Russell Foisy was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and currently lives on the West Coast of Florida. A lifelong fan of music, Russell admired many artists and had a dream that he could compose and perform his own songs. Russell’s release of his ‘Original Lyrics Dream’- and its astounding success - proves that it is never too late to achieve your goals. To Russell, ‘it is important for me to tell a story about family, real life experience and current events’. ‘Original Lyrics Dream’ was in his view the best career accomplishment of his life. He is also the founder of a performance band titled ‘Artists One Show’ where the band blends original material along with covers. You can find Russell Foisy on Reverbnation, where he has been top ranked for some time in the Tampa Bay rock category, and ranked in the top fifty across the globe in all music genres. Recently, reporter Lauren Thompson caught up with Russell to learn more about him and his future plans.
LAUREN: When did you first discover your love of music?
RUSSELL: Very early on as a teenager, constantly buying LP's and other music, learning lyrics and singing songs in my car.
LAUREN: Your song ‘Angel’ is receiving a strong listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard it played?
RUSSELL: It was a dream come true to have my music played on the internet and FM radio.
LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
RUSSELL: My wife Barbara, who had the difficult task of raising her son by herself, has really taught me how to love again. I feel honored to be married for eight years now.
LAUREN: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as ‘Angel’?
RUSSELL: Yes. The songs are based on family, real experiences and current events. This enables me to create emotion and passion in my vocals and performance.
LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician?
RUSSELL: I am down-to-earth and fun-loving. In my new performance band Artists One Show, we have so much fun blending original music and cover material.
LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
RUSSELL: Yes, my father is to this day in a barber shop chorus group called Senior Moments and my brother Garry is a vocalist and guitarist in the New England area. My other brother Doug and my sister Joanne can sing as well.
LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
RUSSELL: The most rewarding thing is the ability to sit down and write a new song--and perform it. The way the recording process layers all the vocals and instruments is beautiful. The most challenging task has been to put a performance band together. We finally have a core group that works closely together.
LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
RUSSELL: There are two bands I admire who had great success as groups and solo artists; Pink Floyd with Roger Waters, and The Eagles with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmidt.
LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
RUSSELL: I would say the entire process of creating and recording my first album ‘Original Lyrics Dream’. This is the greatest career accomplishment of my life.
LAUREN: Do you have a music video for your hit single? If so, what can you tell us about it?
RUSSELL: Yes, the YouTube link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpwjttA7QII. I like the video to tell a visual story to match the lyrics. I could not walk around and lip sync a song. My wife Barbara and I are at the end of the video.
LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
RUSSELL: To dream and try. No matter how young or old, just do it. There is a saying, ‘All investment is a risk’. There is no risk if you do not try.
LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
RUSSELL: I will let The Akademia select my next single. I feel the remaining seven tracks could be my next single. They are all worthy. I will start recording my second album in May 2015.
LAUREN: Thank you for taking the time to share your story with me, Russell. Wishing you continued success in all your endeavors.
http://www.russellfoisymusic.com
