Allison Russell (Birds of Chicago, Our Native Daughters)

Musings of the Artist: (Honest) Conversations with Montse Andrée

Allison (“Alli”) Russell is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in Birds of Chicago and Our Native Daughters. She is also a mother and describes herself as a “connection seeker.”

I recently sat down with Alli in New Orleans, and I was so grateful to spend this hour with her. Alli has an incredibly powerful story. To me, she is a shining example of someone who has walked through darkness and come out on the other side beaming with warmth and beauty.

In this episode you’ll hear Alli speak about her time in foster care, finding the strength to escape an abusive home at such a young age, on creating community, motherhood, finding love in chosen family, how music changed her life, and more.

Alli is an extraordinary artist and human. Throughout this conversation, as you’ll hear I laughed, I cried, I was so moved by Alli’s story. I know you will be too.

Where to find Birds of Chicago and Our Native Daughters:

Birds of Chicago Website

Birds of Chicago on Instagram

Birds of Chicago on Twitter

Our Native Daughters on NPR

This episode was audio produced by Aaron Moring. Theme music by Ilan Isakov.

Podcast webpage here.