Arthur Russell was an eclectic and visionary musician and composer whose work spanned various genres, from avant-garde and experimental music to disco, pop, and folk. Born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in 1951, Russell moved to New York City in the early 1970s, where he became a vibrant part of the city's downtown music scene. He collaborated with a range of artists and was closely associated with the experimental music community, contributing to the legendary Kitchen performances. Despite being relatively unknown to the mainstream, Russell's work has grown in influence and is revered for its innovation and emotional depth.

His discography includes a wide array of recordings that have been posthumously released or reissued, uncovering the breadth of his creative output. Albums like "World of Echo" (1986) showcased his ethereal and otherworldly approach to cello and voice, while compilations such as "Corn" and "Iowa Dream" feature unreleased home recordings, providing valuable insight into his unique creative process. Russell's music has seen a resurgence in popularity due to a new generation of listeners and musicians who cite his work as influential. The documentary "Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell" and the soundtrack for the film "Keep The Lights On" have also played roles in reviving interest in his music. Tragically, Russell's prolific career was cut short when he died from AIDS-related complications in 1992, leaving behind a treasure trove of material that continues to inspire and captivate fans around the world.

Genres

Art Pop

Cello

Experimental

Fourth World

Minimalism

Modern Cello

No Wave

Related Artists

David Byrne

Brian Eno

Philip Glass

Laurie Anderson

John Cale

Nico Muhly

The Smiths

Julia Holter

Peter Gabriel

LCD Soundsystem

Morrissey

Grouper

Latest Release

Picture of Bunny Rabbit

Arthur Russell

Album - 9 Tracks - Released June 23, 2023