Russell Small Discusses His ‘Earworm’ Album, Songwriting, and the Industry

In a decorated career that is now over 25 years in, Russell Small has had many significant “moments.” He’s added another one with the recent release of his new album Earworm. The record, released in September, is a collaboration between Small and fellow house producer DNO P. They previously teased the album’s release with the single “Shine Forever,” a collaboration with the renowned singer and songwriter Lulu. The song features all of the diverse musical elements that make Small and DNO P such a fruitful collaboration. Funky guitars, shiny beats, dreamy keyboards, and club bass all combine together to create a superior listening experience.

Earworm features a lot of feel-good moments with loads of summer beats. Small and DNO P wanted this to be an expansive, elaborate record, which they surely accomplished. They welcomed several collaborators to the recording process, including Ultra Nate, The Illustrious Blacks, Phats & Small vocalist Ben Ofoedu, and vocalist Katherine Ellis. Small and DNO P are proud of the results, with Earworm proving to be one of the best efforts of each of their careers.

We chatted with Russell Small about Earworm, preferred collaborators, his writing process, the music industry, and more.

Tell us all about Earworm. What was your experience of making it? What went on behind the scenes in securing such fantastic collaborations?

Russell Small: “DNO P and I have been making tracks together for about a decade. We didn’t set out to make an album, rather we were making tracks that we’d like to hear on the dancefloor that would stand alone as catchy, soulful tunes. We kept going throughout lockdown and have basically ended up with more than enough for an album.

“It’s been a real joy and privilege to work with such an array of talent on Earworm. Like our own partnership, these collaborations were all very organic. The new ones, such as Ultra Nate, Lulu, The Illustrious Blacks, Suki Soul, Reigns, KIM of Diamonds, and Gabriella Kaye, came about by chance conversations, intros, and connections by mutual friends. Each artist has their own imitable style, and the process of developing something together over time and back and forth largely across tech rather than face-to-face in a studio during lockdown has been really rewarding, surprising, and ultimately, we hope successful in producing very different but complementary stand-out tracks.”

What is the story behind the name Earworm?

“The inspiration for the album’s title was Lulu’s brother Billy Lawrie, who co-wrote the top line on ‘Shine Forever.’ He used the word ‘earworm’ to describe the catchy and hooky album tracks we played him in the studio, and we kept coming back to it… I guess you could say it stuck with us, like an earworm.”

Who else would you most like to collaborate with?

“I saw Gwen Dickie perform in Brighton this summer, warming up for Shalamar. She has an incredible voice and presence, and I’m looking forward to hearing her new material, which I believe is due to be released soon. UK artists Becky Hill, Clementine Douglas, and Phebe Edwards all have incredible voices and are talented songwriters. Also, Venessa Jackson.”

What is your writing process like?

“There are a few different processes we went through with this album. There were tracks we developed from a vocal hook and then put the music around. Some we recorded with singers in the studio and we would go around ideas together, but more often than not we would do things remotely, sending a backing track out to singers, they would record their bits and send it back for us to finish off.

“One of the very different things for me personally in making this, my sixth album, has been the luxury of time and not having to respond to record company deadlines. Quite a few of the tracks we left to percolate for a bit and were able to come back with new inspirations and ideas.”

Russell Small x DNO P “Shine Forever” (feat Lulu) single artwork

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

“It has to be the prominence of social media and the influence it plays in making or breaking artists and tracks. Obviously, it’s not something I grew up with having to factor into decisions and personally I don’t enjoy the pressure of keeping up or always being present. Many others in the industry are speaking about this.

“Also, streaming platforms, although there are benefits, like access to things you wouldn’t necessarily find in your local record store, it has a massive impact on artists, both their livelihoods and creativity. A lot of people are forced to duck out as the business model doesn’t sustain them or their careers and that’s not good for anyone.”

What’s the best show you’ve ever played?

“That has to be 2009 when James (Wiltshire) and I were invited to play Mardi Gras in Sydney Australia. We didn’t know before we arrived, they had prepared a dedicated Freemasons Float which we road on through the parade with somewhere between 60 to 100 dancers behind it. All these wonderful people had been learning the dance routine online all across the world and then danced together for the first time on that day, it was incredibly moving and a site to behold. That’s one on YouTube somewhere…and we topped off that incredible day by playing in Horden Pavilion.”

What’s your favourite city or venue to play?

“The answer to both is São Paulo The Week. The owner, Andre, was a big Freemasons fan, so we got to perform here quite a bit in the early 2000s.”

Do you ever get stage fright? What’s your solution for it?

“I have battled a lot with it over the years, more so when playing alone. My solution for it is two shots of good tequila, half a beer, and a double espresso all in quick succession. If that doesn’t cure your stage fright, nothing will.”

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

“Being asked to remix Beyoncé for what was her first foray into dance music, ‘DéjàVu’ in 2006, and being nominated for a Grammy. The only thing that would top it would be to actually win the Grammy!”

Russell Small x DNO P ‘Earworm’ album artwork