THE dreadlocks are cut and the backing band is gone - but they're not the only things different about musician Ash Grunwald.

The popular blues performer will also be bringing a new sound to Magnums tomorrow night when he tours his latest album, Now.

"The new album is a lot rockier and more psychedelic than my other stuff," he said.

"This is my ninth album and I worked with a great producer who has worked with Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen, which was great."

Grunwald, who has been making music for 15 years, said he was going back to his "one-man-band" roots in the Now tour.

"That's what made my career, doing that kind of thing," he said.

"I play drums with my feet, with my Farmer foot drum, which lets me play snare, bass, harmonica, hand shakers - everything.

"It's really difficult but it's really fun. I love it."

The much-loved musician said his latest album was inspired by personal experiences as well as issues that were important to him.

"It documents this point in my life and there's a lot about coal-seam gas mining and how big multinational corporations are taking over as well," he said.

"It's very personal but there are also some booty-shaking songs on there."

Ash Grunwald's 28-date national tour will hit Magnums Hotel in Airlie Beach tomorrow.

"I'll be playing a selection of old and new stuff, so it should be a good kind of party."

GOT THE BLUES?

What: Ash Grunwald's Now tour

Where: Magnums Hotel

When: Friday, October 23, 8pm

Tickets: $20, available at the door or through http://www.moshtix.com.au