Biography

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.

First live performance 15 years old

Born and raised in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, Randy began singing in his first band when he was 15. ("I remember playing an Aerosmith set at a bar mitzvah and seeing the look of shock on all of the parents' faces. The kids were loving it though! ")

Randy's father passed away earlier that same year in an auto accident, to which Randy attributes as one of the sources of inspiration to begin his career in music. Additionally, his grandfather, Harry Signor, was a touring musician on the old Vaudeville circuit, making a living playing both banjo and marimba across the United States in the 1920's-30's. Gaining even more support and instruction from his brother, Brad, who also sang in a local group, Randy continued singing through his high school years in both local bands and the school chorus. An all league basketball player in high school, his athletic background is evident in his live stage performances.

In 1980, Randy chose to quit college to move to Springfield, MA to form the group "Arabus". The band quickly became one of the hottest cover bands in the Western Mass. area. "When the drummer Bill DeSanty and I moved to Springfield, and we weren't sleeping in my car, we were living in a 3-room house occupied by the guitar player, his wife, 3 basset hounds and a pet skunk. Talk about crowded!"

Harry Signor

After a brief two year tenure with Arabus, he left the band to focus on developing as both a better vocalist and a songwriter. Randy spent the next year "wood-shedding" by moving back home, setting up a work studio in his basement, and practicing his chops for 6-8 hours per day. "I was single at the time, so I never went out to clubs or on dates. I was completely focused on becoming a better singer and front man. And I did not want to be distracted."

Early 8084 live

8084 was formed in the spring of 1982. Keyboard player Charlie Hawthorne, Randy, and drummer Gary Spaulding met through a mutual friend and began planning the concept of a high energy, commercial original rock group. The goal was to perform the current rock hits of the day on the local bar circuit to make a living, and to also serve as a platform for an original album project. The band would be both musically --- and also visually stimulating during live performances. In the fall of 1982, bassist Frank Barnes and guitarist Andre Maquera joined the group.

From 1982 through 1985, the band performed throughout the east coast, performing and capturing audiences from Nova Scotia to New Jersey. Their high energy show and tight vocal harmonies soon earned them the reputation as the hottest bar band on the New England circuit.

8084 circa 1986

In 1986, the band left their families and friends in Vermont and moved to Manchester, NH. Renting a large house, the master plan was to spend 6 months living together, performing on the Boston club circuit and writing solid songs for their debut album. During this period of time, 8084 caught the eye of Boston producer and former New England drummer Hirsh Gardner. The team collaborated for the next few months, spending time in Boston working on demos and writing new material.

Debut album

In the fall of 1986, 8084 recorded their self-titled debut album, "8084". Released in early 1987 on a small independent label, they soon secured a European distribution deal with Semaphore Records, one of Europe's largest independent companies. European sales in the Netherlands alone took off in excess of 10,000 units and soon 8084 was receiving requests, press, and fan mail from labels, fans, and magazines throughout Europe.

Backstage at Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Canada

Back home, 8084 was entered in an international music competition in Montreal, Canada in the spring of 1987. 126 bands from all over North America were chosen to perform and compete at Olympic Stadium. 8084 took the stage and, in front of 10,000 people, blew the competition away, receiving a standing ovation and the interest of many major labels. As winners of the "Rocksearch 87" competition, they soon found themselves speaking and negotiating with Canadian record labels such as Virgin and CBS Canada. They signed a management and recording project deal with a Montreal company, and began searching for a producer.

8084 - 1989

In the summer of 1987, Canadian superstar Aldo Nova ("Life is just a Fantasy", Celine Dion, Jon Bon Jovi) was secured as the producer. 8084 moved to Montreal and spent the next 5 months working on their second release for CBS Canada.The album was 70% complete, when, for legal reasons, the project was put on hold. 8084 moved back to the States, and continued writing in their own newly opened recording studio in Rouses Point, NY.

In 1988, 8084 began touring the East coast to promote their debut album, playing venues as far south as Panama City, Florida to Lansing, Michigan. During this time, they had the opportunity to perform with many of the top touring bands of the day. Henry Lee Summer, Edgar Winter, Blue Oyster Cult and Warrant to name a few. This exposure to other musicians and the schedule of playing 27 of 30 days monthly allowed the musicians and stage show to become tighter than ever.

