Russ Aimz

Artist Information

Biography

Recently finished 2nd album "Wildfire" - Rock/classic rock/punk. The new album is all self: recorded, produced, paid for, arranged, mastered, mixed, all instruments (cept drums), song writing, promo, youtube vids, and the list goes on...

earBuzz Review for debut album "Cruze":
The CD ends with a cover version of Stevie Nicks, "Gypsy", done with Aimz's signature wonderfully. Overall the record is a gem - a real artistic effort from a talented singer/songwriter who is carving his own voice. Don Kimenker (USA)

‘Melbourne based rock singer’

Living in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Russ Aimz, is finding more than enough inspiration to stoke his songwriting fires. His style of passionate straight ahead driving rock, is coming from the heart. Likewise, is his genuine personality and unstoppable, deep down urge, to just rock.

In his early 20's. Russ taught himself, to play guitar, out of magazines and by sharing chords and techniques amongst friends. However, his burning desire to fully express the passion and angst he was feeling. Would not be realised, until he finally had, enough courage, to grab a hold of that mic.

Unleashing that inner voice, never felt so good! It's been a long time coming, yet the show has only just begun.

Now with his sights firmly set on USA and in particular LA, NY and Texas. With hopes of broadening his fan base and finding new audiences, Russ has always wanted to travel to America. For as long as he can remember, he has always felt strongly drawn there.


Influences: Billy Idol, Mick Jagger, Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Pink, David Bowie, Paul Kelly, James Reyne, Bono, Madonna.

Latest album "Wildfire", is already receiving airplay on at least 7 internet radio stations and a few podcasts. Also inteviews and tracks featured on the "Running Podcast".

Airplay: Debut album "Cruze" received USA local and college airplay with the opening album track ‘The Grampians Song’. Plus Australia wide community radio spins with 3 singles, ‘Laura’, ‘Gypsy’ and ‘Brand Nu Day’.

Some past live performances, have incl:

May 2010 - Los Angeles, California - Bourbon Street Bar and Grill (USA)
May 2010 - Los Angeles, California - Pig n Whistle (USA)
May 2010 - Los Angeles, California - Canters Deli (Kibbitz Room) (USA)
Feb 2010 - Ding Dong Lounge, Vic
Feb 28 2009 Softbelly, Vic
May 9, 2008 Melbourne City Library, VIC
10 June 2007 The Brunswick Hotel Brunswick Vic
25 March 2007 The Basin Music Festival The Basin Vic
24 March 2007 Mortlake Festival Mortlake Vic
31 December 2006 'Promised Land' Alice Springs NT
Za’ba St Kilda (‘Showcase’)
March/April 2006 The Basin Music Festival
The Cornish Arms
Clifton Hill Hotel
Hardimans café/bar/rest
Caz Reitops
The Empress
Panton Hill Tsunami Benefit festival
The Pony (a Ravensphere gig)
Nannup Festival in W.A. five (5) performances there
Nannup Primary/High school

Open Mics in Melbourne
The Elwood Lounge
Comfortable Chair
Panton Hill
Pure (Grassroots)
Famous Blue Raincoat
The Old Bar
St Andrews Hotel
AD Ryans
The Empress
Planet heaven
The Laundry
The Bridge hotel

On his second album, this Melbourne, AUS songwriter changes course from his acoustic 2006 debut Cruze, desiring a “bigger and bolder” rock sound. - Mark Suppanz - ”The Big Take Over” (NY USA)

Debut Album "Cruze" - Best songs range from the slow moving "Here We Are" through the upbeat, earthy folk feel of "Postcard" to the haunting "Mathew". With numerous awards behind him, Russ is well on the way to following his idols success… we wish him well. Reviewer [Mark Rasmussen ~ The Buzz Magazine] (Aus)

Goals/Mission Statement
Russ say's "To play a huge part in healing our planet. Using strong lyrics/messages with uplifting inspiring comforting music. There is a massive change happening right now in humanity, hopefully I am part of it".

Instrumentation

Russ Aimz - Vocals, Acoustic

Discography

"Wildfire" 2010
"Cruze" Debut album 2006:
'Alexandrite' the single 2002.

