Richard Russell, a London-born music mogul, joined XL Recordings in 1991, rising to prominence by signing iconic artists like Dizzee Rascal, MIA, and Adele. His production career kicked off with the rave hit “The Bouncer” in 1992, culminating in notable collaborations, including the celebrated album “I’m New Here” with Gil Scott-Heron, and recently, his project Everything Is Recorded released “Temporary,” featuring talents such as Sampha and Florence Welch.
1. YouTube: “Hot Ones” is a unique series where celebrities attempt to devour progressively spicier chicken wings, often leading to hilarious moments. Recently, Conan O’Brien displayed his comedic genius, turning the format upside down by excessively dousing himself in hot sauce. It was a masterclass in subverting expectations—viewing it while snacking on crisps made for an entertaining experience!
2. Album: Tyler, the Creator’s latest work, “Chromakopia,” showcases his evolutionary artistry. Known for his self-production, Tyler’s depth and creativity shine through, especially in tracks like “Sticky”—a standout that, once heard on the radio, drew me into its unique rhythm. Listening to it while driving through LA was nothing short of exhilarating.
3. Book: “How to Wreck a Nice Beach” by Dave Tompkins is a gem that surpasses expectations. The title, a play on “How to recognise speech,” explores the fascinating history of the vocoder. Originally designed for military communications, it crossed over to music with artists like Roger Troutman, as Tompkins weaves a narrative that is both poetic and infused with humour.
4. Hobby: Napping often carries a stigma, labelled as lazy or unproductive, yet I find it to be crucial for boosting productivity. A brief 20-minute nap in the afternoon revitalises me, especially useful for combating jet lag. My workplace even has a daybed for this purpose, proving that rest can be an integral part of a work routine.
5. Street: Cecil Court in London is a quiet haven amidst the city’s chaos. Lined with charming antiquarian bookshops, it’s a treasure trove—Watkins Books offers a deep inventory in spiritual subjects, while Tenderbooks has a modern twist focused on art and music literature. This street holds a special allure, inviting all to explore its literary wonders.
6. Coffee Shop: The Coffee Plant on Portobello Road is my go-to coffee stop, boasting the strongest brew around. The vibrancy of Portobello comes alive within its walls, filled with an eclectic crowd of regulars. Despite recent ownership changes, its charm remains intact—and the once scruffy toilet update has even earned it the whimsical title of “Beyoncé’s Bathroom.”
Richard Russell, a key figure in music, launched his career at XL Recordings and now celebrates new projects like Everything Is Recorded. In this article, he shares highlights from YouTube series “Hot Ones,” Tyler, the Creator’s album, an insightful book on vocoders, the merits of napping, a quaint street full of bookshops, and a beloved coffee haunt.
In summary, Richard Russell’s diverse cultural tastes range from humorous YouTube moments to innovative music and enlightening literature. He champions rest through napping, extols the virtues of charming streets like Cecil Court, and savours the robust offerings of local coffee shops. Each aspect reflects his unique perspective on the multifaceted world of creativity and inspiration.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
