Hi, I’m Randy and I’m a gear-a-holic.
(Crowd response: “Hi Randy!”)
That’s not how I wanted to start this. Really, I don’t know where to start, so let’s go back to April of this year when this all started for me…
I had been asked by Alan to audition for The Steel Horse Band, and naturally I was pretty excited and honored just being asked. I was given 10 songs to learn and went immediately to work on them. I practice pretty much every day anyway. Yes, I am one of those. Plus, I wanted to leave no doubt who the best man for the open spot was and I understood there was some heavy competition out there.
On the day of the audition, I came armed with some newly learned covers and Steel Horse originals. I did my audition and just nailed it. Then out of the blue, they asked if I could do some vocals. I thought, “Uh-oh”, I’m no lead vocalist, but I can do some harmonies. I was asked to do a song I sung in the past and it came out great. (By the way, I’ll make positive strides towards those backing vocals in the future. Note, I did say backing.) The band and I talked for a bit and was told that I would be contacted in a few days. I left, very excited.
After arriving home, I figured I’d call Alan. As a norm, I like to ask the band leader after an audition if there’s anything I may have improved upon for future auditions and what they saw as my strong points. Well, Alan wasted no time and asked me immediately if I’d be interested in the position. I got excited, as did Alan, and well it’s been one hell of a year since.
First off, I’ve been very pleased, honored and humbled just being asked to join this group. So what could be more exciting than that? Well, I was honored to be accepted as an endorsing artist for Genz Benz amplifiers. This company produces some killer bass rigs that are highly respected in the industry. Their customer service is 2nd to none. A great company to work with, I hope to have a long relationship with Genz Benz. It was something I’d been perusing for awhile and when they accepted me into their fold I felt I was finally making a name for myself. At http://www.genzbenz.com/?fa=artist&id=1110 you can find my smiling face up there with many other well respected bass players throughout the country. And by the way, I’m also an endorsing artist for Stellar String, a Michigan based company.
In closing, I’d like to just thank all those who help keep the Steel Horse Band engine running! The boys of Big Bang Audio & Visual: Ron Dickinson, John Sedrowski and Chris Bartley! Thanks to our National Management: Robin Cursi! And of course, my wife Mary and all the friends, family and fans for their support! Kyra Hellam and Jaimie Ward, you’ve been a big help and support as well. I love you all for what you do. And to the other members of the Steel Horse band, love you guys, you’re like brothers, oh yeah, one “sista” in there, Hi Heather!.
2012… bring it on! We are ready to make it an even better year than 2011.