With an innate ability to captivate her audience, we grilled International newcomer, Russian Red.
Russian Red – Lourdenes Hernandez to her friends, broke through the music scene in 2008 and became the indie phenomenon in Spain with her debut album I Love Your Glasses. In 2011 she released her second LP, Fuerteventura, which launched her onto the international scene. After the decision to relocate to California and several months working in the studio, Russian Red’s brand new album, ‘Agent Cooper’, is finally ready for it’s summer release.
This third studio album was recorded at Sunset Studios, in Los Angeles, and it boasts some of the greatest professionals in the American music scene. Recorded and produced by Joe Chiccarelli, known for having worked with The White Stripes, The Strokes, Morrisey, My Morning Jacket and Beck.
1. Where did the moniker come from?
Russian Red was born back when I was studying for my Translation exams in 2006 and I wasn’t focused enough. I began to dream big and had all these wild ideas about singing for people and expressing myself through writing. The name ‘Russian Red’ comes from a lipstick colour, the only one that I used to own.
2. Tell us more about ‘Michael P’. Is he a real person?
All of the people on the album are real, but I don’t talk about them, that’s why I decided to write the songs.
3. The new album ‘Agent Cooper’ almost sounds sinister and suspicious?
I guess in a way it is. It might have been the relationship I’ve had with myself until I made this album.
4. Who have you been working with on the record?
My band, then Joe Chiccarelli was the producer and Mark Needham did the overall mix. I’ve been working with some fantastic musicians on the record too. Emily Lazar was thee mastering engineer and she’s worked with Vampire Weekend, Björk, David Bowie and Lou Reed!
5. Are you proud of what you’ve achieved with the finished record?
It sounds better than I could imagine. I really want the world to hear it.
6. What has been the best live gig you’ve played to date?
My favourite gig was at Union Chapel on January 2012 with some members of my band and Stevie and Bob from Belle & Sebastian.
7. Are you looking forward to playing anywhere this summer?
I’d love to play Summersonic in Tokyo but I’m not sure it’s going to happen.
8. Tell us the last three tracks you listened too?
Angel Olsen – ‘Lights Out’
The Orwells – ‘Lays ar Rest’
War on Drugs – ‘Under the Pressure’
Catch Russian Red live at the Lexington on 6/7th May as well as The Great Escape in Brighton the 8th.