Paul Russell is redefining what it means to be a modern musician, seamlessly blending genres and breaking boundaries with every release.
Hailing from Dallas, TX, Paul’s journey into music is as eclectic as his sound. From mastering the trumpet as a kid to engaging in lunchtime rap battles and serenading over a ukulele, his musical roots run deep and diverse. This dynamic upbringing is evident in his infectious tracks that pull from a wide range of influences, including Anderson.Paak, OutKast, and Louis Armstrong.
Jacket Daily Paper Blazer & Trousers Samsøe Samsøe
After making waves with independent anthems like Hallelujah and Ms. Poli Sci, Paul skyrocketed to global fame with his breakout hit Lil Boo Thang. The track, which cleverly interpolates Best of My Love by The Emotions, has amassed over 550 million streams and earned Paul performances on major stages such as Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Graham Norton Show.
His unique blend of R&B, funk, pop, and hip-hop—what he calls “cookout music”—has resonated with listeners around the world, making him one of the most exciting new voices in music today.
Jacket Daily paper Trousers Stylist's Archive
As Paul continues to build on this momentum, collaborating with the likes of Meghan Trainor and touring arenas across North America, it’s clear that his journey is just beginning. In this interview, we dive into the creative mind of Paul Russell, exploring the inspirations behind his music, the thrill of his viral success, and what’s next for this rapidly rising star.
You've described your music as "cookout music you listen to outside with a bunch of friends." What inspired you to create this vibe, and how does it reflect your personality?
I've always loved bringing people together. I moved around a lot as a kid, so I know what it’s like to be new to an area and still trying to build a community. I love throwing events, making friends, and connecting with different groups of people. As a result, the setting I’m most comfortable in is a big crowd of people I love—that’s my happy place, and it's where I am mentally when I make music. So everything just comes out that way. When I write a song, I imagine myself outside with my friends, and I try to create things we would want to sing along to in those moments.
Jacket criminal damage Trousers Stylist's Archive Vest Samsøe Samsøe Watch Bell & Ross
From playing the trumpet and battling in lunchroom rap sessions to crooning over the ukulele, your musical journey is unique. How did these diverse experiences shape the sound we hear in your music today?
I think I’m kinda scatterbrained and want to do everything, so I feel like at this point I’ve tried making something in almost every genre. Trying a bunch of new stuff has helped me figure out what my sound is and made me more comfortable taking risks musically.
Lil Boo Thang has taken the world by storm, earning platinum status and millions of streams. What was your reaction to the song's success, and what do you think resonates most with listeners?
It’s been a crazy whirlwind, but I’m so grateful for the song and how it has made a lot of people happy. I think it’s a song that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and you can tell I had a good time making it, which makes people feel like they can have some fun when they hear it. I also think when you have a sample from such an iconic song like Best of My Love, there’s definitely some extra opportunity for magic.
Jacket Daily paper Under Jacket BOY London Trousers Stylist's Archive Shoes Vagabond
Your musical influences range from Anderson.Paak and OutKast to Louis Armstrong. How do you blend these influences to create your own distinct sound?
I think I generally like music that is lighthearted yet has some depth and soul to it. So that’s what I make! I don’t usually think too hard about my influences; I just make what I love.
You've performed on some of the biggest stages, from Jimmy Kimmel Live! to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. How do you prepare for these major performances, and what's been your most memorable moment so far?
Performing at the White House has to be the most memorable for me since it’s just so crazy to think this music stuff could get me to the point where I could meet the president. To prepare for performances, I try not to think too hard. Before I go up, I make sure I surround myself with the people I love backstage, I pray, I take a shot, and then I step up on stage!
Jacket Nanushka Trousers Dickies Shirt Nanushka Shoes Christian Louboutin Eyewear Akila
Collaborating with Meghan Trainor on Slippin and joining her on tour is huge. How did this collaboration come about, and what has the experience been like working with her?
