A graduate of Walpole High School in Massachusetts and later Barrington College, Russell is known for managing both the American rock band the Call[1] and songwriter Michael Been and has worked in various capacities with such artists as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club,[2] Sam Philips, Mark Heard, U2 and Brad Corrigan, Cheryl Kelley, Robin Lane, Ramona Silver, Vigilantes of Love, Rachael Taylor, among others.

In 1994 he received a Grammy nomination[4] for producing Fingerprint's compilation album Strong Hand of Love: A Tribute to Mark Heard, to which he also contributed the song, "I Just Wanna Get Warm.

"[5] After years of contributing to the careers of other artists, Russell recorded his debut album, Feel the Echoes, which was successfully funded via Kickstarter, and currently working on a new release for 2022.

[6] In 1998, Russell founded the first Soulfest, a faith-based social justice multi-day music festival originally held at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire.

Now in its 24th year, Russell continues to produce the festival currently held every summer at the Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford, New Hampshire, drawing more than 25,000 attendees annually to see over 100 bands, renowned authors and speakers on four stages.