Richard Russell Awarded the Music Producers Guild Inspiration Award

15 April 2025 - Press release

 

The Music Producers Guild, in association with Dolby and Mix With The Masters, is proud to announce Richard Russell, acclaimed music producer and founder of the groundbreaking label XL Recordings as the winner of its prestigious MPG Inspiration Award sponsored by Audio Note. 

Richard is behind the collaborative music project and album, Everything Is Recorded, uniting a diverse array of voices — including Sampha, Obongjayar, Ibeyi, Giggs, and Kamasi Washington — in expansive, emotionally resonant productions that explore the complexities of identity and human connection.

He has worked on several notable projects with Damon Albarn, co-producing his debut solo album 'Everyday Robots'. The pair also co-produced Bobby Womack's comeback album - The Bravest Man In The Universe. He produced the lauded Gil Scott-Heron album - I'm New Here, collaborated with Peter Gabriel on Four Kinds Of Horses, and most recently produced the debut album from actress Samantha Morton entitled Daffodils and Dirt. 

MPG Executive Director Anu Pillai commented: "Whether in the studio or guiding from behind the scenes, Richard Russell continues to inspire through his fearless approach to creativity and unwavering commitment to artistic freedom. The MPG is proud to honour a visionary whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the evolution and trajectory of contemporary music; from Kicks Like a Mule, to Everything Is Recorded, via Young and countless highlights in between."

Russell's career spans over three decades, during which he has consistently pushed the boundaries of music production and championed innovative artists across a wide range of genres. He has helped elevate and amplify the careers of some of the most influential musicians of our time — from the seminal albums of Radiohead and The xx, to the essential releases of Adele, M.I.A., The Prodigy, and Dizzee Rascal.

The MPG Inspiration Award, which celebrates an individual whose vision and creativity have inspired and shaped the future of music, will be presented to Richard at the MPG's prestigious annual awards ceremony at The Troxy on Thursday 24th April. Tickets are on-sale now. 

Previous winners include Ronie Size, Imogen Heap, Emily Lazar and Sylvia Massy.