New Video: VH1’s “You Oughta Know” Artist Russell Taylor’s “War of Hearts”

Russell Taylor becomes the first to win the coveted “You Oughta Know” distinction after beating over four hundred competitors in VH1’s first ever crowd sourced contest on Artists.VH1.com, VH1’s music discovery site. Taylor, a native of New York, will be deemed VH1’s “You Oughta Know” artist and join the ranks of famous “You Oughta Know” alumni including Adele, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Lorde, The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons and many more..

Taylor has recently completed his independently produced album, “War of Hearts.” The second single, “Electric,” will be released in February ahead of the album’s March 2014 launch.

We couldn’t be happier with these outstanding additions to the franchise,” said Rick Krim, EVP Music and Talent Programming, VH1. “As emerging artists with diverse musical influences and incredible talent, Russell Taylor is the embodiment of what the ‘You Oughta Know’ franchise is all about.”

Real artistry is about peeling back the layers of your soul and allowing the creative truth to take form.Russell Taylor taps into that creative space and unlocks a masterpiece in his latest musical offering, War of Hearts, on his own Indigo Blue label.

Far from a novice in the music game, Russell – a self-professed nomad – has poured out his heart and soul on the world stages, including stops in London, Amsterdam and Paris as well as famed stateside venues from The Mint and The Roxy in Los Angeles to SOB’s and Joe’s Pub in New York. Through his travels, Russell has created a fan base as diverse as his multi-genre catalog of recordings.

Russell’s previous offerings Somewhere In Between (2007) and Confessional a Soultracks.com ‘must have records’ (2010) – are sprinkled with gentle gems like the alluring “2B Loved” and the stripped down, acoustic brilliance of “All Said & Done” to the sexually charged “Hands 2 Myself” and the military cadence of “Fair Game,” and have satisfied the appetites of music lovers the world over.

Additionally, Russell has shared the stage with major artists from Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott and India.Arie, to legends Isaac Hayes and Patti LaBelle; an amazing fete for an independent artist.

Russell’s (aka Rt!) 3rd studio album includes collaborations with Grammy award winning producer Needlz (Lil’ Wayne, Bruno Mars, Swizz Beats), Tim Kvanosky of Tiny Hearts and Salakida Kali.

This ‘multi-genre-influenced’ soul-singer embraces the beautiful imperfections of his voice. “I have a pretty good range,” admits Russell. “It’s gravelly and [in the past] I didn’t like the sound of that. But the producers that I am working on with this album were like, ‘That’s what makes your voice beautiful. It’s dope! Push it! It’s genuine and authentic,’“

Russell’s creativity is not just relegated the musical genre; The Great White Way has called as well. Russell makes his Broadway directorial debut in Gems for one night only, November 8. 2012. This multi-hyphenate has also directed plays including For Colored Girls (New School University) as well mentoring urban youths of color in the arts.

Real and honest are the elements that define the essence of War of Hearts and Russell has created the album he was born to make.