rudd has built up an impressive CV over the years: from his musical career to his work raising awareness of Aboriginal culture and preserving his own Wurundjeri heritage – and even being nominated Australia’s Sexiest Vegetarian. Today, he took some time out ahead of his upcoming New Zealand tour to answer some questions.
How would you describe your music and what are the most important messages that you deliver with it?
My music is roots music, it’s a combination of growing up on the coast and mucking around with wood and wooden tones and sounds, salt, sand, fire, dogs and heaps of brothers. The powerful spirits of country and time also make it what it is. The message is love and respect for creation.
You’re known for your work in both environmentalism and the rights of indigenous Australians – what are the biggest issues that need to be dealt with in these two arenas?
The dying Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest disasters in [Australia] at the moment and continues to suffer from the weight of bad choices and management.
It is hard to answer in a few words the situation with indigenous Australia, but I can say that if we used New Zealand as a model, we would be a lot further along on the path of reconciliation.
What’s your favourite way to spend your free time?
Outside.
How does it feel to be bringing songs from your album Storm Boy to New Zealand?
Amazing. I love New Zealand and don’t get to come there much. The south coast of Australia and New Zealand have a similar vibration and a lot of the music comes from this kind of space.
Any places around the country you’re hoping to see while you’re here?
It’s all pretty magical from what I’ve seen so far. I’m not a big planner so we’ll see where I end up.