Years ago, you’d find Rudd surrounded by a multitude of instruments on stage – djembes, harmonicas, guitars, didgeridoos – playing each one to create his unique sound of folk and rock tunes laced with Aboriginal roots. With a calling in music to follow, he’s marched around the world singing his soul and sinking his sound. 13 years later he’s picked up along the trail members from Africa, Australia and Europe to create the band: The United Nations.

“I’ve always wanted to do it. It felt like the right time in every way,” Rudd proclaimed. “I put it out to the universe and it came together organically. It was meant to be.”

Rudd took to his new role of band leader, aptly. Although the Nanna recording process was slightly different from his solo records, it’s still his music and what he’s been jivin’. “It was more based on rehearsals before studio. Other records were based on me bringing other musicians in, or recording the whole thing myself. [On Nanna] I wrote all of the songs, and then there was creative input [from the United Nations]. I’d have a part in my head and we’d jam it out.”

Like Rudd’s previous albums, Nanna is a step beyond the last. It’s in a similar vein, with his rootsy flavors and island vibes, but Nanna encapsulates a more worldly and reggae approach, with each band member stirring in their own ethnic seasoning, creating the collaborative zest Rudd mentioned.

On single “Come People”, Rudd sings with urgency over an infectious reggae rhythm and stimulating chord progressions that bring listeners to their feet. The song carries into track, “Sacred”, with more insistence and a soaring flute solo that floats atop a vocal that could point to a Mecca.

“I don’t aspire to sound like anything. It just comes from me. [Nanna] exceeded all of my expectations and it’s been a real journey.”

Like a little boy welcoming his new friends to play with his toys, members of The United Nations have taken an instrument from Rudd’s signature sound-console. Expanding the band has created a fuller sound and added a plethora of color, with each player repping their roots in global garbs.

From former Rudd shows, the setup is different but the message remains and it’s evident Rudd’s still following his calling. Now, he’s more than following, but leading the way. “I always feel like the music is six months ahead of me. We’re always playing catch-up.”

Xavier Rudd & The United Nations play at The Beachland Ballroom & Tavern May 7.