Shot Notes
This is multi-instrumentalist, Xavier Rudd, on the Crossroads stage at Bluesfest 2022. The set began in a chilled soulful way with him playing 12 string guitar, didgeridoo, lap slide guitar and harmonica, before getting behind a drum kit.
Browndog used his track “Follow The Sun” in their Monday Bluesfest Montage. Since then it has been stuck in my head, as it has good navigation advice for those living in mobile photon catchers. I bought his 2012 album “Spirit Bird” and listened to it as I reviewed his photos.
The album uses samples from Australia’s diverse and musical songbird populations. Since I moved here in 2011 the variety of their tunes has been a constant wonder. As songbirds originated in Australia and they predate humans anywhere, this land probably heard the first music.
This shot captured his smile but the background was a dull dark brown. I was inspired to get creative by another photographer Jason Rosewarne who produces artworked festival images to a very high standard.
This image cannot be used as editorial due to localized adjustments so this is purely a fun exercise in Photoshop for the blog. I used a sunset shot from South Australia called Solar Nuke to add the yellow, orange and red spots. Difference blend mode was used with a soft scattered brush to create the blue, purple and green fireflies.
(unedited image download here)
Xavier Rudd will return one last time for the final Byron Bay Bluesfest in Easter 2025, tickets are available via the Bluesfest Website.
UPDATE: In 2026 Bluesfest will be the last in a line of major festivals closed from increasing headwinds. This began before covid, with the previous state government’s legislative “war on festivals“. The new government risks letting this trend continue through inaction. However, you can change this. If 20,000 signatures are received, the NSW Parliament must debate Bluesfest’s future. #savebluesfest if you live in the state Sign up here. For everyone else, there is an international petition on change.org Sign up here.
Luv his mix of tribal and ethereal.
Great music, great guy