IN CONVERSATION WITH RUSS

interview MAREK BARTEK

Multi-platinum artist, producer and The New York Times best-selling author Russ just released his new single ‘Win’. He is currently gearing up for the ‘it was you all along’ tour, which will kick off September 1st in Lisbon, Portugal. The 20-city tour will hit London, Milan, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin and more before wrapping up on November 17th in Stockholm, Sweden. Russ also recently debuted his own clothing line inspired by his chart-topping album ‘Santiago’, which launched at the KidSuper Brooklyn storefront.

One of your latest singles ‘Win’ was chosen through fan voting on your ‘Russworld’ platform as the next drop. You recently released another single “Fendi Bucket,” this way. How has this fan-first approach influenced your music career and the way you interact with your audience?

It’s made so that everyone wins. I get to put out something I love, and the fans get something that the majority of them love, too. It also organically rolls out the song and curates momentum and excitement in a connected authentic way with my fans.

What was the inspiration behind ‘Win’?

Just wanted to make a bop.

Can you tell us more about the ‘Russworld’ platform and how it came to be? What has been the fan response so far, and how do you see it evolving in the future?

I just wanted a place where I could reach my supporters directly, instead of using the middle man (social media). The evolution is an app that has a bunch of built-in features.

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top & pants ETRO
shoes VERSACE
accessories TALENT’S OWN
right
top & pants GREG LAREN
shoes DOLCE & GABBANA
jewelry ICED LONDON

You recently wrapped up a fully sold-out North American tour. What was the highlight of that tour for you, and how did the experience of performing in front of packed arenas compare to previous tours?

The highlight was doing it sober, to be honest. It was the first tour I ever did without having a sip of alcohol. Not to mention it was the biggest tour I’ve done, too, just as far as ticket sales. So, overall it was a really big symbol of progress for me personally and business-wise.

Your upcoming ‘it was you all along’ tour will take you to major cities across the UK and Europe. Are there any particular cities or venues you’re especially excited about, and why?

I haven’t done a Europe tour since 2018 and I’m just excited to get back out there. The venues are smaller than I usually do because I’ve lost some support due to cancelling, which is okay. I’m looking forward to building the base back up out there and planting the seeds all over again. It’s gonna be fun as hell to be back in small rooms though because those shows are usually more turnt.

Your European tour is named after your second book ‘it was you all along’, which has already became a bestseller. What inspired you to write this book, and how do you feel it differs from your first book ‘It’s All in Your Head’?

My life experiences and my own journey inspired me to write this one. After getting into therapy, I did a lot of excavation and this book and its depth are a result of that. The first book I wrote, “It’s All in Your Head,” is amazing for trying to achieve your dreams. “It was you all along” is more about what’s beneath the surface and goes in depth on why I am the way that I am and just overcoming super vulnerable hurdles.

Your latest album ‘Santiago’ explores themes of self-approval and self-worth. Can you share more about the personal journey that influenced this album and how you’ve navigated the challenges of seeking validation from others?

I used to just put my self-worth in the approval of others. Nothing was ever enough though and I hit rock bottom and had to start the process of finding self-love and self-approval. It’s an everyday thing but I think that album is going to help people for a long, long time.

top & shorts GREG LAREN
shoes AXEL ARIGATO
accessories BURBERRY
jewelry TALENT’S OWN

In addition to your music and books, you’ve also launched a clothing line inspired by your album ‘Santiago’. How did the idea for the clothing line come about, and what does it mean to you to merge your music with fashion?

I love fashion and I just love creating and using different mediums to express myself. I’m amped about the collection and the future of it. We had a launch event at the KidSuper store earlier this summer and it was amazing to watch the fans come check out the collection and celebrate with us.

Your music often reflects your personal experiences and growth. How do you decide which aspects of your life to share in your songs and public projects, and how do you balance vulnerability with maintaining your privacy?

I don’t really keep anything to myself. Everything I’m going through I put in the music because the music is my creative side attempting to make sense of all the other sides of me.

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top & pants LIEM HOMME
shoes JORDAN’S
jewelry ICED LONDON
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shirt SILENCE
necklace ICED LONDON

You’ve been a strong advocate for independent artists through your label Diemon. How has launching Diemon changed your perspective on the music industry, and what advice would you give to aspiring independent artists?

My advice for artists is to decide what they want to achieve and then reverse engineer. Artists have to be honest with themselves and honest with the level of work they’re willing to put in.

With over 22 billion streams and numerous achievements in your career, how do you keep yourself motivated and continue to push boundaries in your music and other creative realms? What’s next on the horizon for you that you can share with us?

Progress is the ultimate pursuit and as long as I’m breathing I’m motivated by the idea of progress. What’s next? Progress.

TEAM CREDITS

talent RUSS
photographer TYLER PATRICK KENNY
stylist GLORIA JOHNSON
groomer TRACY LOVE
studio techs RENO RONQUILLO, MADI SILEO & TERESA KENNY
styling assistant SHAWN BOAKYE
pr VIV
editor TIMI LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
special thanks to BLONDE AND CO. NYC for the great space and ANN MULLER for the hospitality