Yesterday - Randy Smith Cowboys - Randy Smith Cold Outside - Randy Smith
Dichotomy features Billboard and international award winning musician/songwriter Randy Smith, formerly of the band 8084, and Chicago transplant - guitarist/vocalist Curt Busse. With a combined 6 albums and over 4,500 live shows to their credit, this acoustic project features original music presented in an organic treatment.
Randy Smith, formerly of the Vermont-based band 8084, is a singer-songwriter based in Charlotte, North Carolina. A Billboard and International award winning musician, Randy has recorded 6 albums to his credit and toured extensively throughout the US and Canada, performing over 4,500 live shows over the span of his career. His resume includes working with Aldo Nova (Celine Dion, Jon Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper), sharing the stage or touring with Edgar Winter, Bobby Kimball (Toto), Rick Derringer, April Wine, Henry Lee Summer, Foghat, and Warrant to name a few. A classically trained vocalist, Randy's many influences include Sting, Pat Monahan, Steve Perry, and Sam Cooke. He is also an accomplished web designer / web architect, and is the founder and principal of the web design firm, Synchronicity Web Designs.
He is the proud father of a beautiful daughter, Savannah Jean, and currently resides very happily with his wife Carol, step-daughter Megan, two cats and two dogs outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Little know fact: Randy and actress Elizabeth Perkins ("Weeds", "Big") were high school sweethearts in Massachusetts. They remain close to this day. www.randotunes.com
Singer/Songwriter Curt Busse, a Chicago transplant, began his studies in music performance at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where he studied classical guitar. He then transferred to Columbia College Chicago to study music performance in voice. In 2002 Curt graduated with a bachelors degree in music performance. In 2006, Curt graduated with a Associates Degree in Science of Nursing. Now living in Charlotte NC, Curt has once again focused his sights on music performance and is currently writing new material for his next album.
Bittersweet
Released September 2009
Label: GB Music
Randy's latest release and first solo album, Bittersweet is a collection of songs based upon Randy's personal experiences over the past few years. Featuring a more organic approach, this release offers songs of love and hope.
Songs: Learning 2 Live, Bleed, Broken, Can't Stop, Yesterday, Somebody, All My Life, Cold Outside, Shelter Me, Cowboys, Bittersweet, Savannahs' Song
Credits:
All songs written and arranged by Randy Smith
Produced and additional arrangements by Andre Maquera
Mixed and mastered at West Street Digital, Fairfield, VT - Recorded in Fairfield, VT, Charlotte, NC, and Salem, NH
Lead vocals, guitar, and piano - Randy Smith
Guitar, keys, bass, strings, orchestration - Andre Maquera
Midi tracks, drums - Hirsh Gardner
Drums and percussion - Gary Spaulding and Hirsh Gardner
Background vocals - Randy Smith, Andre Maquera, Keeghan Nolan, Wendy Maquera, Hirsh Gardner
Cover concept and artwork - Randy Smith and Synchronicity Web Designs, Charlotte, NC
Distribution and marketing - GB Music, New York, NY
Executive producer and artist management - Gary Borress
2.1.2010
Nigel Wilson
Mood Swings Great Britain
"... Randy is to be commended for stepping out of his comfort zone and letting us tag along for the ride as he journeys from the sounds of the 80s to the present day. This is modern melodic rock music that builds upon the AOR of Randy's past. The album's closing track is a sparse ballad written for one of his children. It is steeped in emotion - you almost feel like an intruder on a private moment when listening".
12.8.2009
Juha Harjula
Melodic.net Sweden
"... This is a modern melodic rock album with a Midwest rock feel over it. Randy has a strong voice that gives the songs a great feel. I fell for Yesterday that’s a wonderful acoustic mid-tempo songs with brilliant melodies".
2.1.10
Creative Loafing
North Carolina
"... Randy Smith's solo album is definitely a showcase of his vocals -- after all, it's his name on the CD. The album opens up with "Learning 2 Live," an upbeat rock tune with the Mint Hill resident's Steve-Perry like vocals at the front".
12.8.09
Joe Milliken
The Messenger - Vermont
"... Pristine in its' delivery, Randy is able to capture a true essence in his lyrics through voice… they just seem an effortless vehicle for each other. This aspect especially, leaves no doubt of the time, passion, dedication and love the artist has put into his craft. Yes, Bittersweet was a long time coming for both Randy and his fans… and it was no doubt, worth the wait".
Bittersweet
CD: $12.97
Digital Downloads: $0.99 each
Randy's first solo album, Bittersweet is a collection of personal songs written by Randy from 2006-2009. Featuring a more organic production approach, this release offers messages of love, hope, and good old fashioned broken hearts. Songs include Learning 2 Live, Bleed, Broken, Can't Stop, Yesterday, Somebody, All My Life, Cold Outside, Shelter Me, Cowboys, Bittersweet, Savannahs' Song.
Booking info: booking@thedichotomy.com
General contact: info@thedichotomy.com
Download an electronic press kit: zip package (17.7 mb)
August 14:
Diversity Den Café
With special guest Andrea Thorne
6:30 pm
160 Concord Commons
Wal-Mart Shopping Center
Concord, NC 28027
Admission $5 at the door
Get Directions
Website
August 21:
Dilworth Coffee House Ballantyne
7:00 pm
14815 John J Delaney Drive
Charlotte, NC 28277-3577
(704) 369-5120
Get Directions
Website
5.26.10
Randy and Curt perform live on Star 92 and Champ 101 Burlington, VT
Randy and Curt dropped by the studios of Vermont's Star 92.9 and Champ 101.3 to chat about their new music, an upcoming film track, and tour dates. They performed live a new tune that was recently completed by the duo titled "Counting Pennies".
view video
3.18.10
Curt and Randy composing for indie film soundtrack
Curt and Randy are teaming up with 8084 guitarist and producer Andre Maquera to compose and record music for an upcoming indie film. The movie is slated to begin shooting this summer in Prague. Stay tuned for details.
2.1.10
Randy and Curt to perform at the Matthews Theater on May 14
In coordination with the Matthews Chamber of Commerce, Randy and Curt will perform along with local favorites Matone and Peralta at the Matthews Theater on May 14. The show will benefit both the Chamber and a local charity to be announced. Advance tickets will go on sale in March. Stay tuned for more details.
12.8.09
Guitarist Curt Busse joins Randy
Chicago transplant Curt Busse has teamed up with Randy to form an acoustic duo in the Charlotte area. Tentatively titled "Dichotomy", the project will showcase both Randy's original music from over the years and new tunes recently composed. Tour dates in the North Carolina area and possibly New England will be announced soon.
