Outside Child

Outside Child is the debut album by Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, activist and multi-instrumentalist Allison Russell. Produced by Dan Knobler and released by Fantasy Records on May 21, 2021, it is Russell's first release as a solo artist following two decades of performing and releasing music as a member of the groups Po' Girl, Birds of Chicago and Our Native Daughters. Lyrically, the album details Russell's experiences with the abuse she endured as a child at the hands of her stepfather, with The New York Times describing it as “a harrowing story of survivor's joy” and Russell herself stating that “the record itself isn't really about abuse. It's about the journey out of that, and breaking those cycles. It is about resilience, survival, transcendence, the redemptive power of art, community, connection, and chosen family”. The album received critical acclaim from music critics and was listed on numerous 2021 "best of" lists, receiving three nominations at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. Outside Child won the Americana Music Association's award for 2022 Album of the Year.