ALLISON RUSSELL-INSPIRED ‘EVE WAS BLACK’ BALLET ADDED TO POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE GALA

GRAMMY AND JUNO AWARD WINNER ALLISON RUSSELL’S LATEST ALBUM, THE RETURNER, SHORT-LISTED FOR THE POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE

ALLISON RUSSELL-INSPIRED BALLET SET TO “EVE WAS BLACK” ADDED TO THE POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE GALA PERFORMANCES

WATCH THE POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE GALA ON CBC MUSIC - SEPTEMBER 17

ALLISON RUSSELL NAMED BILLBOARD CANADA WOMEN IN MUSIC BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR

ON TOUR NOW WITH HOZIER - TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

BUY / STREAM THE RETURNER HERE

“That same hope permeates the buoyant rhythm of The Returner and continues pushing Russell forward in pursuit of joy.”  - EXCLAIM!

“It was only a matter of time before she made her album for the ages. The Returner is that album.” - UNCUT (9 out of 10) 

“Allison Russell delivers soul-stirring show… She not only demonstrated her wonderful voice, laden with soul, gospel and raw emotion, but also showed she can play multiple instruments, including clarinet and banjo, and craft poignant songs in both official languages.” –
The Ottawa Citizen

"The Returner is a promise that Russell is giving back more than she's received, which has always felt like her ethos. The way the Montreal-raised singer lifts others up — fellow artists and fans alike — is a spiritual experience, no matter your convictions." - CBC Music

The Returner LP Artwork // DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES

Next week at the 2024 Polaris Music Prize Gala, viewers will have the opportunity to watch the seven-person Allison Russell-inspired ballet ‘Eve Was Black’. Fresh off Grammy Award and JUNO Award wins, and being named the Billboard Canada Women In Music Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Allison’s latest album, The Returner, is shortlisted for prestigious music prize. The gala is presented by CBC Music and takes place Tuesday, September 17 at Massey Hall in Toronto.

Set to the Grammy Award winning song “Eve Was Black,” from The Returner, the dance has evolved to center, comfort and celebrate people of African descent, particularly women, whose skin tones, features, and sheer existence has been weaponized, victimized and devalued for hundreds of years. It is a call for reclaiming and collective reframing of the narrative associated with Black people and communities of color worldwide.

WATCH / SHARE “EVE WAS BLACK” LYRIC VIDEO HERE

“‘Eve Was Black’ is an open letter to my abuser, but also to anyone suffering from the false ideology of white supremacy and other bigotries, whatever they may be. It’s also about how you can free yourself from that toxicity and way of thinking.” — Allison Russell

‘Eve Was Black’ was originally presented by the Nashville Ballet in association with the National Museum Of African American Music in 2021. The piece was choreographed by Caribbean Montrealer and Collage Dance’s artistic director Kevin Thomas and features music by Russell with support from SistaStrings. Nia Lyons from Collage Dance Collective will be performing the leading role at the Polaris Gala.

Thomas calls ‘Eve Was Black’ “an opportunity to continue the healing process within ourselves and our community in a way that honors and liberates us through the visceral performing arts.”

WATCH ALLISON RUSSELL’S IN DEPTH INTERVIEW ON CBC THE NATIONAL
WATCH ALLISON RUSSELL ON LATER…WITH JOOLS HOLLAND

WATCH ALLISON RUSSEL ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE

MORE ABOUT ALLISON RUSSELL
The Returner was written and co-produced by Allison along with dim star (her partner JT Nero and Drew Lindsay) and was recorded over Solstice week in December 2022 at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, CA. It features Russell’s “Rainbow Coalition” ensemble: Elenna Canlas, Elizabeth Pupo-Walker, Ganessa James, Joy Clark, Kerenza Peacock, Larissa Maestro, Mandy Fer (Sway Wild), Megan Coleman, Meg McCormick, SistaStrings (Chauntee & Monique Ross), Wendy & Lisa (Wendy Melvoin & Lisa Coleman aka The Revolution) and Wiktoria Bialic. 