Love & War

1989 brought about the beginning of the recording of their 2nd (or 3rd depending on their Montreal project) album. Enlisting the efforts of Hirsh Gardner again, 8084 recorded "Love and War". Again, independent sales took off and 8084 began touring the Eastern seaboard to promote the album.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Following the death of keyboard player and founder Charlie Hawthorne in 1989, 8084 released their third album, "Satisfaction Guaranteed" in the fall of 1991. That album was also received well regionally, and recently has been reissued in European countries such as Germany and Sweden as a sought after import.

The 1990's were full of line-up changes for 8084. Touring was reduced to the New England area as all members felt a need to spend more time with their families. Randy left the band in 1992 for personal reasons and to spend more time with his family. "Simply put, I was tired. We had been on the road for 10 straight years and my daughter was recently born. Add in Chuck's death in 1989, and I just felt it was time to take a break and enjoy my new family" said Randy.

He was replaced by Providence, RI frontman Gary "Vinnie" Focco. The band also went through many drummer changes during this period. The band continued until in 1994 they asked Randy to return. By 1996, Randy and Andre were busy at work on writing songs and the band hit the road again.

The Last Great Train CD

After years of touring and many line up changes, original drummer Gary Spaulding re-joined the band and 8084 signed an agreement with USA label GB Music, a compilation disc of material from the band's first three albums entitled "So Far" was released in Europe on January 5, 2000. To date, the album has sold very well as an import in the foreign and indie markets.

In 2005, 8084 wrote and recorded new material for their fifth international release, while entertaining distribution offers from labels throughout Europe and Japan.

Titled "The Last Great Train", the album had a simple yet powerful sound, with the strong melodic hooks and solid songwriting that had always branded the 8084 sound. This CD received very positive reviews worldwide and sold very well in both US and European markets. It continues to sell well today.

GB Music president Gary Borress, Randy, and producer Hirsh Gardner

In 2006, Randy decided to leave 8084 to relocate to the Southern United States. Landing with his family in Charlotte, NC, he immediately began writing songs for his first solo release.

Teaming up once again with producer/guitarist Andre Maquera and Boston-producer Hirsh Gardner, and GB Music, "Bittersweet" was released in late 2009. A more introspective effort than his past albums, Bittersweet tackles personal issues of love and family that we all face.

Although his songwriting has taken a more adult tone, don’t think that Randy has gone soft as there are still numerous rockers to get your blood flowing. “Learning 2 Live”, “Someday” and “Shelter Me” are anthems made for the radio. More introspective offering such as “Yesterday” and “Bittersweet” will make you think about the people that mean the most to you in your life. "Bittersweet is an exercise in soul cleansing" said Randy. "I found the methodology of writing alone to be extremely satisfying and a venue with which I could share more personal feelings and experiences through my music".

2010 finds Randy writing songs for his next release . Watch for his acoustic "un-plugged" performances performing songs both old and new "un-plugged" this summer.

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.

The Music

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

The Last Great Train

Released 11/2005
Label: GB Music

In the spring of 1999, the band began writing songs for a new album project. Instead of following the music industry trends or doing what was expected of them, the band approached this project by writing material with a new attitude - they would write songs and create arrangements that they liked. What they would normally do when composing, they would do the opposite. The music contained on this CD is representative of that mind set.

Produced by Andre with assistance from the other band members, the Last Great Train also includes the 8084 recording debut of bassist / vocalist Roy Brown. Composed from the heart and soul, and based upon personal experiences they shared during that six-year period, the result is The Last Great Train.

Songs : Breath, Alright, The Last Great Train, Shopping List, Sometimes, Without U, Home, Come 2 Me, I Know, When I Think of You, All That I Need, Guistophrenic, Thank You

Credits:
- Recorded, mixed, and mastered at west street digital studio, fairfield, vermont   2000-2005
- Produced by andré maquera and 8084
- Executive producer: Gary Borress - GB Music

So Far
Released 1/2000
Label:GB Music

This compilation CD features the best of 8084's first three releases. Most of the original tracks were used, including the re-mixed keyboard parts by the late Charlie Hawthorne.


Songs: Too Late For Love, Hideaway, Badman, Hold On, Surrender, Fire, Thunder in Her Heart, Lonely at The Top, She Comes to Me, Lover's Feel, Call Me

Satisfaction Guaranteed
Released 4/1991
Label: Swinesong

5 song EP / CD

Following the death of keyboardist Charlie Hawthorne, the band wrote these songs during extensive touring throughout the US and Canada. On the road for 2-3 months at a time, these five songs are a result of that time span.