Official Website

http://www.russaimz.com/

Audio

• You Could Have You Should Have
  Listen   Download
• Same Land
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• Junkyard Memories
  Listen   Download
• Cold Man of Steel
  Listen   Download
• Rock N Roll Heart
  Listen   Download
• You're A Star
  Listen   Download
• Eye of Love
  Listen   Download
• Fire Heart
  Listen   Download
• A Blade Of Grass
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• You Could Have You Should Have
• Same Land
• Cold Man of Steel
• Rock n Roll Heart
• You're A Star
• Eye of Love
• Wild and Pretty
• The Grampians Song
• Brand Nu Day
• A Blade of Grass

Video

You Could Have You Should Have

Cold Man of Steel

Photo Gallery

Press

• Wildfire Album Review 2010/2011 - The Big Takeover [+ Show ]
  

  Wildfire review - Russ Aimz On his second album, this Melbourne, AUS songwriter changes course from...Wildfire review - Russ Aimz
  On his second album, this Melbourne, AUS songwriter changes course from his acoustic 2006 debut Cruze, desiring a “bigger and bolder” rock sound. Curiousley, despite recording that softer first LP with a bevy of musicians, Aimz goes it almost alone on this heavier follow-up, playing everything himself except drums! Although his influences include Billy Idol, Mick Jagger and Pat Benatar (he covers “All Fired Up” here), Aimz more often recalls fellow Aussies Midnight Oil, mainly due to his resolute, Peter Garrett-like voice. While the way-up-in-the-mix drumming and slightly cavernous production take some getting used to, Aimz’s songwriting gifts and genuine personality do eventually filter through. And on prettier tunes such as centerpieces “Junkyard Memories” and “Same Land”, you’ll find him as sprawling and transportive as the outback of his home continent. (russaimz.com). by Mark Suppanz - ”The Big Take Over”
  
  

• Cruze Debut Leads To Appetite For More [+ Show ]
  

  2007 (USA): A visual artist and writer who has worked with musicians including Meat Loaf, I was imme...2007 (USA): A visual artist and writer who has worked with musicians including Meat Loaf, I was immediately attracted to Cruze. Aimz' blend of pop and modern styles with a folk flavor elicits a truly unique sound. Although "Cruze" can be described as upbeat, exuberant, passionate, and inspirational, this strong imagery has not been overpainted. Well crafted and produced, "Cruze" offers an entire package: an ensemle of acoustic instruments, beautiful voices, and thoughtful lyrics complemented by beautiful cover art. The result is full, rich music that is unique enough to stand on it's own, but tight enough to carry it's own in the presence of the pop and folk idols who inspired Aimz. This debut album left me wanting more. I have recommended the CD to friends and colleagues.
  

• Aussie singer/songwriter Russ Aimz [+ Show ]
  

  Aussie singer/songwriter Russ Aimz slyly mixes the styles of early American and Brit folk singers wi...Aussie singer/songwriter Russ Aimz slyly mixes the styles of early American and Brit folk singers with both edgy and pop modern styles. Balladic songs Melt and The Grampians Song have these dramatic harmonies with this undeniable backdrop you can't help but latch on to. Idols and Heroes has a sort of retro folk quality while still maintaining a more current edge. Russ has that certain something you can't quit place, but it works.
  
  Reviewer - Music Morsels, Serge Entertainment Group (USA) April 06 http://www.serge.org/0406albumcapsules.html
  
  
  
  

• The passionate strains of [+ Show ]
  

  The passionate strains of "The Grampians Song" opens Russ Aimz' debut confidently. His earthy voice ...The passionate strains of "The Grampians Song" opens Russ Aimz' debut confidently. His earthy voice and the soaring strings work well together. Aimz, an Australian singer makes music that has me thinking of other bands from that country. I'm hoping it's not all prejudice on my part. "Melt" recalls the Go-Betweens literate jangle, and its exuberance is all its own. Aimz is clearly capable of making hopeful songs without being too sentimental. "Victoria" is gorgeous and epic and rhymes the title with 'euphoria' just because it can.
  
  "If I Give" has a message but exhibits enough self-doubt too not become too preachy. "If I give to others will there be anything left for me" ponders the narrator. The anthemic chorus and the use of strings work well here. A version of Fleetwood Mac's "Gypsy" closes the record nicely. This is a very nice debut.
  
  Copyright © 2006 Anna Maria Stjärnell (Sweden) Reviewer from Luna Kaf'e (Norway) March 06
  
  
  
  

• Melbourne based singer/songwriter/guitarist Russ Aimz [+ Show ]
  

  Melbourne based singer/songwriter/guitarist Russ Aimz has finally dropped his much awaited debut a...
  Melbourne based singer/songwriter/guitarist Russ Aimz has finally dropped his much awaited debut album. Beautifully presented with original artwork, pics etc, 'Cruze' is the kind of album perfect for those long country drives, capturing the very essence of the places Russ writes and sings about. Able to hold a note well and with some truly inspirational sounds, Aimz leaves his mark. Adding his own version of Fleetwood Mac's 'Gypsy' shows Russ likes to challenge himself while also demonstrating his range and diversity. Best songs range from the slow moving 'Here We Are' through the upbeat, earthy folk feel of 'Postcard' to the haunting 'Mathew'. With numerous awards behind him, Russ is well on the way to following his idols success… we wish him well.
  
