Russell Stewart shares stunning new single Inward
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Glasgow’s own purveyor of shimmering alt-soul sounds, Russell Stewart, has shared his stunning new single Inward. A lush medley of sound and emotion, the release showcases Russell’s mesmerising talent at its very best and coincides with the announcement of his headline show at Glasgow’s King Tuts on 18th November.
Inward is the second track to be taken from a forthcoming EP, ‘Into View’, and follows its lead single Align which dropped last month. Co-written and produced by Stuart Ramage and Roan Ballantine of the band Vanives, mastered by Robin Sutherland, with cover art from Scottish designer TAXMAN, the new single is a poignant and cathartic meditation on friendship as a guiding light from the darkest emotions. “This wake up call is overdue,” Russell’s ethereal vocals glide over warm synths, opening the blinds and engulfing the listener in the track’s own sonic sunshine.
Speaking on the track, Russell said: “Inward is about getting pulled back from being in your own head and feeling stuck at a low point with insecurities and doubt. It’s an ode to the friends, community and the people you meet that bring you out and help you through. The idea came from when I was struggling through a low point, but went to a festival and had such a beautiful night of friends, music and connection that it put things in perspective and brought me out of the dip.”
Borrowing its title from a lyric in Inward’s chorus, “Into View” is also the last words to be sung on the forthcoming EP, unveiling a new musical period in Russell’s life. Curated from a range of influences including NAO, Lianne La Havas, FKA Twigs and Nick Hakim, the Glaswegian alt-soul artist creates a sound that is evocative and intricately written with an electronic flourish. After entering the scene in 2019 with his debut single Midsummer, Russell garnered over 3 million streams and a place on Spotify’s ‘Our Generation Class of 2020’. His second single Citrus gained support from both BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 1’s Introducing shows with its liberating, off-kilter outburst of slick synths and potent lyrical jabs.
After spending 2021 honing his sound and live performances, Russell has been busy playing shows including playing with VanIves for their album launch and stunning sets from Eden Festival’s main stage, Kelburn Garden Party’s Pyramid Stage and Dunfermiline’s Outwith Festival. In May, Russell featured on producer Luke Jay’s energy charged debut single Nothing to Lose. Now, he’s looking forward to a hometown headline show on 18th November at King Tuts. Tickets on now.
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