Since the release of her debut solo LP in 2021, Outside Child, Russell’s often devastating, deeply moving, cathartic celebration of survivor’s joy has become one of the most acclaimed albums of the past 10 years. The second chapter, The Returner, a body-shaking, mind-expanding, soulful expression of liberation, love, and self-respect that serves as a fierce declaration of joy for all survivors that have made it to the other side. Allison, JT, and Drew, built The Returner from the bottom up with a rhythm-first, genre-fluid approach. The improvisational energy of great female artists sparked the album’s fierce joy, and provided a wider canvas for Allison’s immense, unlimited talent. In all, the new album doesn’t just deliver on the promise of the last two years, it exceeds all reasonable (and unreasonable) expectations and affirms Allison Russell’s place among music’s most vital artists⎯and The Returner, was one of 2023’s most essential recordings.

BUY / STREAM THE RETURNER HERE

Following a diverse career as a featured member of acclaimed bands including Po’ Girl, Birds of Chicago and Our Native Daughters, Russell finally dared to release her solo project in 2021. "It’s an album of strength and affirmation, not victimization,” said The New York Times in their profile on Russell and Outside Child. Following the album’s release, Russell performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Ellen, Late Night With Stephen Colbert, CBS Saturday Morning, Austin City Limits, The Kelly Clarkson Show made her Opry debut and appeared at the Country Music Hall of Fame and performed at the 2022 GRAMMY’s Premiere Ceremony.

The accolades for Russell have been immense. In addition to her GRAMMY Award, she has earned three 2022 Americana Award nominations and a win for Album of the Year, two International Folk Music Award wins, a 2022 JUNO Award nomination for ‘Songwriter of the Year,’ and her first-ever JUNO Award win for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year. Russell received two 2021 Americana Awards nominations, won three Canadian Folk Music Awards, two UK Americana Music Awards, and more. She was recently nominated for Song of the Year and Artist of the Year for the 2023 Americana Awards. In addition, Russell has consistently used her newfound platform to elevate, educate and inspire; curating the history making Once And Future Sounds: Roots and Revolution set for the Newport Folk Festival in 2021 and mobilizing this year’s triumphant Love Rising All-Star benefit concert in support of LGBTQIA+ causes in Nashville - raising over $550,000 and calling national attention to Tennessee’s dangerous anti-trans and anti-drag laws. Russell has also announced a book deal with Flatiron/MacMillan for her debut novel, a memoir based on her life and the material that inspired Outside Child and The Returner.

TOUR DATES
SEP 13, 2024 - Tucson Arena -Tucson, AZ %
SEP 14, 2024 - North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre -Chula Vista, CA %
SEP 15, 2024 - Whale Rock Music Festival - Templeton, CA %
SEP 17, 2024 - The Kia Forum - Inglewood, CA %
SEP 18, 2024 - The Kia Forum - Inglewood, CA %
SEP 20, 2024 - The Kia Forum - Inglewood, CA %
SEP 22, 2024 - Isleta Amphitheater - Albuquerque, NM %
SEP 24, 2024 - Frost Bank Center - San Antonio, TX %
SEP 26, 2024 - Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK %
SEP 28, 2024 - Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival - Franklin, TN
OCT 17, 2024 - Kia Forum - Inglewood, CA | Life Is a Carnival: A Musical Celebration of Robbie
Robertson
OCT 19, 20 - Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA | Joni Jam
APR 15, 2025 - Melbourne Recital Centre - Southbank, VIC
APR 17, 2025 - City Recital Hall - Sydney, Australia
APR 19, 20 - 2025 - Bluesfest Byron Bay - Byron Bay, NSW
APR 30, 2025 - Higher Ground Ballroom - South Burlington, VT
MAY 2, 2025 - Theatre of Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA
MAY 3, 2025 - Lincoln Theatre - Washington, DC
MAY 4, 2025 - Royale - Boston, MA
MAY 6, 2025 - Webster Hall - New York, NY
MAY 8, 2025 - The Vic Theatre - Chicago, IL
MAY 9, 2025 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN
MAY 12, 2025 - Gothic Theatre - Englewood, CO
MAY 13, 2025 - The Commonwealth Room - Salt Lake City, UT
MAY 15, 2025 - The Egyptian Theatre - Boise, ID
MAY 17, 2025 - Wonder Ballroom - Portland, OR
MAY 19, 2025 - The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
MAY 20, 2025 - Belasco Theater - Los Angeles, CA
MAY 23, 2025 - Scoot Inn - Austin, TX
MAY 24, 2025 - Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall - Fort Worth, TX
MAY 25, 2025 - The Heights Theater - Houston, TX

% -Supporting Hozier

MORE PRAISE FOR THE RETURNER

"Allison Russell proved to be the strongest vocalist over the two-day festival..." -
Glide Magazine

