Today we’d like to introduce you to Eugene H. Russell IV.
Eugene H., let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Southwest Atlanta. With my Dad being a medical technologist and my Mom being a singer/musician, I acquired a deep appreciation for both science and music. My love for music led me to numerous Fulton County honor band selections as a saxophonist and the position of section leader for the Westlake High School Marching Band as an underclassman. Even with my love for music, the plan was to go to college and study science. While at Tennessee State University I tried my hand at acting and was bit by the proverbial theatre bug in addition to finding a musical family with the TSU Showstoppers. After graduating with a degree in Biology and making plans to enter a grad-level physical therapy program, I was cast in a Hip-Hop musical set to tour. As passionate as I was/am about science, I decided that making music and acting were the only things I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing.
Though the tour flopped, teaching me invaluable lessons about the business of entertainment, I never looked back from there. I got back to ATL as driven as ever to pursue my artistic passion. Since then I’ve released albums as a vocalist/saxophonist/songwriter, established myself as a professional voiceover artist, and shared the stage and screen with some of the greatest artists of our time. I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything in the world.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Rebounding from the failed Hip-Hop musical tour was rough. It set me back financially to such a degree that it was about a year and a half before I truly recovered from it. As a younger actor, there were many times I fell victim to people selling the promise of something they had no guarantee, or even intention, of delivering. So there were many tough financial lessons. As a musician, there were lots of times that I nearly embarrassed myself on the bandstand before recognizing the importance of spending time with, learning, and developing my instrument (be it my saxophone or my voice).
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fourthcoming Entertainment – what should we know?
Fourthcoming Entertainment is a partnership between me and my wife. It’s a company that serves as an umbrella for our artistic endeavors. We have both been blessed to grace the stages of Atlanta’s top theatres and booked a fair share of the region’s film/TV work as well. I guess what sets us apart is that we are a husband and wife team that has dared to be a 2-artist household while raising two kids.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Firstly, my tenacity. I refuse to give up. Challenges actually drive me. The more difficulties I face in pursuing my art, the more I’m fueled. That’s crucial in an industry where actors face tons of rejection. I won’t quit, I’ll work harder. Also, my versatility has helped sustain me. The ability to go from musical theatre to straight plays to commercial voiceovers to film/TV to being a studio and stage musician.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourthcomingentertainment/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fourthcomingentertainment/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
