Randall Powell appeared professionally at the age of 14, playing organ and singing lead vocals in a cover band. After fronting several cover bands, he formed the quintet PAX, which performed his original compositions. This was followed by an eclectic and unorthodox group called Starless Bach, which again performed originals plus covers ranging from the New York Dolls to the Allman Brothers. This was the first band in which he utilized a synthesizer, thus beginning a continuous love affair with synthesis, sampling, and sound design. While in college, he fronted an original band called Chrome, which featured two keyboardists. Deeper explorations into an ARP 2600 synthesizer in the electronic music laboratory and performance with the avante-garde, all synthesizer band counterbalanced his love of melody and pop music structures.
His first commercial release was a self-titled album on his own PAX Records label. Airplay of the jazz-influenced track "Say What's On Your Mind" followed, in addition to live performances with the band Random Numbers. His new album Hanging From A String has just been released on STR Digital records. Powell wrote and performed everything except the guitars on the 11 tracks, which reflect influences from Peter Gabriel, Prince, Steely Dan and The Beatles. A pop sensibility augmented by experimental instrumentation resulted in the tracks ranging in genres from rock to world music.
Powell currently is working on two projects: Entrance, a suite of instrumental ambient music, and Royal Beauty Bright, a compilation of original and traditional Christmas songs. He is also developing videos to accompany tracks from Hanging From A String.