“With its increased twin focus on grooves and celebration, it might not be inaccurate to call the album a party, albeit with the understanding that the celebration is a hard-fought party.” - VARIETY

"Emblazoned with words as arrows, a banjo as her bow and her clarinet as an extension of her voice, Russell unapologetically wields the wind of her lived experience of violent abuse, sheer survival and remarkable redemption. The result is mesmerizing."- Post & Courier

“Allison Russell’s second solo album brings to mind a verse from the Bible: ‘Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.’ After reflecting on her escape from abuse on her 2021 breakout, Outside Child, Russell is celebrating her freedom on The Returner. The album has its heavy moments, but it’s largely brighter — and funkier.” - VULTURE

"The resilient songwriter maintains a throughline of gratitude with an impeccable knack for storytelling.  If you’re looking for an enduring album to seek refuge and celebrate the ambivalence of life, this one’s for you." - RANGE Magazine

“On her second album, The Returner, she delivers a sequel that holds togetherness at its heart as she delves into the personal and political.”  - THE LINE OF BEST FIT 

"Bolstered by a female-centric circle of VIPs and fuelled by defiant joy, the ascendant singer-songwriter grooves her way into the big leagues with this upbeat charmer." - Tinnitist

“The Returner, another powerful effort, also represents a next step in Russell’s career and life as she leaves her trauma in the past and steps forward in what she calls “fierce joy.” - POLLSTAR

"It takes a village to make deep, meaningful change in the world around you, and Russell is ready to build that village from the ground up.” - BILLBOARD

ALLISON RUSSELL ONLINE
WEBSITE
TWITTER
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
YOUTUBE
FANTASY RECORDS 

GRAMMY AWARD WINNER ALLISON RUSSELL BRINGS MULTI JUNO AWARD NOMINATED ALBUM ON CROSS CANADA TOUR

ALLISON RUSSELL WINS GRAMMY AWARD FOR BEST AMERICAN ROOTS PERFORMANCE AND NOMINATED FOR THREE JUNO AWARDS, BEGINS COAST TO COAST CANADIAN TOUR ON FEBRUARY 23 WITH SPECIAL GUEST AYSANABEE 

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES WITH HOZIER AND TYLER CHILDERS BEGIN APRIL 20

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

BUY / STREAM THE RETURNER HERE

“That same hope permeates the buoyant rhythm of The Returner and continues pushing Russell forward in pursuit of joy.”  - EXCLAIM!

“It was only a matter of time before she made her album for the ages. The Returner is that album.” - UNCUT (9 out of 10) 

“Allison Russell delivers soul-stirring show… She not only demonstrated her wonderful voice, laden with soul, gospel and raw emotion, but also showed she can play multiple instruments, including clarinet and banjo, and craft poignant songs in both official languages.” –
The Ottawa Citizen

"The Returner is a promise that Russell is giving back more than she's received, which has always felt like her ethos. The way the Montreal-raised singer lifts others up — fellow artists and fans alike — is a spiritual experience, no matter your convictions." - CBC Music

The Returner LP Artwork // DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES

This past weekend singer-songwriter, poet, activist and multi-instrumentalist Allison Russell won her first GRAMMY Award for Best American Roots Performance" for her single "Eve Was Black." She was nominated for 4 GRAMMYS for her phenomenal new album The Returner. The album racked up nominations for Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song and Best Americana Performance for the album title track - “The Returner,” along with her winning category, American Roots Performance. With 4 previous nominations, this brings Russell’s career-total to 8 GRAMMY nominations in just three short years. In addition to her win, Russell took part in the televised ceremony performing clarinet and backing vocals with Joni Mitchell. The triumphant performance was one of the highlights of the show. Russell has supported Mitchell for most of her performances in the last two years including her triumphant return at Newport Folk Festival in 2022.

Earlier this week, Allison Russell was also nominated for a JUNO Award for Songwriter of the Year, while The Returner was nominated for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year and the video for “Demons” garnered director Ethan Tobman a nomination for Music Video of the Year. Russell previously won a JUNO Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year for her 2021 album Outside Child.

Beginning February 23, Allison Russell will take The Returner on the road for a run of tour dates across Canada with special guest and fellow JUNO Award nominee Aysanabee.In April, she joins up with both Tyler Childers and Hozier for tours criss-crossing North America, returning to Western Canada in the summer. Full tour dates can be found below, tickets are available here.

