Good Vibes, Black Ash
July 16, 2010He may sport dreadlocks, be softly spoken and surf near his home on the north-east NSW coast, but that is where any ‘roots artist’ stereotypes end with Ash Grunwald, writes Andrew Wallace.
Ash Grunwald's fifth album Hot Mama Vibes, while embracing new technology and branching into three hip hop collaborations with MC Mr Trials (known for his production smarts with Hilltop Hoods/Funkoars) has taken his ballsy, swinging groove to another level.
“If you make a lullaby – or a nice melodic sound – it’s in a major kind of key,” explains the 33-year-old. “If you do a dark or bluesy song, it’s in a minor key. I’ve written over 50 songs and I still haven’t done anything yet in a major key.” Those detecting traces of The Black Keys in Hot Mama Vibes shouldn’t be surprised. “That term – the black keys – is for all of the ‘evil’ notes on the piano; I wish I’d come up with it!”
Hot Mama Vibes by Ash Grunwald is available now via Shock. Visit: ashgrunwald.com
