Rudd’s ode to nature delivers him major prize

SURF COAST born musician Xavier Rudd has been awarded the $20,000 2023 Environmental Music Prize for his ode-to nature ‘Stoney Creek’.

The Environmental Music Prize aims to amplify the voices of artists who inspire action for climate and conservation and celebrate those who create exceptional music videos that showcase the beauty of nature.

Rudd was selected as the winner from over 15,000 votes from music and nature lovers from across 59 countries, defeating industry heavyweights including Midnight Oil, Tash Sultana, Flume and King Stingray for the title.

‘Stoney Creek’ was written by Rudd while sailing up to Cape York with his wife and explores how many natural ecosystems sprung back to life and recovered from human traffic during the pandemic.

The music video shows a series of landscapes in Portugal and features famous Instagram longboard skating dancer Valeriya Gogunskaya, while fellow longboard skating dancing champion Axel Massin shot the video.

Rudd said ‘Stoney Creek’ aimed to “inspire the feeling of letting go and just flowing with the wind, getting out on your own in nature and leaving the cities and the chaos far behind”.

He said was thrilled to take out the prize and cited nature as the biggest influence of his music to date.

“I’m stoked and very proud to win this award.

“There were so many amazing artists that entered the prize and it’s great to see so many doing such good work for environmental causes.

“[The environment] is everything to me.

“When I’m outdoors, in the ocean, out on country, I feel alive.

“It’s always been my special place. We are a species of the earth – being close to our source of energy is important for everything – mental health, physical health and general wellbeing as a human.”

Rudd also referenced his birthplace of the Surf Coast and Wadawurrung Country as being an important part of his musical journey.

“Wadawurrung Country is in my bones and growing up there was a blessing.

“I’ve been writing music about the area since I was a kid and reflect on the place at my shows no matter where I am in the world.”

Rudd will donate the $20,000 to a handful of grassroots environmental organisations which are yet to be announced.

Environmental Music Prize founder Edwina Floch said Rudd’s “moving”, and “deeply personal piece” helped to remind people of how nature brings life, beauty and meaning to life.

“I’m delighted he has been acknowledged for his ability to bring us together and make us reflect.

“For decades he has used his voice, both on and off stage, to shine light on various environmental issues, supporting the work of countless groups and organisations along the way.”

To keep the Environmental Music Prize alive, Ms Floch is calling on the greater music industry, government and wider public to support it.

Being completely community funded, the initiative relies firmly on the generous support of donors and pro-bono partners who want to help inspire climate action.

A crowdfunding campaign to support the Environmental Music Prize has been launched on Pozible.

For more, head to environmentalmusicprize.com/

The video for ‘Stoney Creek’ by Xavier Rudd can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcDWBckYN18