At the end of July I had the pleasure of sitting in the assembly hall at Montgomery High School for the start of the year seven literary festival. The school had a variety of creative types to describe their career and show how the English language helps them in what they do. As well as a very funny comedian, a go-getter journalist and a flash advertising copy-writer (and me, representing the poetry posse) there was the rather special singer/song-writer, Russ Erwin. He didn’t talk a lot on the stage, he used his time up there to blow us away instead. Mesmeric, gentle, emotive – he is all these things. When he starts to sing it’s as if an enchantment falls across the room, dropping every person present into a private contemplation. I thought you might like to meet him so I interviewed him.
Why Music?
I’m not fully sure, I just have such a hunger for it. It feels like it really fits, nothing else gives me that same feeling. I think after a while you can’t imagine life without it, well I can’t anyway – it’s sort of become a thirst.
What’s your proudest achievement?
I was featured in The Gazette, which really gave me a bit of hope that I could have a career in music, that’s probably the achievement I’m most proud of.
Which musicians inspire you?
I find my inspiration is mostly driven from experiences. I feel musicians help me more towards developing as an artist. I really love the production of Damien rice, The Civil Wars, Ray Lamontagne – people like that.
Do you have a recurring theme?
I can’t seem to write a happy song so I suppose that would be a theme.
Where would you most like to perform?
I really quite like the more intimate gigs. Of course I wouldn’t say no to somewhere like the Apollo.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
It’s never really crossed my mind yet. Maybe The Civil Wars, and my friend Karima Francis – I think that would be nice.
What events do you have coming up?
The Castle Hotel in Manchester I think that’s on 19 July . They’re all on my website.
There you go – that’s Blackpool’s Russ Erwin. Pretty neat huh? Let’s collectively pester him until he records an album.
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