Playing two home turf shows on the weekend, Ash Grunwald has inspired a generation with his signature blend of blues and roots. Known for his ‘surf by day, jam by night’ ethos – also the title of his first book – Grunwald has become a festival favourite, delivering high-energy shows filled with gritty guitars and foot-stomping rhythms. If you’re looking for blues at Bluesfest, he’s your first stop. Last week Ash spoke to The Echo on his return home from a very long tour.
Ash, how many Bluesfests have you performed at?
10! This will be number 11.
What is something memorable about your last show at Bluesfest?
Well last time, it being my tenth Bluesfest, I recorded an album called The Bluesfest studio sessions. That was with my three-piece at the time, those gigs were special. I still think that first one back after Covid was the most special though – owing to the weird laws of the time some people couldn’t make their shows at Tyagarah and other people had to sit-in with each other’s bands. I got to front Chain for a couple of songs. Then I was playing with Josh Teskey in our duo – AND doing my own band thing. So it was fun!
Do you have new music for this show?
Yeah, I’ve got a new song called ‘Glide’ I’m doing all the time, and the single before that was called ‘Feeling Better’, so I’ll be doing that too.
Are you bringing a band this time?
I’m solo – I’ve been touring the country doing my one-man band, that’s how I started at Bluesfest so I thought it fitting that I end it like that.
What are you loving about playing music at the moment?
I’ve been having the time of my life lately just leaning into the solo thing and trying to perfect my craft through touring extensively.
What is your current earworm?
Hahaha, Pete and Bas. Have a listen. They’re too 75-year-old pommy geezers who are the best rappers you’ve ever heard in your life!
Are you having enough fun?
I try to keep my froth levels high in life. If they drop, I make dramatic changes.
Is there anyone you are looking forward to seeing at Bluesfest?
Rag’n’Bone Man – I’m addicted to his voice and I cover his song ‘Human’. But, this lineup will be one to remember.
I know you were born ‘down south’ but does Bluesfest feel like a home town show for you?
Yes it does feel like a home town thing and that’s awesome because I’m originally from Melbourne and to play Bluesfest was my dream, because it literally combined not just blues and roots, but also quite bluesy, actual blues, with the whole vibe of Byron Bay and surfing was peaches and cream for me. It was a dream to play the festival. I used to travel up to Byron in the late ’90s and loved it, and to think I’ve ended up playing ten of them and called this area home for the last 16 years, is quite amazing – it’s not lost on me and it’s something that I really appreciate.
Do you have any special guests for this show?
Well, yes, very special – special for me because I am going to get my daughter Sunny up to sing a song with me. A little Bill Withers classic. It represents something really significant to me to have the next generation coming through – as I possibly play my last Bluesfest – it’s very special.
Ash Grunwald plays Friday and Saturday at Bluesfest.
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