We’ve grown quite fond of Rush Midnight and the man behind the moniker, Russ Manning, since our lengthy interview some 7 months ago. His solo journey following a departure from Twin Shadow–it’s the last time we rehash this dinosaur story–has been reaffirming to say the least. Manning has released new material (e.g., below) and played a bunch of shows. He’s currently hard at work fine-tuning his full-length debut LP. Here are his vital stats.
BAND NAME: Rush Midnight
HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, New York
DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND IN TWO SENTENCES: Funk/R&B using a minimal palette. Romantic dance music.
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD HAUNT: Prospect Park. It was once considered dangerous late at night. Nowadays, not much crime happens there, but it’s a great hideout.
FAVORITE VENUE: In New York, Bowery Ballroom. I love the acoustics. I love the size. We once performed in the lower deck of a river boat in Vienna. That was amazing. I once had a regular jazz gig on the top tier of a river boat in Prague as well!
TWO OTHER BANDS THAT WOULD COMPLETE THE FORMATION OF YOUR SUPERGROUP: Nu Shooz and Inner City; both slick ’80s/early ’90s dance groups that are huge inspirations for me.
HOTTEST POP STAR: Kylie Minogue
HOTTEST DEAD ROCKER: Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy)
FAVORITE NOW DEFUNCT LABEL: Island Def Jam. Are they still around? They released my favorite pop gems of the ’90s.
BEST RECENT PURCHASE: A juicer!
CHOICE VICE: Good Silver Tequila (Milagro).
NERDIEST EQUIPMENT FETISH: I love scouring eBay or Craigslist for synths, but only own three (Yamaha DX7, Sequential Circuits 6 Trak, Yamaha DX100) at the moment. Until I finish this LP, I want to keep the palette as small as possible.
EMPTY YOUR POCKETS: My headphones (Klipsch in-ears), my contact container with fluid in it (in case I don’t come home), and the norm (keys, wallet, phone).
ONE BRAND YOU WOULDN’T MIND SELLING A SONG TO: I’d love to write the theme to The People’s Court or maybe Law & Order: SVU.
LAST THREE MOVIES YOU’VE SEEN: Spring Breakers, Holy Motors, Men in Black 3 (I was really high for this one…)
YOUR PAD IS BURNING DOWN, WHAT ARE YOU GRABBING? My microphone, a couple of my favorite vintage jackets, and my good bass.
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I have awful eyesight. My glasses, which I only wear at home, are strong enough that I can use them to start a fire on a sunny day.
FAVORITE PIECE OF LYRIC OTHER THAN YOUR OWN:
“They tell me you nice and I’m like ‘wait’
Go get me a knife, you’re looking like steak”
– “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” by Kendrick Lamar
No Comments