Aniya Russell ’23
Aniya Russell ’23, whose stage name is xCHANTEx, is a producer, composer, mix engineer, and artist studying in the Conservatory of Music’s Studio Production MusB program.
Exploring Genres
Russell uses an unconventional term to describe her music—miscellaneous—the result of her diverse background combined with how she feels at any given time.
“I just make the genre that I want to make in the moment (the sound that makes me the happiest) and build something from that,” she says. “If one day I’m feeling dancehall and the next I’m feeling rock, then that’s what I create. I never wanted to pin myself down to one genre because I am interested in all types of music.”
It makes sense since Russell faced difficulties growing up, and music became an outlet and a comfort. It also gave her a sense of control when she had none.
“Growing up in a PWI (predominately white institution), I was constantly bullied and judged for being different,” she says. “Producing allows me to feel like I have the freedom to do whatever I want without the judgment of anyone else.”
“If anyone could take any message from music, I would want it to be that you can do anything that you want to. Don’t let anyone stop you from doing what you’re most passionate about. Don’t doubt yourself or your gift… and you and your gift is unique to you. No one could do it better than you.”
She points to hip-hop, R&B, and the producer Timbaland as major influences, as well as her background in theater, select choir, orchestra, dance, and concert band. She played the bass clarinet. “Shout out to all my Squidwards :).”
Music Community
She appreciates the latitude and support of the music community here. “The teachers in my program always encourage me and never make me feel insecure,” she says. “I feel like people of my generation are always so quick to hop on the newest trend, but at Purchase, I was able to write my own success story and not feel so rushed because everyone else is doing the next thing. My hard work, time, and dedication will all pay off in due time.”
Dream Debut
Russell is on the verge of a major milestone—the release of her first album. Dreamscape is a multigenre work that’s very personal. “Every song from this album came from a lucid dream that I’ve had in the past, so it is very personal to me.” The album release will coincide with performances on and off campus.
For her senior project, she’s producing a concert showcasing the album and the work of her peers. “My friends are a major influence in my life, and I want their talent to be showcased as much as possible!”
What’s Ahead
After graduation, she hopes to continue making music that moves and inspires others. “I would love to make timeless music that you can still enjoy when you get older and reminisce on the good ole days.”
She also has her eye on the film industry, making soundtracks for big movies “to really dive into my orchestral and cinematic side.”
Recognizing that the road ahead won’t be easy, Russell is ready for the challenge. “I understand the reality of the field I am going into and how much pressure that can be on a woman in a male-dominated area of work, on someone who is African American/Caribbean, and on someone who is always told that music is one of the hardest careers to make a living.”
She credits Purchase with giving her the confidence and fortitude to face the future. “Honestly, this school has changed my lens on life,” she says. “It showed me that my dream is possible and opportunities are only a step away… and you just need to reach for them. You need to put in the work to mold the future you want. Like Purchase always says, ‘Think Wide Open.’”
An outstanding example of a truly engaged community member, Russell serves as a student Orientation Coordinator, an Admissions Ambassador, a member of the Purchase Activities Board, a Purchase College Cheerleader, and a dancer/music producer of the dance team, Fusion X. She also works at The Market store.