Russell Nash is the Music Man of Almuñécar: singer, song-writer, composer, producer, teacher. He has also acted in theatre and film since childhood.

It’s hard to miss the cobalt blue storefront of his studio, NASH Music in downtown (P-4) Almuñécar. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the Music Man himself at his studio to chat about his creative drive, and the changing meaning of success.

What are you currently working on?
Creatively I’m a writer and a composer and I feel a need to make things constantly, so I’m always writing and playing music. I’ve got a project I’m working on with my friend and associate Jules Chimes.

She originally came in here to record an audio version of her book [Stranger in Paradise]. She wanted a song for it so I thought of an idea and then we decided to write a musical together, which is called Born to Shine.

My day revolves around working with people who need to find music. I’ve been blessed to have some wonderful people walk through my door. We live in this crazy place where people come to retire or find themselves. People who are attracted to music in a place like this tend to be interesting, and quite inspiring.

I’ve also been teaching local peoples’ children for many years, and they continue to pursue music and do incredible things.

When you compose your own work is it a personal narrative that inspires you?
It always was. In the 90’s I used to write for the British pop group, All Saints. I grew up writing and thinking I gotta write pop hooks, things that are catchy, but over the years I’ve learned that everything has to come from the heart.

Later I was signed as an artist, and always wrote from the gut, these heart-wrenching songs about myself and changing the world. Now for the first time, I don’t care anymore about proving that I can write a hit and ‘be big’. I care about making great music and I care about working with lovely people.

Working with Jules opened up certain avenues of honesty in myself. It’s not about me anymore. I believe I have a mission and that mission is to create and share music. Now music just comes through me.

So what was it like moving here from London?
I’d always been a city boy, so it was a big change. As a musician/producer, I was always running, and people kept saying slow down. Now I can’t run from myself any longer, I’ve had to learn a lot about ego, and slowing down. You have to get real. Coming to this magic pocket was profound.

There’s a Zen about the people here. I don’t know what it is, but it attracts the most interesting people.

Do you have a life motto?
Always be the best you can possibly be. Not the best in the world, but the best you can be. Always.

(Feature/Interview: Russel Nash)