Ash Grunwald, a name synonymous with the vibrant Australian blues and roots scene, has carved a unique niche with his electrifying performances and funky swamp blues sound. With a career spanning over two decades, Grunwald’s talent and dedication has earned him a place as a top performer in the Australian and international blues circuit.
Beginnings and Inspirations
Ash Grunwald’s love for music began at an early age. Growing up in Melbourne, he was influenced by a diverse array of sounds, from the raw energy of blues legends like Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters to the soulful grooves of contemporary artists.
His passion for the guitar became evident as he started performing at local venues, quickly gaining a reputation for his powerful voice and impressive guitar skills.
Ash Grunwald’s Rise to Fame
Grunwald’s debut album, Introducing… Ash Grunwald, released in 2002, marked the beginning of his rise to prominence.
The album showcased his ability to blend traditional blues with modern elements, creating a sound that was both fresh and deeply rooted in tradition.
Tracks like “Dolphin Song” and “Just Be Yourself” resonated with audiences, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Evolution of Sound
Over the years, Ash Grunwald’s music has continued to evolve. His willingness to experiment with different sounds and collaborate with other artists has kept his sound dynamic and relevant.
Albums like Hot Mama Vibes and Trouble’s Door highlight his versatility, incorporating elements of rock, funk, and even electronic music. This evolution has not only expanded his musical horizons but also attracted a broader audience.
Collaborations include 2019’s “Whispering Voice” with Kasey Chambers. The Mojo album featured appearances from The Teskey Brothers, Kasey Chambers, Mahalia Barnes, Joe Bonamassa, The Cat Empire’s Harry James Angus, Terry Evans, Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater, Ian Collard, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ Kim Wilson.
By now one of Australia’s leading blues artist, Ash Grunwald, announced a National Tour to coincide with the release of his new single, “Life Without You.” The track, a collaboration with producer Garrett Kato, is a heartfelt groove about enduring relationships and gratitude for loved ones.
Ash Grunwald – Life Without You, 2024.
Ash Grunwald has released nine studio albums and five of those — Fish out of Water (2008), Hot Mama Vibes (2010), Trouble’s Door (2012), Gargantua (2013), and Mojo (2019) — have charted in the ARIA Albums Chart top 50.
Ash Grunwald has earned six ARIA Music Award nominations, all in the category of ARIA Award for Best Blues and Roots Album. While Ash Grunwald was touring the United States in 2014 supporting Xavier Rudd, Ash won Best International Act at the LA Music Critic Awards.
Grunwald has won two awards from the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), “honouring composers and songwriters”. Both awards were for Blues & Roots Work of the Year: 2010’s “Breakout” (Ashley Grunwald, Pip Norman), and “Longtime” in 2013.
He has supported legends like James Brown, The Black Keys, and Jack Johnson, and played sold-out festivals worldwide but still finds time to play in small pubs along the Australian coast.
Ash Grunwald often performs on stage solo, with just an acoustic or slide guitar and foot percussion, a stomp box and tambourine. It’s an incredibly funky swampy blues, well worth going along to see and hear for yourself!
Surf by Day, Jam by Night
Grunwald put pen to paper to write a book about his life and times on the road in an old beat-up Bedford, Surf by Day, Jam by Night. Grunwald interviewed 15 of the world’s top surfers and musicians; including Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, Jack Johnson, Dave Rastovich, Pete Murray, Jim Banks, and G. Love and more.
Candid and soulful, these conversations delve into the lives and minds of masters in both surfing and music. Surf by Day, Jam by Night covers tales of intense wipe-outs, massive crowds, style, the flow state, career longevity, and the art of jamming versus shredding.
Surf by Day, Jam by Night offers a light-hearted yet profound exploration of what it truly takes to live your dreams. If you’ve ever felt stuck and wondered if there’s more to life, this is your call to wake up, take control, and dare to follow your passions.
Ash Grunwald’s Activism and Advocacy
Beyond his musical achievements, Ash Grunwald is also known for his activism and commitment to environmental causes. He uses his platform to raise awareness about climate change and other pressing issues, often incorporating these themes into his music.
Ash is vocal about the environmental damage caused by coal seam gas mining. In 2013, he made a powerful statement by paddling into Queensland’s methane-laden Condamine River while wearing a gas mask to highlight the impact of the nearby fracking has had on the river.
After activists, especially Ash Grunwald, drew the public’s attention to the bubbling Condamine River, the gas companies, Australia Pacific LNG and Origin Energy, went into PR damage control and released a report saying it anything but their nearby fracking that was the cause.
Lock the Gate Alliance president Drew Hutton said “The key thing is that the activities of the CSG industry are depressurising the coal seam aquifer and that makes way for methane and other dangerous gases to be released into the atmosphere.”
Earth Bottles
A committed environmentalist, Ash Grunwald co-founded Earth Bottles with his partner, Danni Carr, to combat single-use plastic. Initially selling bottles as part of Ash’s merchandise, the venture has grown into a global enterprise.
Earth Bottles collaborates with charities like Hope For Health, Breast Cancer Network, and Beyond Blue, and partners with acts such as Midnight Oil, The Living End, Ziggy Alberts, and Bobby Alu.
His dedication to making a positive impact is evident in both his lyrics and his actions, making him a respected figure both on and off the stage.
Recent Projects
In recent years, Ash Grunwald has continued to push boundaries with his music. His latest albums and collaborations reflect a mature artist who is not afraid to take risks.
Whether he’s performing solo or with his band, his live shows remain a must-see, known for their high energy and emotional depth.
Ash Grunwald’s future
Ash Grunwald’s career is a vibrant tapestry of musical exploration, social activism, and artistic growth.
His ability to connect with audiences through his powerful performances and meaningful messages ensures that he remains a vital force in the music world.
As his music continues to evolve and inspire, Ash Grunwald’s legacy as a blues and roots mastermind is undoubtedly secure.
Contact Ash Grunwald facebook group and check out Ash Grunwald tour dates.
Follow Ash Grunwald
Instagram: / ashgrunwald
Facebook: / ashgrunwald
Twitter: / ashgrunwald
Youtube: / ashgrunwald
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