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Arts & Entertainment

Meet the Artist: Russell Fama and His Band Release New Album

Escape Tonight plays Friday night.

Name: Russell Fama

Band: Escape Tonight

Since: 2010

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Keys to Awesomeness: Fama, a familiar face in Dunedin, who resides in North Clearwater, has his hands in quite a few projects. He's part-owner of indie record label Super Sidekick Records and plays in a new punk rock outfit called Escape Tonight. Fama is the promotional director for Ace High Printing, and crafts comic books, too. Fama's band releases its first album tonight (Friday, April 8) at St. Pete's Local 662.

How did you get started with music? 

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"It wasn't until I was 14 that I finally picked up a guitar. You know, friends were doing it, so it was cool. Writing songs just happened kinda naturally, and then it was really simple to fall in love with writing music. First shot I had  singing was in my high school band, The Dolts. After that, I just started forming my own bands."

Where can people hear you play?

"I've been playing around the Tampa Bay music scene for quite some time, and also NYC for a bit. I've been hitting a lot of clubs like Fubar and Local 662 with my new band Escape Tonight. Of course it's always nice to just hit the open mic and hang out with friends over at or The Burg."

What keeps you doing it?

"There's a new excitement everyday. Sometimes I'm having the worst day, and then, bam! I write a new song. On the other hand, I still feel as if there's so much more that I can be doing, and I don't want to miss out."

What are some of your inspirations?

"I like to think of myself as being honest within my songs, and my life certainly reflects in the music I play. There's a lot I've learned, a lot I wish I hadn't learned, and even more of the day-to-day stuff: Boy meets girl, daily grind, getting through life and love. We all live it. I'm just someone singing about it."

Is your music open to interpretation?

"Generally I prefer being specific in songs, yet clever, but there's still lots of room in there to find them personally relatable."

How has social media played a part?

"Who doesn't want a free space where you can connect with new people? Social networks for bands is like being able to play a private show in someone's living room. I love working on our website, especially when there's new content. Our website is like another piece of art."

What kind of advice would you give musicians just starting out?

"Practice. Seriously, I'm not kidding. Practice the heck out of it. Add some talent, and play because you love to."

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