As he nears the release of his next studio album, 'Jan Juc Moon', Australia's own roots storyteller and musical shaman, Xavier Rudd has dropped the socially conscious and fierce jam 'Ball And Chain', which features Indigenous rapper J-MILLA.
Electrified yidaki bleeds into a poignant piano melody before Xavier's genuine and matter-of-fact vocals come to the fore, painting a lyrical picture of Australia's own history with Aboriginal peoples and culture.Then recent recipient of the Archie Roach Foundation Award, J-MILLA's flawless and immaculate flow lands for a punchy verse of truth, his voice producing those goosebump chills that will resonate deep within the heart.
"We all carry the weight of our history and of the plight of our ancestors as we make our way in this world," Xavier says.
"For some that weight is much heavier than others. Either way the road is long, challenges are set in stone, the human spirit can be remarkable."
"This is the third single off my new record which is due for release in a few months from now," adds Xavier.
"Super stoked to feature Australian MC J-Milla on this track. J is a beautiful man, big ball of sunshine and an important young voice for this nation.
"Hope you dig it people; I had fun makin' this one. Stand strong."
Read our recent interview with Xavier Rudd.
Previous 'Jan Juc Moon' singles 'Stoney Creek' and 'We Deserve To Dream' have already accrued 12 million streams globally, while Rudd's forthcoming international tour has already seen shows in Amsterdam, Antwerp and Brussels sell out.
Xavier also has a bunch of Australian shows planned as part of the SummerSalt and Sunset Sounds touring festivals.
Xavier Rudd @ SummerSalt 2022
Sat 5 Feb - Royal Botanical Gardens (Hobart)Sun 6 Feb - Royal Botanical Gardens (Hobart)* sold out
Sun 20 Feb - Queen Elizabeth Park (Gold Coast)* sold out
Sat 26 Feb - Stage 88 (Canberra)
Sun 27 Feb - North Gardens (Ballarat)
Sun 6 Mar - Esplanade Park (Fremantle)
Sun 13 Mar - Don Lucas Reserve (Sydney)
Sun 20 Mar - Glenelg Beach (Adelaide)
Sat 26 Mar - Nowingi Place (Mildura)
Sun 27 Mar - M.O. Moran Reserve (Melbourne)
Xavier Rudd @ Sunset Sounds
Sat 9 Apr - Rochford Wines (Yarra Valley)Sat 23 Apr - Roche Estate (Hunter Valley)
Xavier Rudd also plays 2022 Bluesfest (Byron Bay) 16 April and 2022 BASSINTHEGRASS (Darwin) 21 May.
