Randy Seedorff has been writing and performing for over 30 years, with his interest in music starting at the young age of 11 when his mother gave him his first guitar. A veteran singer, and songwriter, Randy comes from a musical family with a strong heritage in country music.
In 1992 Randy joined the popular Kansas City based bluegrass group Greenside Up as its lead singer and guitarist and performed with them until 1999. During that time he fell victim to an armed robbery that profoundly changed his life. The experience turned his full attention to both his life and music, and he rededicated himself to serving God.
Randy founded the group Soul Purpose in 2010. They released their studio album Rearview Mirror, produced by Larry Gann of Awe Struck Studios in 2014. Randy released his 7 track EP, Elevate, in 2017. The first two releases from that project reached number 1 on Christian Radio Charts.
Randy serves as pastor of worship and discipleship at Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Independence, MO. Soul Purpose plays frequently at churches, festivals and other events, bringing the love of God, through the vehicle of music to as many people as possible.
A prolific songwriter, Randy is a member of both ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) and GMA (Gospel Music Association). All his original music is published by Danjartay Music. Randy has artist endorsements with Petersen Tuners, G7th Capos, and Reverend Guitars.
Randy’s new single, “Family Tree” is out on MTS Records, January 2021.
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YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/RandySeedorff
What first got you into music?
Well I grew up in a musical family. My mother and my uncle were country music artists and I started out strumming a few chords on guitar with them. They both encouraged me to sing and they both played guitar so I learned a lot from watching and listening to them. My uncle was like an older brother to me, I really looked up to him. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone more talented and charismatic than him.
Who inspired you to make music?
I wanted to sing and play like John Denver when I was a teenager. I mean he could play that big 12 string guitar and write amazing songs. With just him and a guitar he could captivate an audience of thousands. John Denver, Jim Croce, Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot, Harry Chapin, Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie, I grew up in the singer songwriter era. They were big inspirations for me.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
The music I create really depends on the venue I am playing. If I am playing a big outdoor festival I bring the full band with a saxophone player, bass, drums, keys, and electric guitar. It’s a big full rocked out sound with lots of three part harmony. I am blessed to play music with some wonderful musicians. I also like to play in smaller venues with either a trio or just myself and acoustic guitar. I really enjoy the interaction with the audience and there seems to be more time to share the backstories behind the songs in more intimate venues. I love playing guitar and experimenting with different tunings. I think this adds variety and interest to my live shows.
What is your creative process like?
Inspiration for a song happens for me in a number of ways. I have a recorded file, and a page I jot down notes on in my phone when I hear or read something that sets off something in my heart. The songwriting process nearly always begins with a “hook” line or idea followed by a chorus, then verses, and bridges, etc. I keep a journal so writing down what I observe and think can also be the spark for a new song. I read a lot of books and Scripture which I think is key to being a lifetime learner and writing quality songs. Not every song I write ends up being recorded or played on stage. Some completed songs get saved for later projects, others are partially completed still waiting for just the right illusive phrase. Some songs come together quickly, like taking dictation; conversely other songs need more shaping and reflection for them to really say what we want them to communicate to the listener.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
In my view I think Vince Gill is the complete package as an entertainer. He has an amazing voice, he is a world renowned guitar player, and the most awarded songwriter in country music history. Oh, and his current gig with this up and coming band called the Eagles isn’t too bad either. I have admired and played his music for years. As a musician and it would be great to co-write with someone of his caliber and stature.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I think it would be so cool to open for Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives. Marty’s band is rock solid pure old school country and country rock. They’re live show is stunning! The singing, the world class musicianship, the stage presence, they are a joy to experience. They have such a loyal following, and their audiences are rowdy! I would love to get them stirred up before Marty and the Superlatives take the stage.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Yes I do sing in the shower. Lately I have been singing songs from my new record Begin Again.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I would be pastoring a church. I am a licensed minister with the Church of the Nazarene.
Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
In 2010 I formed the band Soul Purpose we have performed all over the Midwest in a variety of churches and venues. In 2018 we started working with Sing for the King doing prison concerts. This has been a very rewarding experience for us. I played clubs for years when I was younger and I never liked playing the venues where I had to compete with a bunch of TV’s. It seemed like the audience was distracted and their attention was divided between the game on TV and the music. I love to lead worship which I get the privilege of doing Sunday’s at Trinity Church of the Nazarene. A great many musicians are transitioning to online forums to adapt to the current restrictions in music venues. We will be taking part in livestream music very soon.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
When we were young we used to have album parties. You would call up a bunch of friends and play the new vinyl Beatles album or whatever was just purchased and listen to it together for the first time. Everyone took turns pouring over the liner notes of the album and looking at the cover artwork. I feel like a lot of those type of experiences have gone by the wayside with internet music. The up side is that artists get a great deal of exposure on the internet. Internet radio, and digital distribution has definitely changed the music industry.
What is your favorite song to perform?
I love to perform “From the Inside Out” from our Elevate album. I never get tired of singing it, and the audience really responds to the power in that song.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
That actually started fairly young, I wrecked my dad’s car when I was 11. After that I had some addictive behavior that created some trouble for me.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
My uncle Keith told me, “Don’t give up on your dreams.” He told me that most people give up on their dreams just before they reach them. That has always motivated me to keep moving forward with my music even when I didn’t seem to have a big following.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be? ·
Sometimes I feel like the industry is obsessed with turning out perfect music when they record an artist. One of the cool things about live music is you hear the nuances in the vocals and the playing of an artist when they perform that song on that night. It might be different the next night, and the next night but it’s honest and authentic. I want to hear and experience what makes an artist unique from all the others when I hear their music.
What’s next for you?
We are releasing the first single from our new album January 15th entitled “Family Tree”. The full album Begin Again should release a few weeks later. We are praying that we will see live venues open up as the weather gets warmer. We are anxious to get out and promote this project with some live shows.
How important is the current COVID crisis to you and how do you think
You could help?
Some of my children and their spouses have been working as first responders throughout the pandemic so I would say that this crisis is very important to me. Our front line medical and safety personnel have been putting their lives on the line for us through these many months. I believe each of us need to encourage these folks every chance we get. We can do this with words but also with acts of kindness.