Freedom Sessions: A Night of Magic, Music & Connection with Xavier Rudd

There is something extraordinary about outdoor concerts, and last night at Bar on the Hill was no exception. The air felt different—charged with the collective energy of the crowd. As the sun set over Newcastle, the sky turned from gold to deep blue with stars filling the sky. The whole setting felt sacred, as if it had been perfectly crafted for a night of music, connection and reflection. When Xavier Rudd took the stage, it felt as though everything outside paused for a moment. This concert was a shared experience of freedom, connection, and soul.

As I type this, I feel completely reinvigorated—like a fresh wave of life has washed over me. My body was moving the entire concert, feeling every beat, every strum of the guitar. My heart and mind were wide open throughout the night, soaking in the energy of each song.  The music not only touched my soul but also left me feeling connected, alive, and ready to carry this energy forward into the days ahead. This was more than a just another music gig. it was a moment of deep reflection, growth and connection with the world around us.

From the moment Xavier stepped on stage, the energy shifted. His music has always held deep meaning for me, but hearing it live under the stars elevated the experience to something truly magical. The combination of his musicality, his philosophy and the message of his songs created a powerful atmosphere.

The Bar on the Hill was the perfect venue for this experience. The stage lights majestically illuminated the surrounding trees, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere, that blended nature and music into one. The natural beauty of the setting enhanced the connection we all felt—to each other, to the music and to the sky above us and the earth below us.  The stage lights majestically illuminated the surrounding trees, creating an atmosphere

The music of Xavier Rudd has been a companion to me through moments of all kinds—moments of joy, reflection, sadness, love and even uncertainty. His lyrics are so much more than just words; they are messages that resonate with the heart and soul and connect us to our shared human experience. During the concert, hearing these songs live under the stars was a transformative experience.

When Xavier played Energy Song, the entire crowd seemed to pulse with life, a newfound energy. The lyrics are simple yet powerful. They remind me of the vibrations we emit and the power we hold to affect both ourselves and the world around us. This song has always been a reminder that our energy is sacred and has the ability to transform our experiences. Hearing it live reminded me that our individual energy has the potential to shift not only our own lives but also the collective energy of the world around us. Last night I felt my own energy shift—becoming more open, more aligned and more attuned to the people and nature around me.

Culture Bleeding holds a different kind of power. The lyrics, “Culture bleeding into the earth, can’t you see?” speak to the interconnectedness of everything—the way our actions ripple through the world. This song has always reminded me of the importance of honouring the earth and all the cultures that have shaped it. Paying respect for where we come from and how we tread upon this planet. Last night, those words echoed through the crowd, amplifying the collective awareness that we are all part of something much greater.

One of the most poignant moments for me came during We Deserve to Dream. Tears gently rolled down each cheek and a smile came to my face and heart as the lyrics, “We deserve to dream” hit me in a way that was both uplifting and grounding. This song speaks to the innate right we all have to dream, to envision a better world, and to pursue that vision. It’s a message that has carried me through tough times, reminding me that no matter what challenges we may face or obstacles may arise, we are all deserving of our dreams and aspirations and the space to pursue them.

Storm Boy is another song that speaks to me on a soul-deep level about the storms we all endure both literally and metaphorically. The lyrics, “Storm boy, you’re angry with the world, and I’m sorry,” touch on the frustrations and inner turmoil we all feel at times. The words of Xavier remind me that it is okay to feel angry, to weather the storms of life—but also to seek peace and healing. Life has moment of turbulence that will pass as we emerge stronger on the other side. His performance of this song under the night sky felt like a collective release of tension, a reminder that we can find calm and stay rooted even in the most difficult moments of life.

Xavier is a true Master of Sound. What makes his performances so unique is his incredible blend of musical talent and philosophy. His use of multiple instruments—yidakis (didgeridoos), guitar, harmonica, blues harp and his soulful vocals—is mesmerising. Each instrument carries its own energy, creating a full-bodied sound that speaks to the soul. It is than music; it is an experience that transcends the physical world and touches something deeper within. The soulful tones of the harmonica blend seamlessly with the deep, grounding sound of the didgeridoo, creating a harmony that feels like a dance between earth and sky. Each song seems to open up new layers of meaning and connection.

High Times with its uplifting melody and lyrics, perfectly encapsulated the sense of liberation and joy that Rudd naturally brings by embracing the moment and celebrating the peaks of life. The crowd danced with abandon as I noticed smiles spreading contagiously through the crowd. The shared emotions and energy levels that soared during this live performance was glorious to witness. This song so beautifully shared how his songs of Xavier Rudd are not just heard but are felt deeply and collectively during his performances.

The light, joyful tones of the harmonics in Let Me Be brought a sense of ease and freedom to the night – perfectly capturing the essence of freedom. When Xavier sang, “So let me be, let me be, let me be,” I felt as though the song was calling all of us to release the constraints and expectations, we place on ourselves and just live in the moment. This song celebrates the beauty of being yourself, of living authentically and freely. That message of this song resonated deeply with my own journey toward self-acceptance and authenticity, coupled with the lively harmonica, creating an uplifting energy that rippled throughout the whole crowd.

