It's my first and middle name.

Not currently. But check http://www.randijoy.com/appearances.html for future shows. I love playing live. Most special moments were when people came up with tears in their eyes because they related deeply to the song. I performed "Real Crime" at the Cannibis Buyers Club in San Francisco right before it was shut down. It was extremely moving.

Less reliance on the recording labels and less of a block to being able to promote our music and get it heard. It allows a distribution channel not available before, so we are now in an age where we don't need to get a record deal to become popular and sell our music. The disadvantage may be there is a lot more out there and competition for the listeners is intense.

I would consider any option for increased promotion and distribution, of course, depending on what it was and what the terms and circumstances are.

Randi Joy's music has been described as "powerful" by her listeners. It's an emotional, original blend of classic art rock with the edge of modern day hard-rock angst. The songs all tell a story, each a piece of her own personal life. Writing music has been part of Randi's psychological and emotional therapy, and writing with honesty and integrity about real people and real experiences is at the forefront of her style.

She picked up her mother's nylon acoustic guitar at age six and has been playing and writing ever since. She had some classes, lessons, and enrollment in a Northern California guitar school, lead by GIT instructor Vic Trigger, but most of her education came from playing on stage and in the studio. Starting with folk and country, she then spent about eight years as guitarist, singer, and writer for the 80s cult art band Key of Magic. They performed a variety of covers and originals and recorded a series of demos. Randi co-produced their full-length album project, "In the Key of Magic". Following this, she worked with Guitar Player Editor, producer, and studio owner Mike Molenda, in two of his bands, Soul Poets and Ascot Jacket. While Soul Poets produced mostly power pop ballads, the latter gave Randi experience playing hard and fast glam-punk, as well as recording on several CD projects.

Now, as a solo artist, writer, producer, and owner of her own label, Randi debuts her first CD "Beyond the Shadows". She believes her years of experience combined with a fresh enthusiasm has helped her to create her best work yet, and looks forward to a future of continued recording projects. To book appearances, order a CD, or for other information, contact rjoy@randijoy.com.

Influences are art rock from the 60s and 70s (Pink Floyd, Alan Parsons, King Crimson, Clapton, Santana, Blackmore, Jefferson Airplane, Neil Young), glam and punk 80s (Benatar, Patti Smith, Blondie) and hard-edge 90s (Pearl Jam, Alanis Morisette).

Northern California

I have an ibanez that i put through a mesa boogie tube head and a marshall cabinet. I also use a Roland Jazz Chorus. For effects I have a GSP Legend that's too many years old. I have a few acoustic guitars and stratocasters, a bass + bass amp, and an old TR-707 rhythm machine for putting together quick preproduction demos on my Macintosh.

Beyond the Shadows for sale online: CDBaby.com, Bathtub Music, CDStreet.com, or directly by sending me an email. If you buy in August, please buy from http://www.cdbaby.com/randijoy.