Regardless of how old you are.  Irrelevant to what social circles you travel in. No matter what types of music you listen to, or the style of clothes you wear, if you're from the 231 your life has most likely been touched by Randy (in one way or another).

That show you went to when you were in 10th grade? - Randy had something to do with it.

That night you got 3 free shots at Papa Lou's? - Randy had something to do with that as well.

That friend of a friend that helped your other friend move last week? - That was Randy.

That local indie-rock bands T-shirt you're wearing RIGHT NOW! - Randy......

A staple in the Northern Michigan music scene, Randy has been around the block. No scratch that.... Randy has been around the world!  

I met Randy sometime around the year 2000 while he and I were both playing music in different bands.  He was this taller than average eccentric type, that was bursting at the seams to tell you all about the new jam pluto's mine had up their sleeves, or the battle of the bands he'd just heard about.  Our  paths crossed often for a few years as we both continued to play music in groups that had revolving members.  

A show at the DillWorth in Boyne City, another in a backyard in Charlevoix,  the Battle On The Bay in Petoskey.   The crowd changed, band members changed, but you could always count on Randy.  

Name?  Randall Erno

Age?  25

Playing music for how long?  Ten years

(in order)

36 States total

MI, OH, IL, IN, PA, NY, DE, NJ, NC, SC, WV, GA, AL, LA, FL, TN, KY, VA, MD, WV, MS, IA, MO, AR, KS, OK, NE, TX, NM, AZ, CA, OR, WA, NV, UT, CO.

My father bought me my first bass guitar when I was 14 as a Christmas present. I had always fiddled around with his instruments and drooled watching him shred 80’s metal licks. I quickly fell in love with music as a means of creative expression. My senior year my English teacher, Glen Young gave us an assignment to “Do Something That Would Change The World.” I decide that put together a concert at my High School and donate the profit to the YMCA that was being constructed in town. The show was nearly sold out and raised $700 for the construction of the youth center. Hoping new events would fill the town.

Three funny things became of this:

1.I was nearly expelled from high school from the final band “Last Place Champion’s” song “I Eat Drugs.”

2. I later hosted one event at the YMCAand was physically assaulted by the owner for bringing three metal project which were a “disgrace to the community.” 

3. Mr. Young’s son Graham is the vocalist/guitarist of one of my favorite band’s in town Orange Magic. They are an extremely talented funk-rock project, still in high school. Open a new browser and check them out.

The first show I ever performed was in my sophomore year of high school in East Detroit. I played two songs on an electric guitar solo. This was a huge school of 4,000+ students. I was terrified. The thing I remember most about it was the winning act was a rock band where the lead singer had a pink mullet/Mohawk (at the same time! Picture this), which he also wore in his senior pictures. 

The last show I did was in Berlin, Germany. My best friends landlord bonded with me over my Boss RC-20 loop station tattoo and invited me on a couple of his dates. German bars are great, they love cheering super loudly. And when they have an open mic night, every single musician jams with one another, which is how it should be!

Back in the day there seemed to be a touch more diversity and community. There weren’t cell phones for kids to text while watching bands. They were too busy pumping there fist’s. Also, “mosh” culture has changed. Kids used to mindlessly bump into one another and now it’s more of a martial art form. The hip hop scene in northern, MI is finally blossoming, which is great. Some hip hop bars don’t do well with bands so they play DJ’s. But instead they can have these local artist’s perform!

I have big dreams for every band in this area. I believe we have a unique community of creative indivuals who are trapped in the top of this mitten. I believe it is critical for northern, MI fans to support these bands as much as they can. The biggest cities are hours away, without local support these artist will never transplant to other area’s. There is something for everyone to listen to. My biggest dream is that music will be valued as a career and not a hobby.

AND THAT OUR LOCAL MEDIA (NEWSPAPERS/RADIOS) WILL CREATE OPPURTUNITIES FOR THIS PROJECT INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON REBROADCASTING NATIONAL NEWS.

Being a musician isn’t what u may think. It’s not all girls, booze and money. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It takes hours of rehearsing material until your so sick of it, that you don’t even want to hear it anymore. And although girls may find you initially attractive, chances are they are going to break up with you, because you spend all your free time performing. Gas prices are at an all time high and CD sales are at an all time low.

BUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

If you can ignore these factors and concentrate on music that is pure to you, that you have FUN playing, then others will catch on to that. It’s a beautiful adventure that will lead you to road trips with your best friends. And the people you meet along the journey are truly the reason that keeps me in this industry. Don’t waste your time on the internet promoting your music. Concentrate your energy into making a good product and hire John Curtis to do your web promotion.