Ash Grunwald returns to Murwillumbah

BELOVED blues and roots artist Ash Grunwald is returning to Murwillumbah next month as part of his national tour supporting the new single Feeling Better.

The song is a gritty, slide-guitar anthem about resilience, rising above tough times and fresh starts.

Over his 25-year career, Grunwald has become known for electrifying performances, soulful vocals and virtuosic slide guitar skills.

His fusion of blues, roots and groove spans 12 studio albums, six Australian Top-50 albums, five ARIA and four AIR Award nominations, two APRA awards, and a gong for Best International Act at the LA Music Critic Awards in 2014.

Speaking with this masthead from the airport lounge en route to the next tour leg, Grunwald said he was stoked by audience responses to the new material.

“Feeling Better was really written to be a call-and-response type of song,” he said.

“The audiences are singing the lyrics back to me just as loud and passionately as they sing the older, more well-known songs.”

The Northern Rivers-based artist has an often-gruelling tour schedule and admits that life balance is challenging.

“I am away from my family and home more than I would like to be,” he said.

“But these shows have been some of the best of my life, so I am making hay while the sun shines.

“When I am home, I try to be as present as I can be with the kids and my wife Danni and enjoy every moment we are together.”

Grunwald is reflective about the imminent end of the iconic Bluesfest, which has defined much of his career.

“I feel really honoured to be on the last Bluesfest program,” he said.

“It’s been a great thing for my career and this will be my 11th show at Bluesfest over the last 20 years.

“I have had some of my most memorable moments in music both on and off those stages. It’s definitely the end of an era.”

On a more positive note, the rise of contemporary regional venues is cause for celebration.

“It’s great to drive half an hour up the road and not have to get on a plane to play a venue like M|Arts.

“The last show I played there was awesome, and I am really looking forward to returning. The precinct is really cool. I love what they have done with the space, and it’s got a great vibe,” he said.

Ash Grunwald plays M|Arts on November 23 from 7pm. For tickets, visit events.humanitix.com/ash-grunwald-at-m-arts-precinct-murwillumbah