WATCH ALLISON RUSSELL ON LATER…WITH JOOLS HOLLAND

WATCH ALLISON RUSSEL ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE

MORE ABOUT ALLISON RUSSELL

The Returner was written and co-produced by Allison along with dim star (her partner JT Nero and Drew Lindsay) and was recorded over Solstice week in December 2022 at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, CA. It features Russell’s “Rainbow Coalition” ensemble: Elenna Canlas, Elizabeth Pupo-Walker, Ganessa James, Joy Clark, Kerenza Peacock, Larissa Maestro, Mandy Fer (Sway Wild), Megan Coleman, Meg McCormick, SistaStrings (Chauntee & Monique Ross), Wendy & Lisa (Wendy Melvoin & Lisa Coleman aka The Revolution) and Wiktoria Bialic. 

Since the release of her debut solo LP two years ago, Outside Child, Russell’s often devastating, deeply moving, cathartic celebration of survivor’s joy has become one of the most acclaimed albums of the past 10 years. Now comes the second chapter, The Returner, a body-shaking, mind-expanding, soulful expression of liberation, love, and self-respect that serves as a fierce declaration of joy for all survivors that have made it to the other side. Allison, JT, and Drew, built The Returner from the bottom up with a rhythm-first, genre-fluid approach. The improvisational energy of great female artists sparked the album’s fierce joy, and provided a wider canvas for Allison’s immense, unlimited talent. In all, the new album doesn’t just deliver on the promise of the last two years, it exceeds all reasonable (and unreasonable) expectations and affirms Allison Russell’s place among music’s most vital artists⎯and The Returner, as one of 2023’s most essential recordings.

BUY / STREAM THE RETURNER HERE

Following a diverse career as a featured member of acclaimed bands including Po’ Girl, Birds of Chicago and Our Native Daughters, Russell finally dared to release her solo project in 2021. "It’s an album of strength and affirmation, not victimization,” said The New York Times in their profile on Russell and Outside Child. Following the album’s release, Russell performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Ellen, Late Night With Stephen Colbert, CBS Saturday Morning, Austin City Limits, The Kelly Clarkson Show made her Opry debut and appeared at the Country Music Hall of Fame and performed at the 2022 GRAMMY’s Premiere Ceremony.

The accolades for Russell have been immense. In addition to her GRAMMY Award, she has earned three 2022 Americana Award nominations and a win for Album of the Year, two International Folk Music Award wins, a 2022 JUNO Award nomination for ‘Songwriter of the Year,’ and her first-ever JUNO Award win for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year. Russell received two 2021 Americana Awards nominations, won three Canadian Folk Music Awards, two UK Americana Music Awards, and more. She was recently nominated for Song of the Year and Artist of the Year for the 2023 Americana Awards. In addition, Russell has consistently used her newfound platform to elevate, educate and inspire; curating the history making Once And Future Sounds: Roots and Revolution set for the Newport Folk Festival in 2021 and mobilizing this year’s triumphant Love Rising All-Star benefit concert in support of LGBTQIA+ causes in Nashville - raising over $550,000 and calling national attention to Tennessee’s dangerous anti-trans and anti-drag laws. Russell has also announced a book deal with Flatiron/MacMillan for her debut novel, a memoir based on her life and the material that inspired Outside Child and The Returner.

MORE PRAISE FOR THE RETURNER
"Allison Russell proved to be the strongest vocalist over the two-day festival..." -
Glide Magazine

“With its increased twin focus on grooves and celebration, it might not be inaccurate to call the album a party, albeit with the understanding that the celebration is a hard-fought party.” - VARIETY

"Emblazoned with words as arrows, a banjo as her bow and her clarinet as an extension of her voice, Russell unapologetically wields the wind of her lived experience of violent abuse, sheer survival and remarkable redemption. The result is mesmerizing."- Post & Courier

“Allison Russell’s second solo album brings to mind a verse from the Bible: ‘Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.’ After reflecting on her escape from abuse on her 2021 breakout, Outside Child, Russell is celebrating her freedom on The Returner. The album has its heavy moments, but it’s largely brighter — and funkier.” - VULTURE

"The resilient songwriter maintains a throughline of gratitude with an impeccable knack for storytelling.  If you’re looking for an enduring album to seek refuge and celebrate the ambivalence of life, this one’s for you." - RANGE Magazine

“On her second album, The Returner, she delivers a sequel that holds togetherness at its heart as she delves into the personal and political.”  - THE LINE OF BEST FIT 