Songs: Satisfaction Guaranteed, Call Me, Surrender, Animal Logic , Fade Away

Love and War
Released 2/1989
Label: Swinesong

8 song album

This album is the result of the CBS Canada deal and 5 months of recording sessions in Montreal. Aldo Nova was at the helm for the initial project production, and also assisted by writing Too Late For Love with the band.

The album was 70% complete when management complications caused the project to fall apart. Old friend and Boston producer Hirsh Gardner stepped in and the final project evolved into this album. Hideaway, the second song on the album, received a Billboard music award.

Songs: Too Late For Love, Hideaway, Lonely at The Top, She Comes To Me, (She's on) Fire, Somebody Like You, Rosita, Love and War

8084  (self-titled debut)

Released 12/1987
Label: Swinesong

8 song album

The debut recording for 8084, this album was produced by Hirsh Gardner. The songs were all written during a 6-month stretch were the band left their families and lived together in a rented house outside of Manchester, NH. Working odd day jobs to pay the bills, the band would retreat nightly to the living room, which was set up as a rehearsal space complete with all of their gear. This album sold over 15,000 copies in the US and European countries, and garnered 8084 very positive press reviews from all over the globe.

Songs: Badman, Lover's Feel, Fire, Beat of the City, Thunder in her Heart, Hold On, When I Think of You, Stop Me

 

 

Photos

Reviews

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".

What people are
saying about Randy's
last release with 8084,
The Last Great Train



AOR Dreamzones
Sweden

...What a strong pop/rock album this is from 8084, better than we are used to today.

...Over the 13 lovely pop/rock songs there are not any bad moments at all, just pure mid tempo songs, faster rockers and soaring ballads to cry one or two tears to.

....The production lasts all the way and the booklet and everything that comes along with this disc is of the highest class you can imagine. 8084 is a band worth discovering during 2006 and a nice break from the louder music around us. This is how songs should be written and delivered to us. “The Last Great Train” makes my soul melt a little into complete harmony.


Seven Days
Vermont, USA

...Filled with melodic, textured pop, the new album puts a mature spin on the band's signature sound. But that doesn't mean they've gone soft: Keyboardist/vocalist Randy Smith and guitarist Andre Maquera still deliver plenty of dynamic dazzle.

...the disc boasts 13 tracks of driving, melodic rock. Loaded with catchy hooks, blistering solos, atmospheric keyboards and well-placed acoustic guitar, it's sure to impress long-time fans. It may even create some new ones.

...The Last Great Train delivers a wide range of styles and textures, from the all-out rock of "Breath," "I Know" and closing cut "Thank You," to the more melodic "Alright" and "Shopping List." For chops-hounds, there's the funky instrumental title track and the aptly titled "Guitsophrenic."


Crossrocks
France
85 out of 100

...The assessment remains positive, and it is wise to greet the return of this group whose members dedicated the essence of their existence to the music, without drawing from them the honors which they would undoubtedly have deserved as much as numbers of other groups of the time.


RevelationZ
Denmark

...a flourish of guitars and a strong taste of American blue collar rock.

...‘Alright’ is reminiscent of Tyketto’s acoustic guitar based ‘Strength In Numbers’ album, as is the title track. In fact vocalist Randy Smith frequently recalls Danny Vaughn. His voice has that same edge, creating that same sense of anticipation, projecting that same note of urgency and excitement that lifted Waysted and Tyketto several notches above the rest.

The Message
NH, USA
By: Joe Milliken

...Featuring lead vocalist/guitarist Randy Smith, vocalist / guitarist Andre’ Maquera, bassist / vocalist Roy Brown, and drummer Gary Spaulding, The Last Great Train is a 13 track slab of melodic-driven rock chock-full of catchy hooks, garage-riffing solos, atmospheric keyboard and percussive quirks, and some well-placed acoustic guitar chords.

... The Last Great Train offers up a wide range of styles and textures. From the all-out-rocking of “Breath”, “I Know”, and the closing “Thank You”, to the more melodic side of “Alright”, and “Shopping List”, to the funky instrumentals in the title track and “Guitsophrenic”, Eight-Oh-Eight-Four demonstrates an ability to create interesting, straight-forward melodies combined with just enough rock edginess to balance a fine line between AOR repertoire and the classic rock sound in which the band formulates itself.

