Russell Swallow is an intriguing singer/songwriter who manages to fuse folk style lyrics with electro beats. The fast rising star has just released his brand new single ‘Chemicals’ to mass critical acclaim;
And here we speak exclusively to Swallow about his new release, dream collaborations, future plans, and much, much more;
Growing up who inspired your love of music?
I remember my Mum playing The Beatles’ Helter Skelter, and being fascinated by Ringo screaming ‘I’ve got blisters on my fingers!’
Who are your musical icons?
I grew up listening to my Mum’s record collection, so initially Carole King, The Beatles, and then I discovered late night Rock TV and bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam changed my whole perspective on how you can write introspective personal lyrics but have an incredibly exciting sound. Now I find that same passion vs personal in artists like Bon Iver, Ry-X, and The National.
Have you always known you wanted to be a professional singer?
When I was a kid I was fascinated by sound, but I actually wanted to be an astronaut. How amazing would that be, to jet around the sole system and explore new worlds? With developments into commercial space flight we’re getting closer to a time when the public will be able to pay to go into the atmosphere. In the meantime, music allows me to explore and discover in its own way.
If you could collaborate with any artist who would you choose?
I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some great artists already – Kal Lavelle features on ‘Chemicals’, and I’m excited to have the extraordinary Kimberly Anne sing on ‘North London Girl’ on my next record. I would love to work with an artist like St. Vincent, who strives to push boundaries with their sounds, or with a group like The National, who create these epic worlds of sweeping grandeur but have this very personal, everyday style of commentary as the eye of the storm.
What is the main inspiration behind your new single ‘Chemicals’?
‘Chemicals’ is based on a personal experience. Of trying to connect with somebody emotionally/romantically, to explore with them, but feeling their hesitation, their fear, something from their own experience holding them back. It’s an attempt to nurture and inspire something more from within them- asking them to recognise the importance of taking risks and to try to go deeper, to feel more.
Do you have any tour plans lined up?
Yes, I’ll be back out on the road in Spring, and will have a few surprises for people in terms of the lineup and live sound. It will be more dynamic – from ethereal and intimate to percussive and beat driven.
Make sure you follow Russell on Twitter @russellswallow to keep up to date with all his latest music and tour news!
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