Allison Russell
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Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Allison Russell was born in Montreal, where music became an outlet to escape her troubled home.
From that early interest, Russell joined the Canadian roots act Po'Girl in the early aughts.
Eventually, she began collaborating with her future husband, Chicago-based singer/songwriter J.T. Nero, on his project mountains/forests until the pair eventually formed their own duo, Birds of Chicago, in 2012.
They released several albums together until Birds of Chicago went on indefinite hiatus in 2021, as Russell turned her attention to her solo career with the release of her debut solo album Outside Child.
Russell is also a member of Our Native Daughters, alongside Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah and Leyla McCalla. The group released their debut album, Songs of Our Native Daughters, in 2019.
- Full name: Allison Russell
- Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
- Genre: Americana
STAFF PICKS•Amythyst Kiah - Wary + Strange
For Staff Picks, we share with you our favourite new releases that you need to listen to. This week, it's Amythyst Kiah's Wary + Strange - a mesmerizing, frequently hypnotic and always challenging work.
Allison Russell Announces Debut Solo Album
Russell was one of the co-founders of the super-group, Our Native Daughters and Birds of Chicago.
INTERVIEW•Cuts The Deepest: Allison Russell
What’s particularly special about Russell’s choices and the stories behind them, is how they relate directly to the autobiographical nature of her own record. Having dealt with such trauma and abuse growing up, music and writing have been a vehicle for her to make sense of it and find her way out. Each of her choices tell part of that story.
Watch Allison Russell, Brittney Spencer and Brandi Carlile Sing on 'Kimmel'
The trio performed a special version of Russell's single 'Nightflyer'.
ALBUM REVIEW•Steve Dawson - Gone, Long Gone
The delightful Gone, Long Gone should finally put Dawson on the popular radar, establishing him as the major talent he is. But if not, he will keep plugging away, juggling a variety of hats and contributing to music with his subtle, understated touch.
GUIDE•A Guide To: The 10 Best Emerging Acts From AmericanaFest 2021.
One of the real joys AmericanaFest has to offer is not only the opportunity to enjoy more familiar fare, but also to discover new up-and-coming performers who are showcasing their music for the first time.
ESSENTIALS•Records of the Year 2021
The top 20 country, Americana and roots records from 2021, as voted for by Holler staff and contributors.
PODCAST•Holler Weekly Ep.09
Garth Brooks' National Geographic Series, Allison Russell's new album Outside Child and memories of the Grand Ole Opry are all discussed on another episode of Holler Weekly.
