I've listened to Russ for years. Somewhere along the way, his music stopped being just music to me and started being a playbook.
The way he built his career, one finished song at a time, owning what he made, betting on himself before anyone else did, changed how I think about my own work. This blog is where I write that down.
Before the first real post, here's what this site is, what's on it, and what the blog will cover.
What This Site Is
The Russ Fan Archive is an unofficial fan site. I'm a fan, not part of his team, and nothing here is endorsed by Russ, his team or his label.
It started as a place to keep his whole catalog in one spot, and it grew from there.
What you'll find:
- Every release. Albums, EPs, singles, other versions and the songs he's featured on, all on the All music page. Every song plays through the official Spotify, YouTube or SoundCloud player.
- Your Russ top 10. Pick your 10 favorite songs, put them in order and share the picture or a short link on the Top 10 page.
- Favorites. Tap the heart on any song to save it. Sign in and your favorites follow you to every device.
- This blog. Posts on the ideas behind his career and how to use them.
What the Blog Will Cover
Each post takes one idea from Russ's career and turns it into something you can try. Here's what's coming.
Consistency
Russ put out a song every week on SoundCloud for almost three years (Wikipedia). The first real post on this blog is about exactly that, and how to build your own version of that habit.
Ownership
He has been open about why he cares so much about owning his work: "I'm not trying to do anything I don't own." Posts in this category break down what that means in plain words, for music and for anything else you make.
Self-belief and the book
His book, It's All in Your Head, is built on three ideas: delusion, persistence and gratitude (Porchlight Books). I'll go through those ideas and how to use them.
Mental health
He has said that his early overconfidence covered insecurities, and that he now believes in being kinder to yourself after mistakes (Jay Shetty). Drive and self-kindness can live together, and a few posts will look at how.
How I Write These Posts
A few rules I hold myself to, so you can trust what you read here:
- Real quotes only. Every quote is word for word, short, and linked to where he said it. If I'm summarizing something, I say so and link the source.
- No full lyrics. At most a line or two, and only when it matters to the point.
- No made-up facts. No invented numbers or tour dates. For shows, use the official links.
- Something to try in every section. Each post should leave you with a next step, not just a story.
Where to Start
If you're new here: