Alice Russell (singer) - Early Career

Early Career

Russell began making a name for herself in the early 2000s, contributing to recordings by Bah Samba, Quantic, TM Juke, Kushti and Nostalgia 77.

Her work with Bah Samba infused Latin sounds with tinges of uplifting jazz and funk, whereas her material with the band Kushti contained a more laid back, hip hop and soul inspired sound. Her debut album, Under The Munka Moon was released on the Tru Thoughts label in 2004, which was an amalgamation of various singles, remixes and collaborations.

In 2005, her debut studio album My Favourite Letters was recorded on the Tru Thoughts label. Created by Russell with co-writer, producer, guitarist and musical soul mate Alex Cowan (a.k.a. TM Juke, the album received positive reviews. Her third release, Under the Munka Moon II (Tru Thoughts) in 2006 compiled her most recent collaborations, remixes, and cover versions including an interpretation of The White Stripes' Seven Nation Army. The Alice Russell – Live in Paris DVD also came out in 2006, and was the first DVD the Tru Thoughts label had ever released. Russell and TM Juke have been touring together since 2006 with chosen sidemen, performing to audiences in the U.K, Europe, Australia, the U.S. and in other countries. In summer 2006, Daddy G of Massive Attack requested Russell play the main stage at The Big Chill. Russell has also supported Lonnie Liston Smith, Femi Kuti, De La Soul and appeared on the bill with Amy Winehouse for the British showcase at the Midem Music Conference in Cannes 2007.