Patrick Noel Russ is singer, songwriter and guitarist from Livermore, California. In recent years the veteran performer has made a name for himself with Celtic Rock acts like Pladdohg, Plastic Paddy and his current band CaliCeltic. A gifted and versatile artist, the singer has also maintained a presence in the world of Americana music performing with his band Lucky Sevens and as a solo artist.
After first becoming interested in music as a teenager, Patrick Noel Russ soon began writing his own songs. He found that he had a knack for connecting with listeners at an emotional level. Years later his music would help him overcome challenges in his own life. Songwriting helped him persevere through difficult times, and gave him a way of offering hope to his friends, family, and community.
“Rise Up” is the debut solo EP from Patrick Noel Russ, scheduled for release worldwide to all major streaming services on September 25, 2021. The record opens with the upbeat jangly guitar Alt-Pop of “I Can Take You.” The song sets a positive tone that reverberates through each song. With the everyman Zen wisdom of lines like, “Don’t wanna live in the future, don’t wanna live in the past. All there is is now. And time goes by so fast,” Patrick captures the feelings of people across the world as they emerge from the threat of extinction with a new perspective on life.
That feeling of awakening to the beautiful realities around us permeates throughout the EP. “Hero” is an ode to the everyday heroes in our lives. Musically the tune pairs some cool bluesy tremolo guitar with jazzy trumpet flourishes. “Out Here” looks optimistically toward a brighter future with lush vocal harmonies over an upbeat Alt-Country singer/songwriter vibe. The EP closes on “All I Need to Be,” a self-affirming rocker with a nice Southern funk groove.
We had the chance to chat with Patrick Noel Russ about the new EP. Check out his answers to our 6 questions below. And follow the links at the end of this article to connect with the artist. Get on his socials and get in the loop on all of his current and future projects. And cruise over to his website to sample and pre-order the brand new EP “Rise Up,” due to be released everywhere on September 25, 2021.
6 Questions with Patrick Noel Russ
Where are you from?
Livermore California
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
There were many talented musicians in these songs. They varied from song to song. Most of the guitar work was done by the great Ed Tree. Drums by Joe O’Loughlin. Nick Russ on Trumpet. Pat Martinez on pedal steel guitar. Bass by Brian Skinner and Neil Bellenie. Background vocals by Natalia Susoeff and Anna Weidl.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Every musician that I’ve ever performed with has been my main influence. But I listen to everything. Some of my favorite bands are NRBQ, the Avett Brothers, the Jayhawks, Matthew Sweet.
What inspired you to create this project?
After living through a couple of tough years, I wanted to publish some positive music. I wanted to make music that sounded good to me, and not focus so much on what genre it was in, etc. When I come up with a song, it is as if the song was given to me, rather than me doing it.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I have another EP “True Heart” coming out in October 2021. This second EP is focused on songs about love and forgiveness.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I appreciate the many people who’s talents helped make these songs come to life.