Randy Ray Patterson

Born 1992 in Dallas, Texas,
Randy Ray Patterson was named after Randy Rhoads and Stevie Ray Vaughan. This name was given to him in 1992 by his father, Michael Patterson who was the lead guitarist in a prominent local band in Texas at the time. Music is in his name, and in his blood. Today, he is a self-taught, experimental singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and electronic music performer living Columbus, Ohio. His work is known for transcending genre, though his style is influenced by Indie, alternative, experimental, and Rock and Roll. Randy worked as a writing advisor at Wittenberg University, and he utilizes his skills and experience in writing and grammar to contribute to his intricate lyrical style. His advanced vocabulary and understanding of English prose allow him to construct elaborate narratives and themes within his music, which are often inspired by his history with anxiety and psychological disorder, as well as his perception of a corrupt, distorted, and ultimately unjust world.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Randy’s performance is his vocal style, which is a unique sound that combines guttural elements, similar to that of Tom Waits, while simultaneously incorporating a characteristic tonality marked by an unstable, shaky, frantic voice often compared to that of a ‘mad man,’ or ‘lunatic.’
Accompanying Randy’s peculiar voice is his highly experimental, hybridized blend of synths, samples, and instruments. He has been known to capture very bizarre sounds from the world to incorporate into his music, such as his banging on a manhole cover, rattling a plastic toy inside a glass jar, clanging Chinese health balls together, and even drumming on a wok full of water.
Randy’s live performance is equally as experimental as his musical style; joining him on stage is his mannequin counterpart, Stella, who serves as a DJ of sorts, while occasionally chiming in with her heavily distorted voice. Stella represents the stigma attached to electronic music, and was conceived in order to bring life to Randy’s digitized accompaniment as well as give a face to the recondite world of computer-generated live music. However, Randy plays live guitar for many of his pieces—often with additional electronic support which makes for a very interesting fusion.
Randy’s on-stage persona is highly peculiar, flamboyant, theatrical, and often compared to Jim Morrison, David Lee Roth Roth, Robert Plant, Billy Idol, and Steven Tyler. His wardrobe, body-language, and hauntingly unique vocals come together to tell an intriguing story about a troubled mind.
Randy draws inspiration from Queen, Pink Floyd, Tom Waits, and of course his namesakes; Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Randy Rhoads. We Will Rock You by Queen was his first favorite song, and hearing this recording was the moment that began his love affair with music. Trial by Pink Floyd is his favorite song of all time.