The MPG (Music Producers Guild) have announced that Richard Russell, the acclaimed producer and founder of the ground-breaking label XL Recordings, will receive the prestigious MPG Inspiration Award at this year’s MPG Awards ceremony.
Richard is behind the collaborative music project and album, ‘Everything Is Recorded’, which unites a diverse array of voices — including Sampha, Obongjayar, Ibeyi, Giggs and Kamasi Washington — in expansive, emotionally resonant productions that explore the complexities of identity and human connection.
He has worked on several notable projects with Damon Albarn, co-producing his debut solo album ‘Everyday Robots’ and Bobby Womack’s comeback album, ‘The Bravest Man In The Universe’. He also produced Gil Scott-Heron’s ‘I’m New Here’, collaborated with Peter Gabriel on ‘Four Kinds Of Horses’, and most recently, produced ‘Daffodils and Dirt’, the debut album from actress Samantha Morton.
“Whether in the studio or guiding from behind the scenes, Richard Russell continues to inspire through his fearless approach to creativity and unwavering commitment to artistic freedom. The MPG is proud to honour a visionary whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the evolution and trajectory of contemporary music; from ‘Kicks Like a Mule’, to ‘Everything Is Recorded’, via ‘Young’ and countless highlights in between.” - Anu Pillai, Executive Director, MPG
Russell's career spans over three decades, during which he has consistently pushed the boundaries of music production and championed innovative artists across a wide range of genres. He has helped elevate and amplify the careers of some of today’s most influential artists — from the seminal albums of Radiohead and The xx, to the essential releases of Adele, M.I.A., The Prodigy and Dizzee Rascal.
The MPG Inspiration Award, which is sponsored by Audio Note, celebrates an individual whose vision and creativity have inspired and shaped the future of music. It will be presented to Richard at the MPG's prestigious annual awards ceremony at The Troxy on 24 April 2025. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased via the link below.