Erica Russo to Release Third Full-Length Album, Honey, on Eternal Mind Records this September
Asheville-based indie-folk artist Erica Russo will celebrate the release of her third, full-length album, Honey, on August 20, 2016 at the Mothlight in West Asheville. The record is being released on the new Asheville-based record label and arts collective Eternal Mind Records. The dreamy 11-track album was self-recorded and self-produced in Russo’s practice studio in Asheville’s River Arts District as well as in a remote cabin in Alexander, NC. Russo’s newest work represents a hauntingly melodic sound that combines her singularly dreamy style of folk with grittier, indie-pop sensibilities. The singer-songwriter, along with her band, will tour the U.S. extensively this August, and Russo will embark on a European solo tour this fall in support of the new record.
The album boasts Russo’s mesmerizing vocals, ranging from the most delicate whisper to raw and bone-rattling shouts. Her band provides a seamless backdrop for Russo’s intricate guitar work, with Billy Leva on drums; Davis Collins on bass; and Fanny Rose on cello. The title track and first single off the album, “Honey,” is a solid representation of the record’s spellbinding combination of delicate, tender vocals with soul-piercing lyricism and driving drum beats. “Limbs” demonstrates a ragged intimacy, a minor key incantation amidst shifting rhythms, with airy guitars and a rough-edged ambience tempered by Russo’s sweet melodic voice. “Dreams” is another standout track, revealing a more intimate side of Russo’s songwriting, complemented perfectly by the haunting cries of the cello.
“I’m inspired to write during times of reflection and stillness, when I am processing things around me and within me,” says Russo of her songwriting process. “Traveling to new places inspires me to write songs as does feelings of love and loss.” Russo’s well of inspiration rarely run dry; she has been touring extensively and faithfully putting out records since she began pursuing music professionally in 2013, after the release of her first full-length album, Little House, Little Hill.
A number of tracks on Honey have been previously recorded on the solo album In Between Dreams. Russo says re-recording the tracks with a band allowed her to open herself to new incarnations of the songs. The result is a collection of songs that feels wholly new. “One way is not necessarily better or more complete,” says Russo of the new recordings. “The group of songs fit together for what I wanted on the album, so some of those songs carried over to complete the album concept.”
Erica Russo will tour in support of the album this August in the U.S. with her band and will embark on a European solo tour in September and October. A current list of tour dates are below, with more to be announced.
2016 Tour Dates for Erica Russo
8/4/16 – The Purple Fiddle – Thomas, WV
8/5/16 – The Highland House – Du Pois, PA
8/6/16 – 4th River Music Fest – Pittsburgh, PA
8/7/16 – Pete’s Candy Store – Brooklyn, NY
8/11/16 – Luthier’s – Easthampton, MA
8/12/16 – Faneuil Hall – Boston, MA
8/14/16 – Spruce Caboose – Philadelphia, PA
8/20/16 – The Mothlight – Asheville, NC