...With this release, the creative songwriting ability and instrumental command of Eight-Oh-Eight-Four shines through..


Green Mountain Power Chords
MA - USA
February 23, 2006

..... Frontman Randy Smith's vocals approximate what Rush's Geddy Lee would sound like had he grown up in Georgia, especially on the title cut of their latest CD, The Last Great Train-- there are also dashes of blues, southern rock and funk in the recipe.


Rock of Life
USA
Fourth album by the AOR mainstays; who began their musical journey back in the eighties.

....“The Last Great Train” recalls the seventies arena/AOR rock scene with its memorable riffs and catchy chorus.

... With a vocalist that’s part Geddy Lee, part Don Dokken, and part Jon Bon Jovi; plus a rhythm section that mixes classic seventies arena rock with modern day flair; 8084’s Last Great Train may ride the rock music rails for quite a while.


Powerplay Magazine
United Kingdom

...With elements of bands like Soul Asylum, Highway Nine and Martins Dam, creeping into the proceedings, it makes for an entertaining listen. Songs such as "Sometimes" or "Without U" still retain elements of their old style, but overall it's the new songs that grab your attention the most.

...This album is a bold move, but it's a move that ultimately works, and works very well.


Hardrock Haven
Derric Miller - Staff Writer
HRH Rating: 8.084/10

...8084's sound is all about musicianship. The way they compose tracks, the way they play them, the vocals, everything about The Last Great Train has a focus on musicality. While they can at times sound like everyone from Rush to Bon Jovi, they really just sound like 8084.

...Lead singer Randy Smith is bluesy, but can sound like Geddy Lee when he sings in his higher range. Smith and guitarist Andre Maquera wrote the entire album - a talented duo.

... "Home" is one of the reasons why 8084 gets compared to Bon Jovi, but that's a good thing. Upbeat, acoustic, but with interesting tempo changes, 8084 doesn't color by the numbers. These kinds of bands excel at ballads, and 8084 proves it on "When I Think of You." You'd have to compare it to a song like Mr. Big's "To Be With You," only because these guys have the same kind of outlandish talent. At times, you'll hear a flamenco edge, and the overall guitar playing is crisp and mournful.

...8084's The Last Great Train is something you'll need to hear if you like Journey, Bon Jovi, and any other great band whose music has stood the test of time. Basically, if you enjoy music in the slightest, then you'll dig The Last Great Train.


Sea of Tranquility
USA
Score: 4 out of 5 stars

...I admit that I missed 8084 back in its late-Eighties glory days, when the Vermont band was produced by the likes of Hirsh Gardner and Aldo Nova and courted by Virgin Records and CBS Records. But now I’ll be seeking out the first three albums — or at least GB Music’s So Far anthology — from this melodic, acoustic-driven AOR quartet.

Featuring songs composed by guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Randy Smith and guitarist André Maquera between 1999 and 2005, The Last Great Train, despite its Northeastern United States origins, sounds as though it was created in the core of America’s heartland. You can practically see the cornfields and late-summer-afternoon storm clouds swirl past your rolled-down car windows when listening to jangly, harmony- and hook-filled songs like the airy opener “Breath,” “Home,” “Shopping List,” “All That I Need” and the memorable title track.

...The disc wraps up with the Southern rock jam “Guitsophrenic” and the pop ditty “Thank You,” which is really a clever kiss-off to an ex-lover. These songs are the voice of experienced musicians putting their own spin on subjects as universal as relationships and getting older.

...The Last Great Train ain’t metal and it ain’t prog, and I don’t care. The soundtrack of my windows-down summer in America’s heartland has arrived.

How to Buy Music

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.

Video

"Counting Pennies" - live on Star 92, Burlington, VT

"Learning 2 Live" from Bittersweet - live footage

Candid interview for Vermont Public TV with Randy and Andre Maquera 2002

"Hideaway" - 8084
Rough video footage with NO lip syncing. Shot in Grand Rapids, Michigan in March 1990 for future video.

Contact

Booking info: booking@randotunes.com
General contact: info@randotunes.com
Download an electronic press kit: zip package (17 mb)

..... Tour Dates

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

...... News

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".

3.18.10
Randy composing for indie film soundtrack

Randy is once again 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.