The Music Producers Guild has announced another winner in the lead up to its official award ceremony next week. Following on from Lauren Laverne’s Special Recognition Award, producer Richard Russell has received his own prestigious MPG Inspiration Award.
Alongside founding the XL Recordings label, which platformed acts like Adele, Radiohead and The Prodigy, Russell’s production credits are varied. From newbie Samantha Morton’s eccentric trip hop debut record, Daffodils & Dirt, to collaborating with the legendary Peter Gabriel on 2023’s Four Kinds Of Horses, Russell is a versatile talent.
Elsewhere, he’s also worked closely with Blur and Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn, co-producing Albarn’s 2014 solo debut, Everyday Robots. The pair went on to work together on R&B singer Bobby Womack’s 2012 comeback album, The Bravest Man In The Universe.
Collaboration is a key element of Russell’s creativity, and defined his 2018 music project, Everything Is Recorded. The project saw Russell incorporating a wide range of musical textures, melding dub, garage and soul, alongside the likes of Sampha, Obongjayar, Giggs, and Canadian indie pop violinist Owen Pallett. Everything is Recorded was even shortlisted for the 2018 Mercury Prize.
“Whether in the studio or guiding from behind the scenes, Richard Russell continues to inspire through his fearless approach to creativity and unwavering commitment to artistic freedom,” MPG Executive Director Anu Pillai says.
“The MPG is proud to honour a visionary whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the evolution and trajectory of contemporary music; from Kicks Like a Mule, to Everything Is Recorded, and countless highlights in between.”
The official Music Producers Guild Awards will take place on the 24 April. The awards span across 15 categories, including standout Self-Producing Artist and Breakthrough Producer of the Year. The nominees list includes Charli xcx, A. G. Cook, Rachel Chinouriri and more.
The event will take place at London’s Troxy next week on 24 April. Tickets for the ceremony are on-sale now.
