Russell Dickerson is already looking toward his next musical chapter, and he has one major name at the top of his collaboration wish list. The country singer exclusively confirmed to The Blast that work on his fifth studio album is officially underway after months of writing new material.
While Dickerson did not disclose a title, release date, or potential tracklist, he made it clear that the creative process has entered an exciting new stage. “I just left the studio,” Dickerson revealed before sharing the update. “Making record five is rolling now.”
Along with teasing his next collection of songs, Dickerson opened up about the surprising range of artists he would love to work with, including the R&B superstar whose music has influenced him since elementary school.
Dickerson arrived at the interview fresh from working on his next record, giving fans an early indication that his fifth album is beginning to take shape. Although the singer kept the specifics under wraps, he revealed that he and his collaborators have spent considerable time building a collection of potential songs.
“We’ve been writing and writing and writing, and I really am so pumped on these songs,” Dickerson told The Blast, though he did not reveal how many songs he has completed, which tracks may make the final cut, or when the album could arrive.
His excitement, however, suggests that he is already confident in the material created during the ongoing writing sessions. “I can’t wait,” Dickerson said of the new music. “I’m so pumped.”
The album will mark another major milestone in the singer’s recording career. It could also give Dickerson additional opportunities to work with artists outside the country format, something he has expressed a strong interest in pursuing.
Usher Tops The Country Singer’s Collaboration Wish List
When asked which artist fans might never expect him to collaborate with, Dickerson did not need much time to consider his answer. “Usher is definitely my numero uno collab dream,” he revealed.
The choice may surprise listeners primarily familiar with Dickerson’s country hits, but his connection to Usher’s music dates back decades. Long before launching his own career, Dickerson repeatedly listened to the R&B singer’s early work. “I’ve been such a fan for so long,” he explained. “I mean, I was in fifth grade, and I had his first record, ‘My Way,’ and just over and over again, that was one of my favorite records.”
Released in 1997, “My Way” helped establish Usher as one of R&B’s defining voices. For Dickerson, the album became part of his early musical education and left a lasting enough impression that Usher remains his ultimate prospective collaborator years later.
Dickerson did not say whether he has approached Usher about recording together or already has a particular song in mind. For now, the potential pairing remains a dream, but one he would clearly welcome if the right opportunity arose.
Russell Dickerson Is Also Open To A Heavier Sound
Usher is not the only unexpected name Dickerson would consider bringing into his musical world. The singer revealed that his personal taste also extends into heavier rock music, creating the possibility of another surprising crossover in the future. “Probably some heavy rock artists that I would love to collab with too,” he shared.
Dickerson specifically named Underoath as one of his favorite bands, although he acknowledged that combining their respective sounds might be easier said than done. “Underoath is one of my favorite bands,” Dickerson said. “I don’t know if we would do a collab, but…”
The Grammy-nominated rock band is known for a considerably heavier sound than the upbeat country-pop music many fans associate with Dickerson. That contrast would make a collaboration unexpected, but it also demonstrates how far his musical interests extend beyond the genre in which he built his career.
Dickerson also identified The 1975 as another group he would be eager to work with. “The 1975, Matty, if I got to do that, that would be crazy too,” he admitted, referring to the band’s frontman, Matty Healy.
Russell Dickerson Celebrates A Major Career Milestone
Dickerson’s fifth album update comes as the singer celebrates another major achievement in his career. Following his Grand Ole Opry performance earlier this week, members of Dickerson’s team surprised him with an RIAA plaque recognizing “Happen to Me” as certified double platinum. The song, featured on his “Famous Back Home” album, previously spent multiple weeks at No. 1 in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
“Happen to Me” has also accumulated more than 400 million global streams and earned Dickerson his first Top 10 hit at Hot AC radio. Its success led to performances on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” and at CMA Fest.
Russell Dickerson Keeps His Momentum Going With ‘Worth Your Wild’
Meanwhile, Dickerson’s latest single, “Worth Your Wild,” continues climbing the charts. The track is currently inside the Top 30 at U.S. Country Radio and the Top 20 on the country radio charts in both the United Kingdom and Canada.
The RANGE Music artist also has a busy live schedule ahead, with performances at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival in Oro Station, Ontario, and Mansfield Speedway in Ohio among his upcoming stops.
