Pop-rock singer-songwriter Adam Randy released his new single, “Don’t Play,” not long ago, a cautionary song about playing games with love.
“Don’t Play” features Adam Randy on vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, and keyboards. He is joined by Kenny Kingsborough on drums, bass, and rhythm guitar, with Jon Wood contributing lead guitar.
Adam Randy’s previous release, “Another Song,” received airplay on radio stations worldwide and charted consistently in the Top 150 of Digital Radio Tracker (DRT) and reached the Top 10 on both the Euro Indie Chart and World Indie Chart.
Tattoo.com spoke with Adam Randy about how he got started in music, his retro-flavored sound, and his inspirations.
What inspired your latest single, “Don’t Play?”
I wanted to write, record, and release a song that really rocked and had a driving beat and electric guitars mixed with strings, a bit different than most of my other songs. I got the idea for the music from an obscure Neil Diamond Song called ‘Diamond Girls’ which has a similar vibe and arrangement. The message of the song is ‘Don’t Play’ games with me, or you’ll be sorry!! I brought in another session musician to play lead guitar for the first time. What’s also unique about this track is that I recorded the lead vocals in two different octaves and blended them together with effects for a really cool sound!!
What’s the music scene like in Baltimore?
Baltimore truly has a diverse mix of artists, bands, and songwriters, playing mostly cover songs along with some originals as well. There are numerous places to play (large and small), various festivals throughout the year, and a few organizations that support local musicians.
How did you get started in music?
I have had a passion for music since I was a child. I took music lessons for various instruments but didn’t stick with any of them. I rediscovered my love of playing music in high school through a music fundamentals/basic theory class and started writing lyrics first and then eventually music. I had played piano for years but taught myself to play rhythm acoustic guitar which provided an entirely new dimension for creating music!
Did your sound evolve naturally, or did you deliberately push it in a certain direction?
I believe that my lifelong love of ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s music helped to shape my sound while writing songs and performing covers from various artists from those decades felt comfortable and familiar (and still does). Not to say that I wouldn’t try writing and performing material with a more modern sound and feel, but I must admit, I have been heavily influenced by artists and bands from long ago, and continuing in their footsteps just feels natural for me.
How do you keep your sound fresh, and avoid falling into the trap of imitating either yourself or others?
Again, I am quite content with my sound, but I also believe that my songs do differ in some respects, and I try not to write something that has already been written. However, having been influenced by certain artists and bands, I probably do ‘borrow’ from them but try to still create something new and fresh but certainly familiar.
Are there any special recording techniques you use in the studio?
Besides singing the lead vocals for ‘Don’t Play’ in two different octaves and blending them, I really haven’t used any special recording techniques as of yet (at least that I am aware of).
What is your definition of tone? And has your tone changed over time?
It’s hard for me to truly define the term ‘tone’ but I can say that my original music (style, feel, influences, drawing from various genres) is pretty consistent and hasn’t really changed.
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, or other media?
My own life experiences inspire my writing for the most part but I also draw on inspiration from my influences and their styles/songs while still keeping it fresh and original.
What can you share about your writing process?
Most of the time, the music comes first (usually from a melodic idea along with a chord progression) and then the lyrics come later. Some ideas come to me in my dreams, while other ideas can pop into my head at any given moment (the challenge is trying to remember those ideas or being able to write them down so that I don’t forget). Some songs come quickly while others take weeks or even months to write. At times, I will start a song and then come back to it later if I get stuck. In addition, some songs I write on the piano while others on acoustic guitar – it just depends on the type of song, the tempo, and the potential arrangement that I envision for that song.
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
I pretty much listen to ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s music and strongly prefer artists/bands that I grew up with and still enjoy to this day. I truly admire acts from those decades that are still out there and making new music and touring for their fans. There is a reason why this music has stood the test of time and truly resonates with so many people of all age groups and backgrounds.
What can your fans look forward to over the next six months? Music videos? Live gigs?
I plan on releasing a few new songs that I have already recorded and mastered either as singles or an EP. I will also continue writing new material and hope to return to doing live gigs once again, preferably with a backing band!
