Chad Wilkins is originally from the magnificent mountain region of Lake Tahoe on the California/Nevada border, USA, Chad relocated to Australia in 2004.
After a few years of international travel doing humanitarian aid and healing work, including a couple years in Cambodia, he is now based near Byron Bay where he lives with his wife, Tash and their two children Isa and Sundar.
Although music has been an integral part of Chad’s existence and artistic expression for most of his life, it is here in Byron Bay that his musical journey has taken on a more public manifestation with his soon to be released first album, Show Us The Way Of The Heart.
If you’ve been to any of Chad’s live events, you know that his music is more of an invitation than a performance – an experience to be entered into.
Being a multi-instrumentalist himself, he combines many influences to create a blend that is hard to categorise. Folky, progressive, contemplative, mystical – but the point is the message.
His songs vary from upbeat, positive-vibe celebration tunes to deep, devotional guided meditations, all showcasing conscious lyrics – challenging, provoking, inspiring, drawing, awakening.
Some are poetic images of Chad’s own spiritual journey, some are journeys in themselves. And some are just fun!
The new full length album, Show Us The Way Of The Heart is an undiluted musical articulation of the heart of Chad Wilkins, and many will find expression for their own hearts in its contents. It was recorded at the stunning Panoramix Studio in the breathtaking hills of Coorabell just behind Byron Bay.
The recording features a large selection of excellent musicians local to the Byron area and was done mostly live with very few overdubs with the purpose of maintaining the raw, spontaneous feeling and spirit of live recording while harnessing the warmth and quality of analogue studio recording.
Presenting diverse instrumentation on each track, every song is unique, spanning a large range of styles and genres.
Be inspired and stirred by the distinct spirit and atmosphere of peace that is encapsulated within the music of this mystic minstrel.
Chad Wilkins is returning to the Sphinx Rock Café out at Mt Burrell this Sunday December 15.
Find this and many other great gigs in Echonetdaily’s North Coast Gig Guide.