Ash Grunwald

Thu 11th Jun, 2009 in Features

One of Australia’s leading blues and roots performers, Ash Grunwald is back on the road again. His extensive national tour totals almost 30 dates, supporting the release of third single Fish Out of Water; the title track from the critically acclaimed 2008 album. The single is produced by TZU’s Counterbounce and recently won the award for Song Of The Year at the 2009 Blues Music Chain Awards.

If you’re heading along to Ash’s tour for the first time, or are back for more, expect to be treated to an exciting night of unique live music. “There’ll be a three-piece band similar to what I’ve done before with me playing solo. However, I will also be joined by Kanchana Karunaratna on electro beats, ethnic percussion, and playing the MPC; and Benny Owen playing the car door and other junk percussion for shows.” Ash’s favourite track to play live is a medley of “The Beatles’ Money (that’s what I want), Breakout and then a Latin groove with a Blue King Brown-inspired sound.”

Ash had a relatively late start to touring in his early-20s, making his quick rise to being one of Australia’s finest live performers all the more remarkable. I was interested to know what music influences have helped shape Ash into the performer he is today. “Well in the early days it was any blues and Hendrix. Then in the middle I had a roots focus with guys like Xavier Rudd and John Butler, who were forging new paths.

“When I was emerging on the live scene, it was people like Chris Wilkson and Jeff Lang. Today I don’t aspire to other artists as much because I use music to deconstruct and find out how other artists do things. For example I listen to Fat Freddy’s Drop to understand their technique in snare drumming, and people like Tom Waits for poetry.”

Now at 31, Ash Grunwald is enjoying success all over Australia as well as many destinations overseas. He is beginning to become known in the UK and Canada. During Ash’s successful rise, he has played in some amazing locations and with some incredible people. I asked Ash what were his biggest – œwow’ moments, to which he replied, “Every day!”

Ash has played to huge audiences, however the crowd at last year’s Falls Festival in Marion Bay was by far his most memorable. “I have never seen so many people bouncing to my music before.” Ash’s other touring highlights have been supporting the legendary James Brown and playing at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Fish Out of Water is Ash Grunwald’s most successful record in his career so far. With so many musical highlights, I wondered if Ash had a favourite track of his own. “I actually just played the album in full in the car yesterday, which was the first time I had properly listened to it since it came out (laughs). The first track Can You Find A Way was my favourite back then and still is now. I love the groove of the track, and the loops. It’s just got a great feel.”

Inevitably fans are already ready for a follow-up, so you’ll be happy to know that Ash has started tossing around ideas for the next album. “Well I’m a gadgets man, so I like to break things down and think how would I do something different? I have been looking at a bit of gear, and looking at stuff on the net.”

The next album may be a move back to looping, which was a key feature on I Don’t Believe. “Now there are some really cool loop machines, I would love to incorporate computers and looping on stage. I admire soloists in the like of That 1 Guy and Xavier Rudd. The ironic thing is that I think it is more exciting and innovative than performing with a band.” Ash is heading back overseas to England and Canada, and returning for some more Australian dates in September.

Ash Grunwald is currently on the road for an extensive national tour. These dates still remain on his itinerary.

Friday 12 June – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
Saturday 13 June – Joes Waterhole, Eumundi
Thursday 18 June – Seaview Tavern, Woolgoolga
Friday 19 June – Laurieton Hotel, Laurieton
Saturday 20 June – Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay
Thursday 25 June – Sodens, Albury
Friday 26 June – The Palais, Hepburn Springs
Wednesday 1 July – O’Dowd’s Irish Pub, Rockhampton
Thursday 2 July – Andergrove Tavern, Andergrove
Friday 3 July – Bombay Rock, Townsville
Saturday 4 July – Kuranda Roots, Kuranda
Saturday 12 September – Bimbadgen Blues Roots Funk N Groove Festival, Bimbadgen Estate