From his earliest days hiding beneath the kitchen table while his mum’s country compilation tapes spun on repeat, Russel Kitchin has carried the sound of Nashville in his heart. A founding member of the award‑winning country cover band Badlands, Russel has spent years honing his craft on stages across the UK, blending his love of country, western, and blues into a style that feels both timeless and fresh. Now, with the release of his debut solo album Wherever You Are (May 2023), he’s stepping into the spotlight with songs that reflect a lifetime of passion for the genre.
Drawing inspiration from icons like Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Brad Paisley, and Alan Jackson, as well as blues greats Joe Bonamassa and Eric Clapton, Russel’s music is rich with layered textures and heartfelt storytelling. His long‑time friend and collaborator Martin Smith—producer of Holly Rose Webber’s UK number one Let It Out—has also played a key role in shaping his sound. The result is a record that celebrates the shared spirit of both the UK and U.S. country scenes, weaving together multiple “flavours” of country with authenticity and soul.
Looking ahead, Russel is eager to bring his songs to life on stage, with live gigs and festival appearances already on the horizon. For him, country music is more than a genre—it’s a message of connection, resilience, and joy. As he puts it: “I want everyone to enjoy it, the general public – people who love good music, I want everyone to enjoy what Country has to offer!” With Wherever You Are, Russel Kitchin invites fans old and new to share in that message and discover the heart of his music.
The Russ Kitchin Duo
The Russ Kitchin Duo bring a heartfelt blend of country, western, and blues to stages across the UK. Fronted by singer‑songwriter and guitarist Russel Kitchin, and enriched by the soaring harmony vocals of Heather Kitchin, the pair create a sound that’s both intimate and powerful, rooted in the traditions of Nashville yet unmistakably their own.
