Allison Russell – Outside Child (Orange Vinyl)

Outside Child announces Allison Russell as one of the most powerful voices in contemporary roots music—a debut solo album that transforms childhood trauma into transcendent art without flinching from the darkness or wallowing in it. Pressed on orange vinyl, this Grammy-nominated album tells Russell's story of surviving physical, psychological, and sexual abuse at the hands of her adoptive father, running away to Montreal at 15, and eventually finding healing through music, community, and motherhood. Variety called it "the album of the year" and noted that "musical memoirs don't come braver, or better."

Russell's two decades with Po' Girl, Birds of Chicago, and Our Native Daughters prepared her for this moment, but nothing quite prepared listeners for the emotional impact of songs like "Nightflyer," "4th Day Prayer," and "The Hunters." Her clarinet playing, banjo work, and soulful vocals create a sonic palette that draws from folk, blues, gospel, and soul traditions. The McCrary Sisters, Yola, and Erin Rae add harmonies throughout. Three Grammy nominations—Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song, and Best American Roots Performance—confirmed what critics already knew: Outside Child is a landmark achievement. The orange vinyl pressing adds visual warmth to music that burns with survivor's joy.

Orange Vinyl LP. Fantasy Records. Released 2021. Three Grammy nominations. Features Yola, Erin Rae, McCrary Sisters. Produced by Dan Knobler.