Eleanor's career was short-lived yet controversial. Her debut single I Want To Sleep With You was issued with a free condom and subsequently banned. She then released her mod-inspired Censorship album, which was penned by Russell, before slipping out of the limelight.
Since then, Russell has managed a London record shop, launched a record label and penned an insider’s guide to the music industry called Music Business Bastards (How to do well in the music business without getting ripped off).
He is now working with singer Joannaa T on a new indie-pop project.
We caught up with him as he celebrates 20 years of his Future Legends record label to find out more…
I first started writing music because…
I had something to say lyrically and then music kept dropping into my head from and early age. I eventually married the two together to start writing full songs.
I have been making music since…
1985 when I wrote many songs for cult artist Eleanor Rigby. I wrote most songs on her Censorship album, which is now considered a classic album. It changes hands for big money on the collectors’ market. Shirley Manson of Garbage and Blur both said they were heavily influenced by it.
My music is…
Innovative. Although I started off doing mod, Britpop and ska I branched out to create a new genre I call 'pop noir'. The main bands I did with this music were Box Office Poison and currently Psykick Holiday.
You'll like me if you listen to...
David Bowie, The Doors, Kate Bush, Paul Weller, John Lennon and Siouxsie and The Banshees.
My favourite venue is…
The Borderline in London.
Music is important because…
I have found over the years that it has moved and inspired many fans.
My biggest inspiration is…
David Bowie, Ray Davies, The Jam, John Lennon, Blondie and Kate Bush.
My dream collaboration would be…
David Bowie.
To try me out, listen to my song…
Numbers or One Way Ticket to the Moon by Psykick Holiday, Condom by Ministry of Ska or Think for Yourself by Eleanor Rigby.
If I wasn’t making music I’d be…
Writing books and films and doing photography.
In 10 years time I want to be...
Writing and directing feature films with cutting edge or interesting music soundtracks that have as much impact as the films themselves.
http://www.futurelegendrecords.com
Since then, Russell has managed a London record shop, launched a record label and penned an insider’s guide to the music industry called Music Business Bastards (How to do well in the music business without getting ripped off).
He is now working with singer Joannaa T on a new indie-pop project.
We caught up with him as he celebrates 20 years of his Future Legends record label to find out more…
I first started writing music because…
I had something to say lyrically and then music kept dropping into my head from and early age. I eventually married the two together to start writing full songs.
I have been making music since…
1985 when I wrote many songs for cult artist Eleanor Rigby. I wrote most songs on her Censorship album, which is now considered a classic album. It changes hands for big money on the collectors’ market. Shirley Manson of Garbage and Blur both said they were heavily influenced by it.
My music is…
Innovative. Although I started off doing mod, Britpop and ska I branched out to create a new genre I call 'pop noir'. The main bands I did with this music were Box Office Poison and currently Psykick Holiday.
You'll like me if you listen to...
David Bowie, The Doors, Kate Bush, Paul Weller, John Lennon and Siouxsie and The Banshees.
My favourite venue is…
The Borderline in London.
Music is important because…
I have found over the years that it has moved and inspired many fans.
My biggest inspiration is…
David Bowie, Ray Davies, The Jam, John Lennon, Blondie and Kate Bush.
My dream collaboration would be…
David Bowie.
To try me out, listen to my song…
Numbers or One Way Ticket to the Moon by Psykick Holiday, Condom by Ministry of Ska or Think for Yourself by Eleanor Rigby.
If I wasn’t making music I’d be…
Writing books and films and doing photography.
In 10 years time I want to be...
Writing and directing feature films with cutting edge or interesting music soundtracks that have as much impact as the films themselves.
http://www.futurelegendrecords.com
