Profile of the Artist
Based on an interview with Russell Chell
by Maxwell Shaver
Who is Russell Chell?
Russell Chell is the lead guitarist in the pop group, “The Skins”. Russ’s killer guitar playing produces a dense tune with a surprising hint of blues, creating an all-around great new sound for pop music lovers. Chell’s sophisticated musical arrangement capabilities and control help bring the whole sound together along with his band mates. The Skins started out in 2012, more as a rock band but have evolved their sound to pop with a background mixture of guitar blues, soul and heavy metal. Russ said “with lead vocalist, Bay Li’s, Amy Winehouse vibe, fans love our music as it makes them feel good and be happy.” The Skins are a young band but with their exceptional musical skills, age doesn’t matter. They play like old pro’s, offering a soulful interpretation of pop that today’s audiences crave.

How did you get to be who you are?
Chell is now in his mid-twenties. He grew up in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, which is situated right outside of Trenton. Throughout his youth Chell was drawn to music and was supported by his parents in his drive to master the guitar. Russ graduated from Hamilton North-Nottingham High School in 2010 and then attended Mercer Community College in Trenton, New Jersey, as a music major. Russ attributes some of his success to his days at Mercer College with his Professor, James Kelly; Coordinator of the Music program, who taught him everything he knows about jazz.
Throughout high school and college years, Russ could be found at the School of Rock either taking classes or giving lessons; and it is here in 2011 he met his bandmates Daisy Spencer and the Mckeithan siblings. Daisy Spencer is a fellow guitarist, Bay Li Mckeithan, is lead vocalist, Kaya Mckeithan is on bass and Reef Mckeithan is on drums.
Russ has always been drawn to the guitar and wanted to focus on being the best at one instrument. He is well known for his screaming solo on “Summertime” producing all the power and kick of guitar playing you could ask for.

What are you doing now?
The band recently returned from playing South by South West (SXSW) in Austin, Texas and will be playing Rough Trade NYC on May 10th. The Skins are based out of Brooklyn, New York where Russ now lives. The Skins recently signed a major label record deal with American Recordings and are currently working on their next release. The Skins older releases are available on iTunes.
Chell stated he currently is listening to “Big Data”, “Rihanna,” and the new “Kanye West” album. He also spends a lot of time listening to the radio in order to keep current on the industry and trends.
Russ explained how he loves playing guitar but he has taken an interest in what is happening inside the recording booth; particularly mixing and understanding the engineering side of music. On the subject of how technology is changing the production of music, Russ is supportive of the increased accessibility of creating music. He said it is a game changer.

What advice do you have for new artists?
“America is the hardest market in the world to break through in. And if you can make it there, consider yourself set,” declared Chell.
He recommends new artists become informed with at least the basics of recording music and to be flexible and easy to work with. The recording process is complex and as a musician, it is imperative you contribute positively to the development of sound so not to hinder the flow or the intensity of the music being created.
Chell has commented he is a huge fan of and is largely influenced by Guthrie Govan. Chell considers him to be the greatest guitarist in the world.
Russ further commented the artists he looks up to include the guitarists Jeff Beck and Jimmy Hendrix, and the bands “King Crimson” and “Yes.” In terms of ‘mixing’ musicians, he looks up to those who use computers and electronics to create their art, such as Phil Tan and Dave Pensado. However, he considers the artist Jaycen Joshua the best mix engineer.

What is your future?
Chell wants to keep playing, recording and hopefully making music that pleases his fans!
Russ Chell and the band The Skins can be reached through the band’s pages on social media such as:
Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/theskinsband/?pnref=lhc
YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdEi_6yJzbrjU8WxmdcVL_g
iTunes page https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-skins/id493158757

Neves, André. Photo of Russell Chell. Digital image. Http://theskins.com/. The Skins, 2014. Web. 9 May 2016.