Russ Interview: Why Authenticity Outlasts the Algorithm

About this episode

Russ discusses his journey from performing at a POW show to becoming a multi-platinum independent artist, emphasizing authenticity in the music industry.

Russ joins Jeff Weiss, Rosecrans Vic and Free at Gold Diggers in LA for a conversation that reveals the truth of how the Atlanta rapper went from performing at a POW show at the Echoplex to headlining Staples Center as a multi-platinum independent artist. He shares why he gave LaRussell six figures just because he believed in the vision, and what his major label experience taught him about art and authenticity.Despite his success, Russ wants to demystify the music business. He explains how he’s used the same vocal preset since 2012, how “Losin Control” went 8x platinum with a stock mastering plugin, and how easy it is to record in his basement He also adds context to his criticism of Roc Nation’s distribution, picks his nightmare blunt rotation, and much more. Make sure you hit that like and subscribe button and leave a comment letting us know what you thought about the show! 0:00 Intro 00:58 Grief & Gratitude 5:49 Advice 7:12 LaRussell 9:35 Independence 12:46 Demystifying recording 30:57 Roc Nation callout, money vs. art 38:58 Authenticity 44:36 Monolithic culture 57:52 Being a white rapper 1:08:48 Lightning round Shout out to https://www.gold-diggers.com/ for hosting the…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jeff Weiss, Rosecrans Vic, Free

Guest: Russ

Topics covered

• music industry
• authenticity
• independence
• recording process
• major label experience
• artist support
• cultural commentary

Keywords

• Russ
• authenticity
• music business
• independent artist
• LaRussell
• Roc Nation
• recording
• platinum
• Echoplex
• Staples Center

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Roc Nation, POW Mag

Places: Gold Diggers, LA, Echoplex, Staples Center

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