Interview: Randy Seedorff
Randy Seedorff has been writing and performing for over 30 years and recently released his brand new single 'Family Tree'. Louder Than The Music caught up with Randy for a chat about how he got started, his forthcoming new EP, and what inspires his music.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Well I have been hanging around music and musicians most of my life. My mother, my grandfather, aunts, and uncles, and some of my sisters, and cousins were all involved in music. Every time we gathered for a family event we would bring out the instruments and do some singing and playing. My education in music started at a young age. As a teenager I got serious about playing guitar and writing a few songs. It’s something I’ve tried to hold on to all my life.
Tell us about your new single 'Family Tree' and what the inspiration behind it was?
When I started the writing process for Begin Again one of my initial thoughts was that each of us have some landmark events in our lives that are unforgettable. “Family Tree” was written from that perspective. Singing with my family, the birth of my children, and my conversion experience are part of the fiber of my memory. I can still remember a lot of details about those important days. Of course each of us have experienced different memories, but the song urges each of us to hold on to those positive life events as a source of encouragement and joy.
Can you tell us more about your forthcoming EP 'Begin Again' and when can people hear it?
“Begin Again” is an 8 song EP with a combination of favorite covers, and original music. It was produced, recorded, engineered, and mastered by Larry Gann at Awestruck Studios in Kansas City Missouri. “Begin Again” will be released in mid-March and available on Spotify, AppleMusic, Tidal, Deezer, iTunes, Amazon Music, YouTube, Pandora.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I believe that songwriters are story tellers for the most part. They make observations about their lives, or what they see others experience and put them to music. I hope the people that listen to my music will be able to relate to the lyrics and find themselves in my songs. My faith in God has carried me through the good and challenging times in my life. I am praying some hope shines through my music in these unprecedented times.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I have always tried to write music that was honest, authentic, and from the heart. This album is unapologetically me in that respect with a good portion of my country roots added in. As a songwriter I want the lyrics to evoke emotion, to touch off a spark in the heart and soul.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
My generation was fortunate to grow up in a time when there were so many great artists recording incredible music. In my view Steven Curtis Chapman is the most prolific Christian songwriter of my time. I would love to write with him.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Success is definitely a subjective word; it can have an abundance of meanings. There is a joy that comes from fulfilling your calling that is like no other. When you are doing exactly what God created you to do it sets off this tuning fork inside you. Doing that for a sustained period of time is success for me.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Shout to the Lord 1996. Darlene Zschech started a worship movement that continues to have a big impact on the Kingdom of God to this day.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
The Power of Your Love
What does the next year hold for you?
We would really like to get out and do some live shows this summer. Our hope is that there will be fewer Covid restrictions and live performance venues will begin to open up again. We have plans to do multiple prison ministry events, and a worship camp.
