Russell 2.0, the latest evolution in the R&B soundscape that has captured hearts and topped charts across commercial radio and the Billboard top ten. Renowned for his soulful vocals and modern flair, Russell is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer with an impressive track record, having penned and produced eight #1 hits with various major industry artists. With Russell 2.0, experience a fresh interpretation of R&B that seamlessly blends rich melodies with contemporary beats, creating a unique auditory experience. Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?
Russell 2.0: At the age of five, my father entered me into a talent show, at some dive country bar on the east side of Cleveland. He played the bass his entire life, and all of my uncles were musicians as well. At the time, I didnโt understand what they would try to teach or influence me with, probably because I didnโt want to be a country artist. However, looking back, they were incredible and very influential.
2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration? How has that shaped your unique approach to your craft?
Russell 2.0: I was an excellent basketball player. In the summer of 1995, I was the starting shooting guard on a traveling AAU team. The regional championship game was held in Chicago, where in the finals, I was guarding the opposite teams shooting guard. He and I had very intense battles and at the time did not like one another. That person was R. Kelly. During the game, every time he got the ball, I would say to him; โI want a songโ, and to my surprise, at the end of the tournament, we went to his music studio and began working on songs together. Although I did not have any formal training, my desire to be in the music industry pushed me to where I am today.
3. Who were some of the most influential figures in your early musical life, and how did they inspire your sound? Also, whatโs the story behind choosing the name โRussell 2.0โ?
Russell 2.0: I didnโt really have any specific influential figures. I really enjoy all genres of music and respect others. Perhaps itโs because I know how much work goes into completing even one song. After Robert and I finished his song, I believe I can fly, everyone knows he experienced major legal troubles. As I decided to get back into music during Covid, I wanted a different name and with โRussell 2.0โ, it signifies a new and better version, leaving behind my days with Jive Records.
4. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?
Russell 2.0: I write and produce all of my own songs. When I compose a track, it is always original. My music typically has a romantic theme with just a touch of hip-hop. Eight of my ten songs are about women Iโve dated. The other two I came up with from the words on a T-shirt, that an engineer was wearing during a session. I donโt write anything down per se, I just compose all of the words from memory or something visual thatโs in front of me. Historically, some of the greatest songs ever are about normal, every day situations in life.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as R&B?
Russell 2.0: I never experienced a phase of trying to be someone else or sound like others. Itโs very important to be honest with yourself on what youโre able to do. For example, I recognized early on the capabilities of my vocal range and I became very comfortable with that. There are so many incredible singers out there, and Iโm happy for them all. Personally, I like to stay in my pocket because if we want to truly enjoy success, we have to be able to perform the songs. Social media and the Internet are great tools, however to really take a music career to the next level, performances are a must.
6. Music often transcends entertainment. Whatโs your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles โ and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
Russell 2.0: This is a great question. I enjoy music and songs that are non-social vehicles. When an artist is adamant about something and sings or plays with conviction, itโs to be respected but Iโm not a big fan of it. We have all seen the progression of an artist who goes from really good to great, and then they begin to incorporate their beliefs into their music. If it has a theme of helping others, Iโm all about it. Otherwise, I donโt engage in or listen to that style of music.
7. Do you feel the rewards of your musical career match the energy and passion you invest in it, or are there different kinds of fulfillment youโre still seeking?
Russell 2.0: Yes, the rewards are incredible. Currently I have 17.2 million streams of my songs internationally. That for me is mind blowing. But I remember when I only had 52 streams and it felt just as good. One of the big advantages of being an independent artist today is that there are so many areas that we are responsible for as artist, and when youโre working or trying to promote yourself or releasing a new song, etc., the feeling of being in the game, so to speak, is unbelievable. Itโs just as satisfying to upload a new and better profile picture then the release of a song.ย
8. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, whatโs the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?
Russell 2.0: As I mentioned earlier, most of my songs have been inspired by something as simple as a DM on Instagram or maybe a romantic moment during a date night. Then from memory, recall, I would write a song about that particular woman or moment. With my style, and I am critical of myself sometimes, the most essential part is when you step up to that microphone in the vocal booth, and you havenโt written anything down yet you have to deliver a great hook, versus and compose that song.
9. Whatโs been the most challenging hurdle in either your personal life or music career, and how has it shaped you as an artist?
Russell 2.0: I think the challenging days are long gone because an independent artist with ambition and drive can take their musical career as far as they want. If we all go out and work really hard, use social media, combined with old school industry, everyone can all enjoy a high level of success.
10. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And letโs talk about your latest release and future plans.
Russell 2.0: Winning a Grammy award was huge at age 15. Iโm really proud of all my current songs though and itโs been very rewarding to work and see the songs grow. If someone were to look on my TikTok account, for example, I have so many videos that were made by beautiful people all over the world. Itโs cool to learn about other cultures and countries. Currently, I am promoting my song, Rich Man and on May 21st, I am releasing a new EP.
11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
Russell 2.0: I havenโt experienced much of that. But what helps me, is I engage with and show gratitude to anyone who is supporting me. Being kind to others is never going to go out of style. As far as haters or anyone critical, please take your energy elsewhere. We like to keep things positive on all Russell 2.0 platforms.
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