  Reviewer [Mark Rasmussen ~ The Buzz Magazine] (Aus) Feb 06
  
  
  
  

• Russ Aimz, has admittedly been influenced [+ Show ]
  

  earBuzz Review: Australian singer/songwriter, Russ Aimz, has admittedly been influenced from Neil Di...earBuzz Review: Australian singer/songwriter, Russ Aimz, has admittedly been influenced from Neil Diamond to Meatloaf. His vocal style quivers with emotion and unconventional vibrato that is as endearing as it is individual. His 12 tune collection on CD, "Cruze", is a combination of so many influences, blended together so intensely that the output becomes a frappe of its own. The long mp3 here, "Laura", is kind of an XTC meets John Denver meets Foo Fighters meets Al Stewart. His lyrical storytelling is that of poetry - his subtle and sincere vocal performances are befriending. And his Laura is a lucky target of a song that pleads, "Laura, follow your plans, Laura, it's so in your heart". The record opens up with "The Grampians Song", an enlightening and glorious tune about a tremendously blessed day, 'a little bit of sunshine has come my will i let it stay, i drive forever i don't mind, where the road winds cause it's a glorious day'. Track 5, "Victoria", is a dedication to a geographic blessing for Aimz. The tune is a strum along acoustic guitar number, backed by strings that weave through various chordal inversions to give a perpetual feel to the movement under Aimz purposeful voice. "Postcard" we love. The easy tune has a Neil Young feel - which should be understood to be true art without pretense. The song is a smooth slow acoustic groove. The CD ends with a cover version of Stevie Nicks, "Gypsy", done with Aimz's signature wonderfully. Overall the record is a gem - a real artistic effort from a talented singer/songwriter who is carving his own voice.
  
  Reviewer Don Kimenker (USA) Jan 06
  
  
  

• Russ was inspired as a young child by Meatloaf [+ Show ]
  

  Smother.net review: Melbourne, Australia is the home to Russ Aimz. An independent singer/songwriter ...Smother.net review: Melbourne, Australia is the home to Russ Aimz. An independent singer/songwriter with a nifty knack for song creation, Russ was inspired as a young child by Meatloaf. "Cruze" is an album that explores gracious amounts of melody and does so without leaving behind any catchy hook or thoughtful bridge. Armed with powerful ballads, Aimz covers Fleetwood Mac's smash hit "Gypsy" to close the album. Intended to be an album to listen to while cruising in your car, it drifts slowly from song to song with beckoning cleverness.
  
  Reviewer [- J-Sin] (USA) Jan 06
  
  
  
  

• Well paced contemporary folky pop rock [+ Show ]
  

  Well paced contemporary folky pop rock. Good vibe all 'round with unique vox that tie the CD togethe...Well paced contemporary folky pop rock. Good vibe all 'round with unique vox that tie the CD together nicely!
  
  Reviewer [Cumbersome Records] (Aus) Jan 06
  
  

• Song Review (Alexandrite) [+ Show ]
  

  by Frank Grech 2003 'Five stars. A job well done. The story of this song really captured the truth a...by Frank Grech 2003 'Five stars. A job well done. The story of this song really captured the truth about Ned Kelly and is one that will be enjoyed listening to over and over.'
  
  Reply letter sent
  by Katherine Heads
  of Ned Kelly
  (Our Sunshine Pty Ltd) 2002 'Thanks so much for sending in your tape, your song is wonderful'

Setlist

Set List: Can do 45min or 30 min original set and can include a few covers (80's - current if needed)

Note: Setlists can change depending on the feel of the gig/performance/venue or audience

eg. 30 min setlist (Uptempo's)

1.Rock n Roll Heart
2.Junkyard Memories
3.Same Land
4.Cold Man of Steel
5.Gypsy – Fleetwood Mac (cover)
6.You Could Have You Should Have
7.All of My Love


eg.45 min set (Mainly Uptempo's)

1.Rock n Roll Heart
2.Junkyard Memories
3.Same Land
4.Cold Man of Steel
5.Gypsy – Fleetwood Mac (cover)
6.You Could Have You Should Have
7.All of My Love
8.Brand Nu Day
9.A Blade of Grass
10.The Grampians Song
11.Wild and Pretty
12.Always Sideways

Basic Requirements

PDF Rider

Russ Aimz's Rider

Calendar