Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Conrad Rusell

What is your earliest memory connected to music? 

My earliest memory of music is watching my father practice the drums at home before going to  rehearsals. He was like an idol to me, the first person who truly influenced me. He introduced me  to so many bands that shaped who I am today, like Nirvana and Oasis, through his record  collection. I remember playing every album on the stereo and feeling amazed by all that beautiful  music. 

How did your passion for creating music begin? 

I started taking piano lessons when I was 7 years old, and by the time I turned 12, I had already  picked up the guitar. I began playing in bands at 14, mostly performing covers at local gigs and  bars. It was a lot of fun, but after years of playing other people’s songs, I started to wonder what  it would feel like to perform something that was truly mine. That curiosity eventually became a  passion, to write music that reflects who I am and what I feel. 

What’s the story behind your latest music project? 

My latest project, Utopia, was released on August 23. It’s an album built around the idea of  longing and unattainable love. It’s an ironic paradise, a dreamy, synth-driven world filled with  heartbreak, nostalgia, and quiet hope. Beneath all the shimmer is a search for something that  feels perfect but may never exist. Every track represents a different perspective on that  emotional pursuit. Utopia also marks the beginning of a new creative chapter for me, one that  continues with my next project, Aether. 

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before? 

It’s like if LANY met The Chainsmokers, sad, heartfelt lyrics over upbeat music. Some people say  it shouldn’t work, but I love the contrast it creates. I’d describe it as alt-pop and dream pop with  a hint of synth-pop. I wouldn’t dare to compare myself to those artists, but I can say my music  comes from a place of truth and is very personal to me. 

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music? 

That less can mean more. I used to think complexity made songs meaningful, but for me,  simplicity often hits deeper. Letting emotion lead instead of overthinking makes the music more  honest and powerful. I’ve also been enjoying writing lyrics, it’s been really satisfying to craft  words that people can relate to. 

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

For Utopia, I used Ableton Live Lite, which limited me to 8 tracks max, so I had to find  workarounds. It also helped me keep things simple. I used a few synth plugins, and the only  “real” instruments were my guitars. For my next project, I’ve upgraded my DAW and I’m in the  process of getting a new computer, so I’m really excited to start working with these new tools. 

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now? 

Right now, I’m really into “Paralyzed” by Sakkara. I discovered them on TikTok Live, and I’ve been  playing that song nonstop ever since. 

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision? 

My songs come from real experiences, heartbreaks, memories, and quiet reflections. I’ve  developed a habit of writing as a release, so I’ve collected a lot of lyrics in my iPhone notes. I’ve  always believed the best music comes from truth, so I let my emotions guide every part of the  process. That’s why my sound often sits somewhere between sadness and beauty. 

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work? 

I want listeners to feel understood. Even when my songs come from pain or loss, there’s always a  thread of hope. They’re not alone because I’ve felt it too. Hopefully, they can find a song they  relate to and know they’re not alone in having felt, or in feeling, that way. 

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far? 

Vulnerability is strength. Sharing something deeply personal can be terrifying, but it’s also the  most powerful way to connect with others. Honest art reaches people in ways you can’t predict. 

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at? 

Primavera Sound in Barcelona or Coachella. Both celebrate emotional, boundary-pushing music,  and I think Utopia would fit beautifully in that atmosphere. 

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why? 

LANY. Their music shaped how I approach emotion and production. A collaboration would feel  like a full-circle moment, a meeting point between influence and individuality. 

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? 

All my links are here: https://beacons.ai/conradrusell. You can also find me on YouTube at  @conradrusell, and my music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming 

platforms. 

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey? 

I’m working on my next album, Aether, which builds on the afterglow of Utopia: you’ve reached  what you longed for. The connection itself fragile, fleeting, real, but you start to see its  impermanence. 

There’s warmth, touch, temptation, and pain in coexistence. 

My dream is to keep evolving as a producer and storyteller, creating music that makes people  feel something real. 

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way? 

That everything I make comes from sincerity. I’m not trying to be perfect, I just want to be  honest. If listeners feel that honesty in my music, then I’ve already said everything I needed to  say.