Paul Russell
Los Angeles based Hip-hop/R&B artist Paul Russell is looking to change the game in 2020. The writer and producer started his musical journey during middle school and has seemingly hasn’t stopped since. He is an incredibly talented lyricist, both rapping and singing on top of his catchy and melodic beats. Russell’s 2017 debut single “Youth,” a collaboration with Jet Trouble, put the artist on the map with over 315 thousand Spotify listens. The rapper followed this success with 2 albums, 3 EPs, and 11 more singles. It’s a musical blueprint that’s earned the artist over 4 million Spotify streams. Hits like “Friends (with Ruslan)” and “Kalamazoo (featuring Jon Keith and TROSSTHEGIANT)” showcase his unique genre bending ability. His most recent single, “facetime (4G LTE),” featuring Kuwada, earned him an impressive place on Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” playlist. We recently spoke with Paul about his music style, plans for the future, and more!
How did you start making music?
I think I first began making music in middle school. A lot of the kids would have rap battles in the school hallways and I was terrible but still tried it anyway. Eventually a group of friends and I, from the rap battles, began recording songs at home and sending them back and forth. Over time, I just made more and more music until I eventually released a little EP on iTunes in high school. When I got to college, I met a couple guys working on starting their own record label— they heard my EP and offered to help me book some local gigs and pay for distribution stuff for a couple years. I’ve been making music ever since!
You’ve got 3 words to describe your music. Which are you choosing?
Happy, Melodic, Anthropology - my day job is largely about studying cultural shifts, so a lot of my more recent music is inspired by what I see there. So in my most recent song, “facetime (4g LTE)”, I talk about our dissatisfaction with digital relationships, which is something I think about a lot at work.
Who are you working with in your dream collab?
Tom Misch - I think he does a really great job of blending musical styles. And I’m a big fan of the jazz-influenced guitar stuff he does.
Dream venue?
One of my favorite YouTube videos is of a concert at the Paris Museum of Modern Art. I think that’d be amazing.
Favorite non-music activities?
I really like hiking and being in nature. And watching reality TV.
What do you think you'd be doing if it wasn't for music?
Well considering that I have a day job, I think I’d be doing that! At the brand consultancy, my role is mostly doing research on the intersection of business and culture. One day I’d love to become a Venture Capitalist and invest in these sorts of companies. In the past, I’ve worked at a startup incubator and written about tech innovation, so the entrepreneurship scene is definitely my second passion.
What’s next for you?
Right now I’m just working on writing as much music as possible seeing where it goes. I want to put together a marketing team and try to push things to the next level for my music, just gotta figure out the right timing.