Russell Small’s career spans from the chart-topping success of Phats & Small to the global acclaim of Freemasons, cementing his reputation as one of the UK’s most influential dance music producers and DJs.
In the late 1990s, Russell co-founded Phats & Small with Jason “Phats” Hayward. Their debut single “Turn Around” became a platinum selling global hit in 1999, reaching No. 2 in the UK charts. This success launched Russell’s international DJ career, leading to performances in over 85 countries and appearances on Top of the Pops.
In 2004, Russell teamed up with James Wiltshire to form Freemasons, named after a Brighton pub. Their first single “Love on My Mind” featuring Amanda Wilson became a massive club anthem worldwide. The duo went on to release a string of hits and remixes, including collaborations with Beyoncé, Shakira, Kelly Rowland, Kylie Minogue, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Their remix of Beyoncé’s “Déjà Vu” earned them a Grammy nomination in 2007.
Russell is celebrated for blending soul, disco, and house into uplifting dance tracks. His productions are known for their polished sound and infectious energy, making him one of the UK’s most enduring figures in electronic music.
He continues to DJ perform globally and release new music, keeping his legacy alive across three decades.
