ASH Grunwald is openly opinionated, naturally relaxed and forever seeking a groove.
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This year has been a busy one for the Australian blues and roots musician.
Grunwald toured his most recent album, Gargantua, protested against the growing coal seam gas mining movement, worked with many of the country's most influential musicians and still found time for a surf.
Ahead of his performance at Launceston's 2015 Basin Concert, the passionate singer said he would always work towards making music with feeling.
"I just loved that bluesy kind of sound and I like a groove," Grunwald said.
"Most of my songs have been always asking that question, what do you do with your life and how do we spend these few years that we have on this earth.
"The answer is usually some version of, live for the now, we don't know what's going to happen tomorrow but we do know what's going to happen now."
Through his music, the outspoken environmentalist said he felt it was his duty to publicise his protest against what he believed to be "Australia's biggest issue" - coal seam gas mining.
"I just wouldn't forgive myself if I didn't speak up.
"Australian people who are actually environmental refugees now have to leave their own properties that they've paid for.
"You see people lighting their tap water and kids with these slow, ghoulish nose bleeds."
Grunwald began to record his 11th album last week - an album he said was heavy on the drum, guitar and synth but sure to stick close to his environmental roots.
"I still don't know how it's going to turn out but I have a really strong feeling that it's going to be one of the better things that I've ever done."
A headliner of the Basin Concert, Grunwald said he was happy to return to Tasmania - one of the first places he ever toured.
"I always love Tassie and it's always a massive party," he said.
"I think I'd like to say I prefer the intimate shows but of course big festivals are sick.
"I've got great memories in Tassie, of some epic gigs at Falls Festival and there's nothing like it - I like that energy."
The Basics, Xavier Rudd, Reuben Koops, Emma Anglesy and Tash Parker and Younger Dryas are among the other acts at the New Year's Day concert.
Limited tickets are still available for the concert.
