I know I’ve been saying this about every remixer, but goddamit, when I first had the idea to do some remixes, I absolutely knew I had to hit up Russ Israel, who makes incredible music under the artist name, russy.
Man, where do I even start with Russ? The kid is my (literal) brother for gosh sakes. I’ve known him since he was born (or shortly thereafter at least!). Ever since we were little kids, Russ has always been my deepest day #1 homie whether it was skatebaording together, playing music together, or just hanging together. The kid’s been a huge inspiration to me and my life in both music, recording, and far far beyond, and without him, who knows what kind of person I’d be... much love to the bro and all the siblings out there (shoutout to my sis too hey!) 💜
Music-wise, Russ has literally been cranking out absolute fucking jams since he was around 17 years old or younger. Whether it be his earlier more psychedelic stuff, his groovier stuff with his old band, Frisco, or the shoegaze / lo-fi tracks he's been making for the last few years, Russ has a whole catalog of amazing music that becomes more and more impressive the deeper you dive. Go check out his 2017 EP, kinky, that’s now back on streaming services, and go listen to his older songs and recent tracks on his Soundcloud and Bandcamp page (links below).
I knew that Russ would elevate the song to a level I was only able to vaguely scratch on my own, and boy, does he deliver. His remix / reimagination of “Together Forever” brings me to tears. While the original began to point towards the emotion I was trying to encapsulate, Russ’s remix fully brings it there. In his remix, he adds haunting new vocals, additional guitar lines, a new bass line, synth, and more, bringing the track to the true catharsis that was always intended. I love this remix so much 😭
Such an honor to work with Russ on this, and an even bigger honor to call him my bro. Spread the brotherly love today and every day, and enjoy the remix 💕💕💕💕
Support russy here:
russybaby.bandcamp.com
soundcloud.com/russybaby
open.spotify.com/artist/6nhPQZBAPLlKUbjlCkfyZQ?si=p2DDcoHyTrWUL0FdfCHzsA&dl_branch=1
www.instagram.com/russypooh_/
from
From Where I'm Standing Remixes,
track released July 28, 2021
"Together Forever" originally written and performed by Gil Israel
Rewritten, remixed, and produced by Russ Israel
Mastered by Andy Clarke at Retro City Studios (Philadelphia, PA)