"Bolstered by a female-centric circle of VIPs and fuelled by defiant joy, the ascendant singer-songwriter grooves her way into the big leagues with this upbeat charmer." - Tinnitist

“The Returner, another powerful effort, also represents a next step in Russell’s career and life as she leaves her trauma in the past and steps forward in what she calls “fierce joy.” - POLLSTAR

"It takes a village to make deep, meaningful change in the world around you, and Russell is ready to build that village from the ground up.” - BILLBOARD

Photo Credit: Maarten de Boer

TOUR DATES
Feb 23 – Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC
Feb 24 – Tidemark Theatre – Campbell River, BC
Feb 26 – Creekside Theatre – Lake Country, BC
Feb 27 – Kimberley Arts Council Centre 64 – Kimberley, BC
Feb 29 – Festival Place – Sherwood Park, AB
Mar 1 – Bella Concert Hall – Calgary, AB
Mar 2 – Broadway Theatre – Saskatoon, SK
Mar 3 – The Park Theatre – Winnipeg, MB
Mar 6 – The Studio – Hamilton, ON
Mar 8 – The Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, ON
Mar 9 – War Memorial Hall – Guelph, ON
Mar 10 – London Music Hall – London, ON
Mar 12 – Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts – Kingston, ON
Mar 14 – National Arts Centre – Ottawa, ON
Mar 15 – Le Studio TD – Montreal, QC
Mar 16 – Imperial Bell – Quebec City, QC
Mar 18 – Wilmot United Church – Fredericton, NB
Mar 19 – Capitol Theatre – Moncton, NB
Mar 21 – Light House Arts Centre – Halifax, NS
Mar 22 – Lunenburg Opera House – Lunenburg, NS
Apr 20 - Raleigh, NC - Coastal Credit Union Music Park %
Apr 23 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion %
Apr 25 - Southaven, MS - BankPlus Amphitheater %
Apr 26 - Rogers, AR - Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion %
Apr 28 - Dallas, TX - Dos Equis Pavilion %
Apr 30 - Austin, TX - Moody Center %
May 2-5 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
May 2 - The Woodlands, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion %
May 5 - Pelham, AL - Oak Mountain Amphitheater %
May 7 - Jacksonville, FL - VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena %
May 8 - Orlando, FL - Amway Center %
May 10 - West Palm Beach, FL - iTHINK Financial Amphitheater %
May 11 - Tampa, FL - MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater %
May 14 - Wilmington, NC - Live Oak Bank Pavilion %
May 15 - Virginia Beach, VA - Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater %
May 17 - Columbia, MD - Merriweather Post Pavilion %
May 19 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Broadview Stage at SPAC %
May 21 - Syracuse, NY - Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater
May 22 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake Amphitheater %
May 23 - Toronto, ON - Massey Hall (Celebrating Gordon Lightfoot)
May 25 - Camden, NJ -  Freedom Mortgage Pavilion %
May 27 - Baltimore, MD - CFG Bank Arena %
May 31 - Clarkston, MI - Pine Knob Music Theater %
Jun 1 - Lexington, KY - Railbird Music Festival %
Jun 4 - Forest Hills, NY - Forest Hills Stadium %
Jun 5 - Forest Hills, NY - Forest Hills Stadium %
Jun 7 - Forest Hills, NY - Forest Hills Stadium %
Jun 8 - Forest Hills, NY - Forest Hills Stadium %
Jun 19 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage (with Sarah McLauchlan)
Jul 24 - Bangor, ME - Maine Savings Amphitheater %
Jul 27 - Bethel, NY - Bethel Woods Center For The Arts %
Jul 29 - Burgettstown, PA - The Pavilion %
Aug 6 – Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary, AB*
Aug 8 – Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC*
Aug 10 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR*
Aug 11 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR*
Aug 13 - Maryland Heights, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheater %
Aug 14 - Lincoln, NE - Pinnacle Bank Arena %
Aug 16 - Madison, WI - Breese Stevens Field %
Aug 17 - Saint Paul, MB - Xcel Energy Center %
Aug 20 - Winnipeg, MB - Canada Life Center %
Aug 21 - Saskatoon, SK - SaskTel Centre %
Aug 23 - Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome %
Aug 24 - Edmonton, AB - Rogers Place %
Aug 27 - Billings, MT - First Interstate Arena %
Aug 28 - Casper, WY - Ford Wyoming Center %
Aug 30 - Greenwood Village, CO - Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater %
Aug 31 - West Valley City, UT - Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater %
Sep 3 - Nampa, ID - Ford Idaho Center %
Sep 4 - Bend, OR - Hayden Homes Amphitheater %
Sep 6 - George, WA - The Gorge Amphitheater %
Sep 7 - Ridgefield, WA - RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater %
Sep 9 - Sacramento, CA - Golden 1 Center %
Sep 10 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheater %
Sep 14 - Chula Vista, CA - North Island Credit Union Amphitheater
Sep 17 - Inglewood, CA - The Kia Forum %
Sep 18 - Inglewood, CA - The Kia Forum %
Sep 20 - Inglewood, CA - The Kia Forum %

