Koonyum Sun-Xavier Rudd and Izintaba

Koonyum Sun, the album from Australian singer/songwriter Xavier Rudd, showcases a variety of orignal Reggae, Blues, and Folk-inspired tunes. Released on April 20, 2010, Koonyum Sun portrays lyrics of thought, feeling, and emotion. Featuring 13 tracks, Koonyum Sun introduces listeners and fans to an African sound developed by Rudd's collaboration with South African rhythm section Izintaba. Koonyum Sun features a 22-string West Indian guitar, a Hollow telecast (electric guitar), and African chants to complete the feel of the record. Recorded at Studio 301 in Byron Bay, Australia, the album features emotional lyrics inspired by Xavier Rudd's personal journey through life. Stand out tracks on the album include "Time to Smile", "The Reasons We Were Blessed", and "Breeze".

According to an interview held at Sunset Sounds 2010 in Australia, after meeting Bassist Tio Moloantoa and Drummer Andile Nqubezelo in 2008 at Austria's Nuke Festival, Rudd felt inspired by their work. In 2009, Molontoa and Nqubezelo formed Izintaba, Rudd's personal rhythm section. Xavier Rudd felt as though he was "standing on a mountain" when playing with the rhythm section, thus creating the name of Izintaba. Rudd defined this album as "powerful" and filled with "strong and new" African influences. After collaborating with the thoughts of Izintaba, Xavier Rudd personally contributed to the songwriting process on Koonyum Sun. Feeling blessed by fans and his journey through life, Rudd had a personal gratitude within his lyrics on the album.

"Time to Smile", ITunes most popular track off Koonyum Sun, reflects positive vibes with lyrics such as, "...out of the world pulled out lies and deceit/headin' for still waters, pure honesty/summer is coming/it's time to smile.../" The track showcases Xavier Rudd's Australian folk sounds and Izintaba's influences in African rhythm. The track is an up-beat tune, bringing to mind positive thoughts and personal inspirations. "Time to Smile" is a personal ode to inspirations which led to Rudd's spiritual growth.

"The Reasons We Were Blessed" and "Breeze" feature catchy lyrics and unique rhythmic tunes, making Koonyum Sun an increasing popular release from Xavier Rudd. "The Reasons We Were Blessed" features an vocals and African chant set to a solid drum beat. The song is meant to give an exotic feel with lyrics such as, "...the stars on the cleanest night, she would shine so bright/like the signs of a coming tornado she would pose great threat/when she came I was not ready/was not ready when she left.../" "Breeze", another notable track on the album, features a ballad displaying imagery about making one's life better and soaring above other's expectations with lyrics such as, "...imagine yourself floating away/imagine the tiniest little pixie people rubbing the ocean into your face/imagine your feet barely touch the earth/imagine you were flying above the whole universe/lighting above it all/you were breezin'.../"

In the past several years, Xavier Rudd has become a well-known name across the U.S. and throughout the world. In 2009, Rudd earned the Rock the Boat award, presented by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. The award honors musicians who contribute to Sea Shepherd's campaigns, which help protect the ocean's wildlife. In 2008, Rudd earned huge performed live on Jimmy Kimmel's live talk show, performing "Stargaza". Rudd has sold achieved gold and platinum status for his music, and has had successful sold-out concert tours throughout Australia, Europe, Canada, and the United States. With the release of Koonyum Sun, fans and listeners are able to see a new musical direction and journey for Xavier Rudd. For more information about Xavier Rudd, you can visit http://www.xavierrudd.com