“For A While”, August 27th, is the third official single from Alice Russell’s fifth album ‘To Dust’, which dropped in February to immense acclaim including BBC 6Music Album of the Day.
This single comes amid a worldwide surge in attention for Alice Russell. Still fresh in the minds of thousands, the feted singer’s triumphant Friday evening set on Glastonbury Festival’s West Holts Stage was filmed by the BBC for high billing online and on the Red Button, as well as being recorded for 6Music . Commanding a huge crowd with her inviting charm, stunning soul vocal talent and rock star energy, alongside her eight-strong posse of musicians and backing singers, the diminutive diva won over a new fanbase to add to her already high renown. Her visit to the festival also saw her in demand for major interviews including The Guardian and Virtual Festivals.
In combining the vocal prowess and raw emotional potency of classic soul with a forward-looking and experimental openness, Alice Russell has become known as a true breath of fresh air.“For A While” sees Russell and producer TM Juke drawing on their eclectic influences for a song that pushes the boundaries of soul music. Introduced by a lilting keyboard bassline, the attention-grabbing, boogie-inducing track builds with multi-layered vocals and a volley of melodic hooks, calling to mind gospel choirs and ‘90s R ‘n’ B groups in equal measure.
‘To Dust’ has attracted a slew of positive media coverage, and heavy airplay on BBC 6Music, Radio 2, KCRW and beyond. Numerous live radio sessions include turns for Gilles Petersonand Craig Charles in BBC 6Music Live At Maida Vale; as well as Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2), Robert Elms (BBC London), The Selector, Loose Ends (BBC R4), and interviews includeHuey Morgan (BBC 6Music), the 6Music Lunchtime Show, Echoes, DJ Mag, Blues & Soul and more. In addition to her aforementioned TV debut, Russell’s recent US tour saw her performing a host of major radio sessions, and fuelling demand for a much larger-scale tour this Autumn (dates to be announced).
‘To Dust’ marks the next step forward in a remarkable career which has seen Alice Russell universally acknowledged as one of the best voices of our time. Highly in demand, she has guested on Talking Heads leader David Byrne’s solo LP, to add to work with Mr Scruff, Quantic, DJ Yoda and Nostalgia 77. But it’s the solo records with TM Juke that she is best known for. Tru Thoughts signed ‘To Dust’ for territories including the UK, Americas, Australasia and Japan; reuniting Alice Russell with the label that introduced her to the world, where shereleased her first three albums plus many collaborations (including the 6Music Playlisted “Look Around The Corner” with Quantic in 2012).
Catch Alice Russell at more festivals this Summer including WOMAD and Shambala; Autumn tours TBA soon.