% -Supporting Hozier
* -Supporting Tyler Childers

ALLISON RUSSELL ONLINE
WEBSITE
TWITTER
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
YOUTUBE

FANTASY RECORDS 

ALLISON RUSSELL SHARES NEW VIDEO FOR “DEMONS”, ON JIMMY KIMMEL THIS WEEK

ALLISON RUSSELL RELEASES “DEMONS” MUSIC VIDEO, DIRECTED BY ETHAN TOBMAN

WATCH / SHARE “DEMONS” HERE

PERFORMING THIS WEEK ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE!  

APPEARED ON LATER…WITH JOOLS HOLLAND

BUY / STREAM THE RETURNER HERE

CROSS CANADA TOUR BEGINS FEBRUARY 23

“That same hope permeates the buoyant rhythm of The Returner and continues pushing Russell forward in pursuit of joy.”  - EXCLAIM!

“It was only a matter of time before she made her album for the ages. The Returner is that album.” - UNCUT (9 out of 10) 
“Allison Russell delivers soul-stirring show… She not only demonstrated her wonderful voice, laden with soul, gospel and raw emotion, but also showed she can play multiple instruments, including clarinet and banjo, and craft poignant songs in both official languages.” –
The Ottawa Citizen
"The Returner is a promise that Russell is giving back more than she's received, which has always felt like her ethos. The way the Montreal-raised singer lifts others up — fellow artists and fans alike — is a spiritual experience, no matter your convictions." - CBC Music

Photo Credit: Dana Trippe // DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES

Four time GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter Allison Russell has released a stunning official video for “Demons”, a track from her recently released acclaimed new album, The Returner. Yesterday, the video made its broadcast premiere across BET Her, BET Soul, CMT Music, MTVU, MTV Live, and MTV Biggest Pop. An epic visual narrative, the video  marks the directorial debut of Ethan Tobman, Creative Director of Taylor Swift's triumphant The Eras Tour and production designer for Beyonce’s Lemonade and Black Is King as well as award-winning film and television such as Room, The Menu, Beautiful Boy, Pam & Tommy and much more. The piece was filmed in Prague over three days with choreographer Zizou and her rainbow coalition of dancers and executive produced by Jacob Tierney. This morning Variety released an exclusive, in-depth conversation with Russell & Tobman, on the making of “Demons” and their decades-long friendship. Read it HERE. 

WATCH / SHARE “DEMONS” HERE

Ethan Tobman on “Demons”:
“I wanted “Demons” to combine kinetic dance and immersive world-building to explore the pact you make with what you have survived. Whereas Allison Russell's first album, ‘Outside Child,’ was an emotionally gut-wrenching meditation on childhood abuse and transcendence, ‘The Returner’ felt to me like a cathartic celebration - the ‘hat comes next’- at once acknowledging those scars and then literally finding joy in them. The dancer's movements needed to feel kinetic because they needed to represent extensions of Allison's own journey - as she moves, they move, and when they fall, she is the only one that can pick them up. That's where my idea of the slanted wall came from, a wall that only Allison can walk up and everyone else will slide down. That's how it feels sometimes when you've survived a secret, and only you can sense up or down, and it's up to you now to decide if and how to let the rest of the world back into you.” 

Allison Russell on the “Demons” video:
“We don’t have to hide from our history, we just have to face it. And walk through it together. Our trauma can be the mother of empathy, of compassion, of equal human understanding, of truth, reconciliation, reparation, forgiveness, of loving coalition and harm reduction. ‘Demons’ is about looking our traumas in the face - and not letting them drive the bus. This ‘Demons’ video marks my inaugural creative collaboration with my beloved childhood friend, fellow Montrealais and birthday twin, Ethan Tobman. Ethan’s visual genius takes my breath away. I am beyond honored that he chose to make his music video directorial debut with me and with this song.”

