Published: May 3, 2009 6:40 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight May 2009 Edition
Russell
Russell
The fact that this next artist is an amazing composer, songwriter and singer are added bonuses to the super talents of Russell. He is making music that is classical and meaningful. And when one begins to hear him sing, he/she will instantly melt away. Check out this recent spotlight that Russell completed with our Webzine. Enjoy!
Isaac: Hi, Welcome to your interview with Junior's Cave. Now that 2008 has officially ended, what are your reflections of the year 2008 for you as an artist?
Russell: Hi Isaac, thanks for the interview. 2008 represents the start of my musical journey as an artist in the public eye. Over the last 4 years, I have been working quietly on my album and most people and friends have not been aware that I was busy with a CD. It has also been a bit of a relief that I have finally let go and released my work. I also shifted my focus from writing and creating music to finding ways to distribute and market my CD.
Isaac: What has drawn you to wanting to make music?
Russell: As a young teenager, I spent a lot of time on my own and music has always been and is still like a companion to me. It gives me the ability to amplify what I feel and give it a real physical presence in the world as a song. I love the power that music has to change the way people feel and potentially influence people positively.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Russell: I think the biggest influence would be Lionel Richie. Besides having a terrific voice, I love the depth and wholesomeness of his melodies. . His album "Can't Slow Down" with "Hello" came at a time when I also liked a woman and could relate to the words and video of this song. There have also many artists from the 80's which have influenced me.
Isaac: Lets talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Russell: To be honest, I am not sure what I am capable of bringing to the music industry. I say this because I do not know enough about what's out there in this vast ocean of talented artist. I am also at the beginning of my musical journey and open to anyone and anything that may spark the direction I may take with the next song. So maybe the only thing I can think of right now is to create music which will vary from the expected norm. I hope to accomplish this by including the various genres that I am exposed to and experience.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Russell: Sorry for being predictable but it would be Lionel Richie. Besides the reason I have already given he has been consistent in his approach to the music he produces. His words are simple and delivers a message which most can connect with in everyday life.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Russell: I would describe it as listening music with a predominantly Up Tempo Jazzy Pop Beat from the 80's. As I was experimenting, I also included various genres like Latin (Do da Salsa), Ballads (Be my Valentine, wishful thinking), Gospel (God's love), Big Band (Beautiful), Caribbean (Everybody) and Dance (Some kind of woman).
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your previous releases?
Russell: This is my debut album.
Isaac: What can fans expect from your latest CD, you are working on currently? What is the inspiration behind the CD?
Russell: About 6 songs which were originally on my CD were swapped out for newer songs I wrote later for artist who performed on my album. My intention would be to include these songs on my next album but change the arrangement to fit in more with a more up tempo commercial pop sound. Most of these songs were inspired by the same 2 woman on my first album. I also hope to include a salsa song which we completed over a period of 8 months. My quest with any newer songs I write would be to include a combination of the genres Latin, Jazz, Funk, Pop and Reggaton.
Russell: I see 2009 as a time whereby I grow more as a performing artist then as a song writer. I hope to develop my guitar skills and on stage experience so that I can promote my album. I will continue to write songs but fewer. I would like to raise the quality of my song production by drawing on the expertise of other producers. My focus will be to try to write good songs then to complete an album.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans?
Russell: Yes, I must thank God for being merciful in giving me this opportunity to make a dream of mine come true and for sending people into my life to make it possible.
Isaac: Final words…
Russell: Thanks Isaac for the service you providing for independent artist.
