In the world of Americana, four-times GRAMMY-nominated Allison Russell is one of the most compelling artists around. Here is recent single ‘Stay Right Here’ from the songwriter, poet, activist, and multi-instrumentalist. It’s taken from forthcoming album ‘The Returner’, due for release on 8th September 2023. With brilliant contributions to Birds of Chicago and Our Native Daughters, Russell was already an important artist. However, her acclaimed debut solo record, 2021’s ‘Outside Child’, was an incredible explosion of survivor’s joy, winning her a host of new fans and armfuls of awards. Suffice to say, the second album is eagerly awaited.
Russell is a hugely engaging performer and this song and video capture the energy and dynamism of her live shows. Simple but effective, the video shows her dancing with abandon amongst friends – her Rainbow Coalition – and it makes us want to move too. There’s a bit of Diana Ross and Gloria Gaynor in there, with an Allison Russell twist. Helping ‘Stay Right Here’ swell, the string arrangements were written by Larissa Maestro and feature Sista Strings. Russell’s voice is as powerful as ever, perfect for an anthem for change and positivity. She says of the song: “‘Stay Right Here’ is about resisting the siren songs of self-hatred, apathy and oblivion. It’s about fighting the nihilistic forces of bigotry, fear and fascism. Right here, right now. The good fight, good trouble, it’s a Freedom Song. It’s about leaning into the fierce Survivor’s Joy and the POWER of our worldwide rainbow coalition to reduce harm for all our children, for our planet, for all those yet to come. We are more than seeds – we’re the soil and the water – the good ancestors. Every one of us, equal under the sun— we shall not be overcome. Our Circle is STRONG.” It’s an important message that should resonate with people everywhere. In a right-thinking world, everyone should be filled with joy and should be dancing to this.
