Russ Kitchin

As a member of the UK Country scene for over 20 years, playing in various bands, duos and trios and fronting award-winning country cover band, Badlands, Russel Kitchin’s love of Country Music began from a young age; with some of his fondest and earliest memories sitting under the kitchen table, listening to his mum’s country compilation tapes. After years of curating and honing his love for country, western, rock and blues, Russel finally made his solo debut with his first album, ‘Wherever You Are’in May 2023. Russel went on to receive multiple nominations from independent radio stations, and the album was voted “Album of the Year 2024” byUKCountryradio.com 

Russel draws his influence from phenomenal country artists like Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Brad Paisley, Luke Combs and Allan Jackson, as well as blues icons Joe Bonamassa, Eric Clapton, amongst many others. Another inspiration is long-time friend and producer Martin Smith (producer of Holly Rose Webber’s number 1 UK track, ‘Let It Out’).

Russel’s appreciation for both the UK and U.S. Country scene is reflected deeply in his music, lyrics, and message. Russel cites his music as having various Country and Americana ‘flavours’ and loves using a multitude of instruments to layer and enrich his sound, with inspiration always coming from his own real-life experiences and memories.