Late last week, Allison Russell made her debut on the UK institution, Later….with Jools Holland, where she performed the song “Stay Right Here.” On Thursday, November 2nd, Russell will return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! for a performance of the title track off of her new album. Russell, who released her second solo album, The Returner last month, is currently on a major U.S. headlining tour that kicked off earlier this week and will wrap up in January of 2024. Beginning in February, Russell will take the show north of the border for a run of dates across Canada. Tickets are on sale now. Full tour dates below.

APPEARED ON LATER…WITH JOOLS HOLLAND

The Returner was written and co-produced by Allison along with dim star (her partner JT Nero and Drew Lindsay) and was recorded over Solstice week in December 2022 at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, CA. It features Russell’s “Rainbow Coalition” ensemble: Elenna Canlas, Elizabeth Pupo-Walker, Ganessa James, Joy Clark, Kerenza Peacock, Larissa Maestro, Mandy Fer (Sway Wild), Megan Coleman, Meg McCormick, SistaStrings (Chauntee & Monique Ross), Wendy & Lisa (Wendy Melvoin & Lisa Coleman aka The Revolution) and Wiktoria Bialic. 

Since the release of her debut solo LP two years ago, Outside Child, Russell’s often devastating, deeply moving, cathartic celebration of survivor’s joy has become one of the most acclaimed albums of the past 10 years. Now comes the second chapter, The Returner, a body-shaking, mind-expanding, soulful expression of liberation, love, and self-respect that serves as a fierce declaration of joy for all survivors that have made it to the other side. Allison, JT, and Drew, built The Returner from the bottom up with a rhythm-first, genre-fluid approach. The improvisational energy of great female artists sparked the album’s fierce joy, and provided a wider canvas for Allison’s immense, unlimited talent. In all, the new album doesn’t just deliver on the promise of the last two years, it exceeds all reasonable (and unreasonable) expectations and affirms Allison Russell’s place among music’s most vital artists⎯and The Returner, as one of 2023’s most essential recordings.

BUY / STREAM THE RETURNER HERE

Following a diverse career as a featured member of acclaimed bands including Po’ Girl, Birds of Chicago and Our Native Daughters, Russell finally dared to release her solo project in 2021. "It’s an album of strength and affirmation, not victimization,” said The New York Times in their profile on Russell and Outside Child. Following the album’s release, Russell performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Ellen, Late Night With Stephen Colbert, CBS Saturday Morning, Austin City Limits, The Kelly Clarkson Show made her Opry debut and appeared at the Country Music Hall of Fame and performed at the 2022 GRAMMY’s Premiere Ceremony.

The accolades for Russell have been immense. In addition to her four GRAMMY nominations, she has earned three 2022 Americana Award nominations and a win for Album of the Year, two International Folk Music Award wins, a 2022 JUNO Award nomination for ‘Songwriter of the Year,’ and her first-ever JUNO Award win for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year. Russell received two 2021 Americana Awards nominations, won three Canadian Folk Music Awards, two UK Americana Music Awards, and more. She was recently nominated for Song of the Year and Artist of the Year for the 2023 Americana Awards. In addition, Russell has consistently used her newfound platform to elevate, educate and inspire; curating the history making Once And Future Sounds: Roots and Revolution set for the Newport Folk Festival in 2021 and mobilizing this year’s triumphant Love Rising All-Star benefit concert in support of LGBTQIA+ causes in Nashville - raising over $550,000 and calling national attention to Tennessee’s dangerous anti-trans and anti-drag laws. Russell has also announced a book deal with Flatiron/MacMillan for her debut novel, a memoir based on her life and the material that inspired Outside Child and The Returner.

MORE PRAISE FOR THE RETURNER
"Allison Russell proved to be the strongest vocalist over the two-day festival..." -
Glide Magazine

“With its increased twin focus on grooves and celebration, it might not be inaccurate to call the album a party, albeit with the understanding that the celebration is a hard-fought party.” - VARIETY
"Emblazoned with words as arrows, a banjo as her bow and her clarinet as an extension of her voice, Russell unapologetically wields the wind of her lived experience of violent abuse, sheer survival and remarkable redemption. The result is mesmerizing."- Post & Courier

