Ash Grunwald

Ash Grunwald came up in Sydney, where his father played folk music and passed along an acoustic guitar. He started releasing his own songs in the early 2000s, and his debut album 'Longtime' gave him a track that connected with listeners around Australia. That song, along with others like 'The Last Stand' and 'Walking,' carried a straightforward rock and blues feel that felt lived-in rather than polished.

He's written about social and environmental concerns in his music, which has sometimes drawn attention beyond the songs themselves. In 2011, one of his tracks was used in a political campaign and sparked some debate about musicians and activism. Grunwald kept recording and putting out albums like 'Morning Tea' and 'Fishing for Stars' through that period.

Around 2010, he dealt with a neurological condition that required physical therapy and interrupted his touring schedule. He worked through it and returned to playing shows. The music he makes still leans on guitar-driven arrangements and direct lyrics, without much studio gloss getting in the way.