Russell Stewart, a singer-songwriter from Glasgow, released his hypnotic new single, “Pink and Grey.” It’s a captivating and passionate song that masterfully displays the singer’s stunning vocals and distinctive, contemporary style. Russell wrote the emotive lyrics to the mournful tune, which is currently available on all major platforms, while taking a walk at sunset. The song addresses themes of loneliness, heartbreak, and mental health.
As Russell put pen to paper, his racing thoughts were slowed down by the initial lines of the track, which swiftly took shape in his imagination after being inspired by the colours streaking over the sky. “Pink and grey is a snapshot of my mind when everything in life hit me at once,” explained Russell who made the BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2023 shortlist. “I wrote down all of the rushing ideas and emotions that were taking over my mind in order to digest and declutter it”.
Because I know people who struggle with mental health, I can relate to this song. The song made such a profound impact on me that I had to listen to it two or three more times to fully experience it. It is so beautifully worded that anyone who listens will be moved.
Similar to Russell’s 2019 smash tune Midsummer, Pink and Grey has straightforward instrumentation. The outstanding track, which loops around the same chords and beat, has deep vocal and harmony layers that create a rich and captivating soundscape that is further enhanced by the use of analogue synths.
Russell added: “We experimented and had fun trying out different things to enhance the track during recording. The coolest thing we tried was tracking the drums at the top of a stairwell and recording from mics on every floor to get some incredible live reverb and effects”.
Pink and Grey is Russell’s first release since his highly regarded first EP, Into View, was released in 2022. With more intriguing songs planned for 2025, the neo soul musician is poised to emerge as one of Scotland’s most talked-about artists.