American-Israeli Vocalist Malka Russell Takes to Indiegogo to Fund Debut Album

Recording an album is an expensive undertaking, as artists must figure out the time and cost associated with recording, manufacturing, distributing, and promoting their album. The entire process has the potential to cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars, to well over 100 million dollars. This of course depends on the goals you set around return on investment from the album, etc.

Jerusalem-based musician, Malka Russell (Hebrew for queen) is one such musician who believes it is her mission to record her first studio album, and is taking to Indiegogo for funding.

Using crowdfunding to record one’s album isn’t exactly a new concept. On Kickstarter alone, musicians have raised some $175 million to fund various musical projects.

Russell, who immigrated to Israel from America when she was 19-years-old, is joining the list of musicians who have taken to the crowd to bring their music to the masses. Now 21-years-old, the vocalist says she has a numerous influences who bring out the best in her as a musician.

“I’ve always felt songs in my soul and the music inside me. I feel it is my sacred duty to share it, as music is my truest, most raw form of communication, and that is how I want to connect with people. I have vivid memories of being seven-years-old and belting TV show jingles as if they were Broadway tunes. The past few years, I have been on a quest to develop and refine my sound, and will continually push myself as a singer/songwriter,” Russell said.

Her sound can only be described as that of a Southern Baptist church singer, fused with elements of Jazz, Soul and Rhythm and Blues. From her eclectic sound, it’s clear that Russell’s influences span all musical genres and decades.

I love anything Jazz-related, Soul, R&B, and all the queens like Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Beyonce, Lauryn Hill, Adele and Joss Stone. They inspire my music. When I write, the lyrics, and melody usually spill out simultaneously,” Russell said.

Stay up-to-date with where Russell’s playing next, through Facebook, Soundcloud and Instagram.

With just over a week to go, you can still donate to Malka Russell’s crowdfunding campaign to help fund her debut album, which will be released in 2018.