When the opening chords of Spirit Bird filled the air, the crowd seemed to hold its breath. This song connects us to something ancient and sacred—our connection to the earth, to the spirit of life and to each other. The deeply grounding sound of the didgeridoo during this song added an ancient, almost spiritual element to the performance. The lyrics, “Spirit bird she creaks and groans / She knows she has seen this all before,” speak to the timeless connection between humanity and the earth. The sound of the didgeridoo felt like the voice of the earth itself, echoing through the trees and into our hearts.

Follow the Sun brought the night to a soulful, reflective close. The lyrics, “So follow, follow the sun, and which way the wind blows, when this day is done,” remind us all to embrace the present moment, to let go of all that no longer serves us, to trust the natural flow of life and to find peace in the simplicity of the moment. As the stars twinkled above and Xavier’s voice carried through the air, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude—for the music, the people, the earth and the journey we are all on together.

This performance was made even more special because I shared it not just with my love and family, but also with those I consider part of my soul family. There is something about music, especially live music, that draws people together in a way that transcends words. Last night we were all connected by the songs, the energy, and the collective experience of Xavier’s Freedom Sessions. United by the energy of the moment and the feeling of connection and unconditional love was palpable, as if the entire crowd was breathing in sync with the rhythm of the earth and the music.

As I reflect on the night, I realise that it wasn’t just about the music; it was about the evolution and growth we all felt, both individually and collectively. The wisdom of the crows, the warmth of the sun, the laughter of the kookaburras, and the stars that filled the velvet night sky—all of these elements seemed to align with the magic Xavier created on stage.

As we move through the growth of spring here in Australia, the energy of last night continues to flow. There is so much magic around us, on this island we call home, surrounded by the sea, and sometimes it takes moments like these—where music speaks to our soul—to remind you of just how beautiful this world really is. The messages of Xavier, his values of community, connection and respect for the earth, resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. It was a night that felt like a true celebration of life and a reminder to live with open hearts and open minds. The music not only touched my soul but also left me feeling connected, alive, and ready to carry this energy forward into the days ahead. I will carry this energy forward—singing, dancing and feeling the songs of Xavier Rudd as they continue to be a part of my journey.

Xavier Rudd’s Freedom Sessions Tour at Bar on the Hill was more than a performance—it was a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world and within each of us. His music truly touches the soul, offering healing, connection and inspiration.

I left last night with a full heart, knowing that we are living in a world filled with magic, and it is up to all of us to continue spreading the energy and love. A testament to how music, especially songs like this with positive, loving, high-energy messages unite people from diverse backgrounds in a shared emotional experience.

As the stars filled the night sky and the music carried us into the future, one thing was clear: we are all part of something much greater, and we are all deserving of the freedom to dream, to connect and to live fully and unapologetically. There truly is so much magic all around us, and this night was a reminder of that. We are living in a beautiful world, filled with endless possibilities for connection, love, and transformation. The music of Xavier Rudd continues to remind me to stay grounded, to stay open and to embrace the flow of life.

Xavier Rudd’s Freedom Sessions at Bar on the Hill was more than just another music gig—it was a celebration of life, unity, and the power of music to heal and inspire. His songs have become part of the soundtrack to my life, guiding me through moments of all kinds. As I continue to sing, dance, and feel the music, I know that this energy will stay with me, growing and evolving, just as the seasons shift and the world continues to turn. 🌿☀️

I was called to share some questions for you to reflect on.

How does music influence your connection with others?

In what ways do you find freedom through music?

What was a concert that profoundly impacted you, and why?

How does the setting of a concert influence your perception of the music played? Does a natural backdrop enhance your experience?

Can you recall recall a particular song or performance that dramatically changed your outlook on life or mood?

Have you ever discovered something new about yourself or your musical tastes during a concert?

How does music inspire you to think or act differently about your community or the environment?

What emotions did you experience most strongly during the concert, and how do you think the music brought them to the surface?

In what ways do you feel the concert environment helped foster a sense of community among the audience?

How has your perspective on the role of music in environmental or social activism shifted after attending this concert?

Reflect on a time when music served as a tool for healing or transformation in your life. How does this compare to the experiences shared at the concert?

I have also included some questions for those of you who were part of the crowd for the Freedom Sessions Tour….

After experiencing the concert, how do you feel about the future of live music in fostering change and connection?

How does the message of unity and connection from Xavier Rudd inspire you to look at your relationships with others?

How do you see yourself incorporating the energy of freedom, peace, and connection from the concert into your daily life?

What song lyrics from the concert linger in your body, mind & heart and why do you think they resonate with you so much?

During the concert, did you have a moment where you felt completely in tune with the crowd? Describe that experience.

How does the music of Xavier Rudd inspire you to think or act differently about your community or the environment?

These questions are designed to encourage personal reflection while helping you think about the broader implication of music in your life, communities and the world around you.

I look forward to hearing your reflections below.