4x GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, poet, activist, and multi-instrumentalist Allison Russell has released her latest single, “Stay Right Here,” from her recently announced new album, The Returner. The song is an urgent dance-floor gem that sees Russell channeling 70’s greats like Diana Ross, Gloria Gaynor and Roberta Flack. The song features her Rainbow Coalition ensemble with special string arrangements written by Larissa Maestro, featuring Sista Strings.

Allison Russell on her new single: “Stay Right Here” is about resisting the siren songs of self-hatred, apathy & oblivion. It’s about fighting the nihilistic forces of bigotry, fear & fascism. Right here, right now. The good fight, good trouble, it’s a Freedom Song. It’s about leaning into the fierce Survivor’s Joy & the POWER of our world wide rainbow coalition to reduce harm for all our children, for our planet, for all those yet to come. We are more than seeds – we’re the soil & the water – the good ancestors.  Every one of us, equal under the sun— we shall not be overcome. Our Circle is STRONG.”

Since the release of her debut solo LP two years ago, Outside Child, Russell’s often devastating, deeply moving, cathartic celebration of survivor’s joy has become one of the most acclaimed albums of the past 10 years. Now comes the second chapter, The Returner, a body-shaking, mind-expanding, soulful expression of liberation, love, and self-respect that serves as a fierce declaration of joy for all survivors that have made it to the other side. Allison, JT, and Drew, built The Returner from the bottom up with a rhythm-first, genre-fluid approach. The improvisational energy of great female artists sparked the album’s fierce joy, and provided a wider canvas for Allison’s immense, unlimited talent. In all, the new album doesn’t just deliver on the promise of the last two years, it exceeds all reasonable (and unreasonable) expectations and affirms Allison Russell’s place among music’s most vital artists⎯and The Returner, as one of 2023’s most essential recordings.

Photo Courtesy: Dana Trippe