Russell.
From 2017 to 2021 I created an art project around electronic music. The objective was to release a number of Micro Albums (EPs) and build a full live show around that music. The style of music was Progressive Techno and the intention was to combine audio, video and design in an interesting way.
The style I was going for was a mix between early Garnier and The Chemical Brothers. Loads of energy, but with a modern progressive techno twist.
Tools of choice were Logic, Ableton, Arturia V Collection, Omnisphere and Trilian.
My overarching goal, was just to play one full live gig of this music to a sold out crowd.
first release OCT 2017
Shaded – This Function (Russell remix)
Russell makes his musical debut on RUKUS with his remix of ?This Function?. With granularized vocals as the backdrop, this is a journey of strings, distant arpeggiators and rhythmic chords, all held together by a driving bass line.? Below Low? brings a new sound to the label, and SHADED is an exciting, and welcome addition to the RUKUS family.
Release support
Here you can see legendary DJ, Laurent Garnier playing this song at a Resident Advisor event. For me above all else, that was what made this release a success!!!!
Warcall EP
Artwork by russell
BLURB: The title track ‘Warcall’ is a dark, suspenseful techno cut. With atmospheric pads, haunting synths and a bounding crescendo, this is a masterpiece already igniting the dance-floors. In ‘Kovas’, Russell builds momentum with a powerful rolling bass and percussive beat, contrasted with uplifting string riffs. ‘Warcall’ highlights Russell as one of this year’s rising stars and one to watch.
At the time I was experimenting with cinematic music within another musical project. Inception was also a big movie around that time and that big deep brass sound provided a lot of the impact around that score. So, I incorporated into the song with really good effect. I also continued the orchestral influence on the EP’s BSide.
Remixes by
Eats Everything
Eats Everything steps up to remix ‘Kovas.’ An electro-inspired top line merges with a restless bass and building percussion, resulting in glorious, rhythmic flair.
Coyu
Coyu certainly puts his stamp on ‘Warcall’, producing a thunderous peak time techno stomper with an unforgettable breakdown that cuts straight to the musical core.
Joran Van Pool
Joran van Pol takes creative distortion to a whole new level with his rework, creating a cinematic cut with industrial elements alongside a nod to the original chords.
Youtube Premier
Recorded and edited by Russell
Simple DJ setup and play through of music mixed with serene visuals of Sutton in Dublin. Shot on a Canon 550d with multiple lens sizes just before dusk, as I wan’t it to transition from day to dusk over the course of the video.
Additional releases
Both released 2018 – artwork design by russell/lee cullen
Monasterio (RMX)
Label favourite Russell returns, reworking ‘Monasterio’ with gritty, driving bass and plucky synths. Climbing arps herald scattered, raindrop notes and urgent, purposeful melody, closing out the ep with an uplifting resoluteness.
The Wager
A no nonsense, floor filling stomper ‘The Wager’. Hi-hats well to the fore, the track pulsates with pacy, rhythmic bass and enigmatic synth lines. Sharply punctuated vocal stabs sit on top of polished musical crescendos and playfully call for the ear’s attention.
Music creation
22 tracks created over 2 years
All of my spare time was spent making as much music as I could. Before I could begin practicing playing live music, I needed live music to play.
For the examples below I have generated artwork using Dall-E. Almost all of these tracks are unreleased in the typical sense as their sole purpose was to aid in the construction of a unique live music experience.
Live practice sessions
Experimenting with audio and video
Final result
After two years of preparation I finally got to play a live gig to a sell out crowd. Playing at Akvarium in Budapest to 1300 people. I found the experience to be both stressful and enjoyable. It was great thou to build something over the course of two years and then see a crowd respond to it.
<<<< I recorded the set on the night, enjoy.