Meet Tristan Russell-Lynch- Music can change the world because it can change people!

Panpodium continues their initiative to highlight the youth in steelpan as the continuity of the artform lies with the youth.

 Tristan, 16, comes from a very long line of steelpan musicians. His great uncles, Robert ‘Robbie’ and Roger Greenidge, are known global steelpan icons and so was his great great uncle, Carl ‘Bumpy Nose’ Greenidge who was a well-known Trinidadian pan player and tuner with Desperadoes Steel Orchestra.

Tristan started playing music at age 5 with the recorder and progress to the steelpan. When asked about when he was first introduced to steelpan he replied, ‘From when I was a baby but I can only remember from when I was five years old.’  

Tristan’s musical inspiration comes from his father, Justin ‘Microdot’ Russell who is a very well-respected and extremely talented pan musician and a veteran of Mangrove Steelband. In fact, even Tristan’s grandmother, Annette Greenidge Russell, used to play for the ‘Mangrove Eagles’, which is Mangrove’s development steelband. Looking at Tristan’s family’s musical background it would seem that he was destined to be a pan player. 

The first steelband he played with is of course Mangrove Steelband. His versatility and dexterity with the instrument has enabled him to be able to play the double seconds, double guitars, tenors and cellos.  Tristan’s first appearance at the Notting Hill National Steelband Panorama competition was in 2016. To date he has played at this competition four times and the experience has increased his confidence and this is reflected in his skilful playing.  

Tristan with Tremaine Facey

When asked about the Panorama experiences Tristan stated with a smile, ‘every Panorama I’ve taken part in has been a blast. It really gives me insight into my culture as well as my heritage. It also inspires me to pursue music in school.’ 
He has not taken part in any steelband tours as yet but is hopeful that after this global pandemic he will do so with the Mangrove Steelband in the future.

 When questioned about his most challenging experience to date with steelpan music he replied, ‘when I had to memorise the song Mangrove was 
playing at Panorama because I was away for around 1-2 weeks. It was very hectic 
but I still managed to get it done’. This clearly shows the ability of this budding musician.  His most memorable experience was when Mangrove Steelband won the National Steelband Panorama twice. 


 Tristan has played in the Cello Section for the past four years in Mangrove Steel Band and hopes to venture into different sections and play all the steelpan instruments. His role in the steelband is very important as he is a member of a team and with a team it is always We Not I. He said, ‘despite me not having a particular title, I still believe my role is as important as anyone else’s because if I mess up, the whole band is affected. Vice versa, if I sound amazing, it’ll help the whole band sound even more amazing.’ That is such a true statement.  He continued, ‘you must have a lot of patience and determination. Persistence is key as there’s a lot of parts of music to learn and it can be easily muddled up or forgotten. Also, never be afraid to ask for help because everyone in the Band is willing to help you. Team work is key in a steelband and music is universal so everyone shares and helps.’  

Tristan performing with Mangrove at the UK National Steelband Panorama competition.

Tristan’s favourite pan is the double seconds, he says that he is oddly drawn to it and his great uncle, Robbie Greenidge, is a master on that pan so the future looks bright for young Tristan.
His musical ability has no bounds as he plays Violin in his school’s orchestra and has performed in the orchestra many times as well in quartets and chamber orchestras. Classical music is one of his musical passions.

Tristan hopes to play music on both the steel pan and violin for as long as possible and hopefully, make music himself that he enjoys and hopefully other people will enjoy too. He hopes that the steelpan will become even more mainstream and more accepted well known around the world amongst conventional musical instruments. 
He hopes that pan will finally get recognition it deserves not only in the Caribbean community, but on more mainstream platforms. 
His parting remark was that he hopes to continue playing for Mangrove Steel Band, continue playing violin in his school’s orchestra & quartet and hopefully, make music that he is passionate about. 


Tristan WITH mangrove at Notting Hill National Steelband Panorama

Panpodium salutes this young aspiring musician who has the determination and patience to deal with the barriers presented to him in his musical career and the persistence to overcome them and achieve his goals.