Randy Seedorff founded the group Soul Purpose in 2010. They released their studio album Rearview Mirror, produced by Larry Gann of Awe Struck Studios in 2014. The music artist released his 7-track EP, Elevate, in 2017. The first two releases from that project reached number 1 on Christian Radio Charts. A prolific songwriter, Randy Seedorff is a member of both ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) and GMA (Gospel Music Association).

1 In Music: Let us start at the core. What sets you and your music apart?

Randy Seedorff [RS]: That is an interesting question. I guess what makes me unique is my longevity. I have been playing music and performing for over 30 years now. Something inside me never wanted to let go of my dream or give up writing songs so I kept moving forward. I think the quality of my songwriting and recordings has progressively improved as I have gotten more age and experience.

1 In Music: What or who shaped your music and who supports you?

RS: My younger years in life were spent listening to, and singing with my Mother and Uncle who were both country music artists. Any time there was a family gathering the instruments came out and there would be a sing a long. My guitar playing was shaped by the singer songwriters of the 70’s and 80’s. I frequently listened to John Denver, Jim Croce, James Taylor, and Loggins & Messina. My wife and family continue to be strong supporters of my music.

1 In Music: When did you realise you were going to make music professionally?

RS: I started collaborating with some other songwriters when I was in high school. I guess that’s when I first started writing the caliber of material I felt as though I could get up and share in front of an audience. A cowriter friend of mine and I would make our way around to the open mic nights at local clubs and test drive our original material. I think that was when I realized that I wanted to make songwriting, singing, and playing music my life.

1 In Music: What type of music do you listen to?

RS: I would characterize myself as a diverse listener. I love the Blues, Country, CCM, Rock, and Singer-Songwriter. I love great songwriting and musicianship!

1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?

RS: Vince Gill has been a favorite of mine for many years. He is the most awarded Country Music artist in history. He is an amazing songwriter, world class guitarist, member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and a Grand Ole Opry member for 30 years. After decades as a solo artist he is now rounding out a hall of fame career as a touring member of the most iconic rock band in American history, the Eagles! In addition he has played and sang on over 30,000 studio sessions on other people’s records.

In my view, Vince Gill is still one of the music industries most undervalued artists. He is an American treasure.

1 In Music: How do you prepare for your performances?

RS: Preparing for performances has a few moving parts for me. First is thinking through what audience I am playing to. I try to prepare a set list that I think will fit the occasion, as well as the people groups I am playing for. I spend a lot of time in rehearsal working on memorization of lyrics and guitar parts. I’ve had my moments as I’m certain we all have when we have forgotten a word or two, or missed playing a phrase just the way I practiced it. Secondly I work on vocal parts and inflection. Lastly I try to always have my instruments ready with fresh strings, and my gear in good order.

1 In Music: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?

RS: I am an avid reader. I am usually in the middle of at least one or two books at the same time. I have 5 children and 10 grandchildren so my wife and I love spending as much time with them as we can.

1 In Music: Wow! That is probably success for you already. But in Music, Success to you is…?

RS: I think it’s important for music to have meaning, and strong lyrical content. Success in music for me is that moment in front of a live audience when I sing a lyric from one of my songs and they nod their head like, “yeah I get it.” There is real satisfaction for me when my audience connects with the songs I’ve written for them.

1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?

RS: I wish someone would have told me to pay more attention to songwriting when I was younger. I was around great writers but didn’t understand how important that craft really is in the music business. For those who are reading this interview and are just beginning a career in music,

I would urge you to collaborate with other songwriters, do some co-writes,
and work on honing that skill [songwriting] as often as possible.

1 In Music: Any upcoming projects?

RS: We just released a new album in June of 2021 “Begin Again.” It is an 8-song EP with a country flavor. We are in the writing process for our next project we plan to begin recording in late 2021.

1 In Music: Thank you for taking this interview. Before we part, could you tell where to find you music?

Randy Seedorff: Spotify, AppleMusic, Tidal, Deezer, iTunes, Amazon Music, YouTube, Pandora

Digital download also available at www.randyseedorff.com/music.