She’s the best and super talented and kind. It’s been great working with her so far. I’m excited to perform the song on tour with her too.
You've gone viral multiple times and even fooled the internet into thinking you had a Drake feature coming. How do you balance the fun of viral moments with maintaining your artistic integrity?
That’s something I’m still trying to figure out. I think the content that feels the most organic ends up being what I’m most proud of and what does the best—like when I’m just having fun and not stressing too much about going viral. My belief is that if you’re doing something unique and creative, you just have to stay consistent, and eventually, something special will happen or you’ll have an idea in the moment.
Jacket Daily Paper Blazer & Trousers Samsøe Samsøe Shoes Christian Louboutin
Your music video for Lil Boo Thang was inspired by classic visuals like Will Smith's Summertime and Spike Lee's work. What other influences or references do you like to bring into your visuals?
I love sitcoms from the '90s and 2000s. Shows like Everybody Hates Chris, Martin, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air have had a huge impact on me as a person, and I think my music fits in that world. I’m excited about some upcoming visuals we have that are inspired by sitcoms. It feels very fitting for me.
You've DJ-ed at parties during your time at Cornell. How did your time as a DJ influence the way you approach making music today?
Absolutely. When you’re picking songs for a crowd, you have to have a good sense of what people want to hear and when. When I make music, I try to take that same approach. Every song has to fit a moment. Sometimes I’ll make songs and think about ‘when at the party would I play this,’ which helps me categorise things and decide what changes to make. I’d also say that mashups have had a big impact on how I think about original music. Part of where the idea for Lil Boo Thang came from was my thinking about mashups I’d heard in the past that took a soul instrumental and put a rap verse on top.
Say Cheese was named one of the Best Hip Hop Songs of the Year by HipHopDX.What inspired this track, and how do you feel about the recognition it's received?
It was a celebratory day because it was my birthday, and Lil Boo Thang had just come out a week and a half prior, so I was feeling great. We tried to capture that feeling in the song. I’m super happy that people liked it, and I’m excited to make more stuff like it!
Jacket Nanushka Shirt Nanushka Eyewear Akila
Your career has taken you from Dallas to Cornell to Los Angeles. How have these different locations influenced our sound and artistic growth?
I think Dallas is where I learned to love music. I would always go to folk concerts at the local museum, and I felt like such an adult, so I’d keep going back. Cornell is where I’d say my music career really started. That’s when I began doing ukulele shows and first started releasing music. When I think about my early shows and the people who first encouraged me to try, I think about Cornell. Back then, my music was all over the place but had a more alternative sound. When I came to LA, that’s where I figured out what I wanted to make—blending the alternative rap stuff with the pop influences that came naturally while I was looking out at the beach every day.
As someone who started with independent releases, how has signing with Arista Records changed your approach to making and releasing music?
There are definitely more opportunities to work with new people and try things I didn’t have the resources to try in the past, which is exciting.
You've had the chance to tour Europe with Teddy Swims and will soon be touring North America with Meghan Trainor. How do international audiences compare to those in the U.S., and what excites you most about performing in different countries?
International audiences are fun! There are definitely fewer people who know the actual words to my songs, so sometimes it’s funny to see people mouthing random things trying to sing along. But it’s great—everyone was so kind on that European tour, and I already want to go back. I love Teddy and Meghan both so much, so getting to tour with both in the same year has been insane.
With back-to-back hits and high-profile collaborations, what's next for you? Are there any new projects or sounds you're exploring that fans should be on the lookout for?
My EP is out on the 30th of August, and then even more music after that, which I’m excited about. My goal is to keep trying to be as creative as possible and see what comes out of it.
Paul Russell's EP Again Sometime? is out 30th August
Words & Editor by Jheanelle Feanny
Photographer Philipp Raheem
Stylist Kiera Liberati
Grooming by Claudine Blythman
Hair by Sharon Robinson
Comments