Published: September 16, 2009 1:54 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight September 2009 Edition
Randy Stern
Randy Stern
Our next artist is a native New Yorker who is an extremely successful and
talented musician. Randy Stern established himself as singer, songwriter
and guitarist for Brooklyn's indie rockers, The Nerve, spanning over a ten
year career. While working with The Nerve, Randy Stern and the band went
on to successfully release three albums, an EP, and three videos during
the band's time together. The band's ups and downs and some remarkable
moments together (including a stint as backing band for famed guitarist,
Bumblefoot), has helped shape who Randy Stern is today as a solo artist.
Randy Stern also has a magical touch when it comes to the guitar, and his
ability and mastery of the instrument is part of this artist's strong
appeal. We are amazed and excited about this artist's music and think once
fans get a taste of him they will be too. Check out this recent interview
that Randy completed with our Webzine. Enjoy...
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music?
Randy: My earliest life memories are musical ones. So I was probably 3 or 4 when I discovered music. Earliest influences were anything that I heard on the radio. At the time, it was Beatles, Motown, 70s pop and soul music.
Isaac: Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Randy: None whatsoever, although my parents listened to music a lot; hence, the early influence of radio.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
Randy: That was visual. After the radio, I was exposed to music on TV. Seeing artists on shows like American Bandstand, Soul Train, The Monkees (as a kid I had no idea they weren't really playing), Don Kirschner's Rock Concert, and Saturday Night Live made me really want to pick up a guitar and play. It looked and felt so joyful and so fun filled!
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Randy: Yes. I didn't know how it would happen, or even if it would happen, but yes. I knew there was nothing else I wanted to do.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Randy: So many. Too many to list! Although I think it might be fun to jam with Eddie Veddder. I really like his tastes in music.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Randy: Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Otis Redding, The Band, The Beatles, The Who, The Stones, Sam Cooke, John Mayer, Ray LeMontagne, and so many more. Again, too many to list.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Randy: I feel I'm living that goal now. I've just released an album I'm very proud of, I'm wrapping up a summer tour that was very successful, I'm playing at venues I really like, meeting great people, visiting nice places, and I'm getting some airplay. I couldn't be happier.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Randy: As an independent artist I have to handle the business end of things as well as the musical end of things. I'm my own booking agent, roadie, and manager. So, it's a 12-16 hour a day job and can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Randy: Yes. If playing music as opposed to being a rock star is what they want to do. If you want to have a lot of money, do something else like banking or accounting or a good solid blue collar job with benefits and play music as a hobby. If you can handle the grueling and thankless aspect of it because you love music so much that you can't do anything else, then it's a good "field."
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Randy: The advice I just gave is advice that was passed on to me. Do it because you love it, have no expectations, and be of service to your fellow human beings. Release your agenda of "self". It's not about you.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Randy: Roots rock.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
Randy: I love a lot of the early Neil Young and Bob Dylan records. I'm also a big Springsteen fan and love his 70s output and his last 3 records with the E Street band. I also love old blues artists like Howlin' Wolf and Robert Johnson, and early soul music like Otis Redding and The Motown era.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Randy: My website is www.randystern.info and from there you can link to CDBaby, Digstation, and other sites that carry my music. You can also find me on iTunes.
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Randy: My family and close friends.
Isaac: Any last words?
Randy: Life is good, life is great, let's go out and celebrate! :)
