Mercury Music Prize nominated Maps (Mute Records) and Lil Peep’s producers Lederrick join Russian Linesman on new album ‘If Miniature World Is Our Safe Space, Then Pass Me The Shrink Ray’

June 14, 2023

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‘If Miniature World Is Our Safe Space, Then Pass Me The Shrink Ray’ is the new album from Russian Linesman. The project features a number of collaborators, most significantly Mercury Music Prize nominated Maps (Mute Records) and one of Lil Peep‘s producers Lederrick.

“The album was inspired by a rummage through old boxes of lyrics and diaries during lockdown, this musical journey explores the emotional complexities of navigating modern life while yearning for the simplicity of the past. It delves into the weight of expectations and obligations, transporting listeners to moments of wonder and enchantment and rekindling a sense of curiosity long forgotten.” – Russian Linesman

Russian Linesman’s highly anticipated new album “If Miniature World Is Our Safe Space, Then Pass Me The Shrink Ray” has finally arrived after three years in the making. This collaborative project features a range of talented vocalists and producers, including Maps, Lederrick, Valeska Rautenberg, Marta Hagen, Scarlet Season, Liv Naes and Cesca. Working remotely and face to face in the studio to create a unique and captivating album.

“I spent hours on the album’s song order. It even borrows from favourite wrestling PPV card, the flow of the matches, up and down like Nevermind and Sgt Peppers. My son Harald came up with the title But Now We’re Not In The Dark. He’s due a writing credit.” – Russian Linesman

With a fluid sound that defies the clichés of a lockdown album, “If Miniature” is an escape from the stresses of the world. Deconstructing old lyrics in parallel with easier times, the album is a nostalgic trip that explores the moments of childhood when one felt cared for. Channeling a love for nostalgia, the album immerses listeners in a world of wonder that is both familiar and new.

Things you didn’t know about the Russian Linesman…

1. Although he uses James Holden’s favourite software Jeskola Buzz he still writes all his music on acoustic guitar and piano.

2. His music has been described as a form of ambient progressive electronica that draws inspiration from the likes of Nick Drake, Syd Barrett, My Bloody Valentine, and M83, amongst others.

3. As a DJ, he has performed all around Europe, supporting the likes of Nathan Fake, Fred Falke, Max Cooper and Lone.

4. Nemone’s support for his ‘Eysenck Suite’ project on her BBC 6 Music show proved a real pivotal moment.The Linesman was thrilled when she featured him in her “An Evening With…” slot, an honour previously bestowed on the likes of Jon Hopkins, Jean-Michel Jarre, Future Sound of London, Leftfield, Fatboy Slim, Ellen Allien and DJ Shadow: https://soundcloud.com/russianlinesman/an-evening-with-russian-linesman-for-nemones-electric-ladyland-on-bbc6-music

5. Before enveloping himself in electronic music he toured as an acoustic singer/songwriter playing folk music.

6. He recorded the music for telecom companyTalkTalk’s ‘Light Graffiti Tour Of the UK’ advert featuring artist Michael Bosanko: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC9VO0QvnGM

7. He has collaborated on remixes with Maps, Simon (of Bent), Max Cooper, Eelke Kleijn, Sun Glitters, James Yorkston, Morris Cowan, Audioglider, Magic Panda, Wesley Matsell, Ryan Davis, Margot, Avus, Jesse Somfay, Applescal, Roland Kinkenberg and many more.

8. He fulfilled a life long dream and visited most of the filming locations from Twin Peaks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Pgtwzjic0M&t=247s

9. Al Lowe, the creator of classic PC game ‘Leisure Suit Larry’, is a fan and features some of his music on his website: http://allowe.com/downloads/music-larry.html

10. He runs the Loki Recordings label in his spare time: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6RwBqUeQP9okewodmBvC6o?si=0GxHVzbtSKiHL2QHe2XSbw

11. The British Psychological Society has reviewed the Russian Linesman’s music: http://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/finding-melancholic-balance

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A Short Biography – Russian Linesman

The enigmatic Russian Linesman has been recording music in his Nottingham lair for many years, writing acoustically and capturing snippets of vocals, guitars and pianos, and enclosing them in an expansive digital sarcophagus.

He has released numerous singles, EPs and two studio albums to date – his discography reads like a travelogue (which is rather ironic as he hates people who go on about travelling all the time). But so far, that is what the majority of his music has done – from his first release (a vinyl record) titled ‘Bratislava Story’, to his first full-length album ‘Icelandic Story’ (a concept album inspired by travelling around Iceland).

His follow-up, ‘Nostalgia Story’ was a trip into happy childhood memories interspersed with more recent events, balanced carefully on the borderline of nostalgia. The album’s thirty-seven songs were recorded live in one take.

2017 saw him release an incredibly ambitious project titled ‘The Eysenck Suites I-IV”, a year spanning, critically acclaimed series of 7-track mini-albums that explored the psychological theories of Hans Eysenck. This was followed in 2018 by a project featuring an array of remix interpretations of some of the ‘Eysenck Suites’ finest moments.

Throughout 2019 – 2020 he put out a project consisting of six four-track EPs released , at bi-monthly intervals.

He also runs the Loki Recordings label in his spare time.

Russian Linesman Socials:

https://twitter.com/russianlinesman

https://soundcloud.com/russianlinesman

https://www.facebook.com/russianlinesman

https://www.discogs.com/artist/447757-Russian-Linesman

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3sIH8lHWLGHJMenpRCSmMv

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGDPS5BTcevGE_qNmqzfzSw

https://russianlinesman.bandcamp.com

Loki Recordings Socials:

https://twitter.com/lokirecordings