“Allison Russell’s second solo album brings to mind a verse from the Bible: ‘Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.’ After reflecting on her escape from abuse on her 2021 breakout, Outside Child, Russell is celebrating her freedom on The Returner. The album has its heavy moments, but it’s largely brighter — and funkier.” - VULTURE
"The resilient songwriter maintains a throughline of gratitude with an impeccable knack for storytelling.  If you’re looking for an enduring album to seek refuge and celebrate the ambivalence of life, this one’s for you." - RANGE Magazine

“On her second album, The Returner, she delivers a sequel that holds togetherness at its heart as she delves into the personal and political.”  - THE LINE OF BEST FIT 
"Bolstered by a female-centric circle of VIPs and fuelled by defiant joy, the ascendant singer-songwriter grooves her way into the big leagues with this upbeat charmer." - Tinnitist

“The Returner, another powerful effort, also represents a next step in Russell’s career and life as she leaves her trauma in the past and steps forward in what she calls “fierce joy.” - POLLSTAR

"It takes a village to make deep, meaningful change in the world around you, and Russell is ready to build that village from the ground up.” - BILLBOARD

TOUR DATES
Nov 01 - El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Nov 03 - HopMonk Tavern - Novato, CA - SOLD OUT
Nov 04 - Sweetwater - Mill Valley, CA - SOLD OUT
Nov 05 - The Center for the Arts - Grass Valley, CA
Nov 07 - Hult Center for the Performing Arts - Eugene, OR
Nov 09 - Mississippi Studios - Portland, OR - SOLD OUT
Nov 10 - Admiral Theatre - Bremerton, WA
Nov 11 - Tractor Tavern - Seattle, WA - SOLD OUT
Nov 13 - The State Room - Salt Lake City, UT
Nov 15 - Boulder Theater - Boulder, CO
Nov 16 - Bluebird Theater - Denver, CO
Nov 17 - Roaring Fork Sessions - Aspen, CO
Nov 29 - World Cafe Live - Philadelphia, PA
Nov 30 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY
Dec 02 - Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts - Katonah, NY
Dec 03 - Infinity Hall Hartford - Hartford, CT
Dec 05 - BOMBYX Center for Artist & Equity- Northampton, MA - SOLD OUT
Dec 07 - The Sinclair - Cambridge, MA - SOLD OUT
Dec 08 - Portland House of Music - Portland, ME - SOLD OUT
Dec 09 - Levon Helm Studios - Woodstock, NY - SOLD OUT
Jan 11 - The Basement East - Nashville, TN - SOLD OUT
Jan 12- The Basement East- Nashville, TN
Jan 13 - Sheldon Theater - St. Louis, MO
Jan 14 - Thalia Hall - Chicago, IL- SOLD OUT
Jan 16 - St. Cecilia Music Center - Grand Rapids, MI
May 27 - CFG Bank Arena - Baltimore, MD*
Jan 18-24 – Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend – Riviera Maya, Mexico
Jan 26 – TradFest – Dublin, Ireland
Jan 28 – Oran Mor – Glasgow, Scotland
Jan 29 – Brudenell Social Club – Leeds, UK
Jan 30 – Lafayette – London, UK
Feb 23 – Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC
Feb 24 – Tidemark Theatre – Campbell River, BC
Feb 26 – Creekside Theatre – Lake Country, BC
Feb 27 – Kimberley Arts Council Centre 64 – Kimberley, BC
Feb 29 – Festival Place – Sherwood Park, AB
Mar 1 – Bella Concert Hall – Calgary, AB
Mar 2 – Broadway Theatre – Saskatoon, SK
Mar 3 – The Park Theatre – Winnipeg, MB
Mar 6 – The Studio – Hamilton, ON
Mar 8 – The Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, ON
Mar 9 – War Memorial Hall – Guelph, ON
Mar 10 – London Music Hall – London, ON
Mar 12 – Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts – Kingston, ON
Mar 14 – National Arts Centre – Ottawa, ON
Mar 15 – Le Studio TD – Montreal, QC
Mar 16 – Imperial Bell – Quebec City, QC
Mar 18 – Wilmot United Church – Fredericton, NB
Mar 19 – Capitol Theatre – Moncton, NB
Mar 21 – Light House Arts Centre – Halifax, NS
Mar 22 – Lunenburg Opera House – Lunenburg, NS
Apr 27 - STAGECOACH - Indio, CA
May 27 - CFG Bank Arena - Baltimore, MD*
Aug 6 – Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary, AB*
Aug 8 – Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC*
Aug 10 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR*
Aug 11 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR*

* -Supporting Tyler Childers

ALLISON RUSSELL ONLINE
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FANTASY RECORDS