About
Randy Martono-Chai
Bio
Randy MC is a conservatory-trained music artist, educator, director, and actor who truly embodies the spirit of the modern era. Born in Taiwan and raised in SoCal, Randy's adult life has been a journey across the country, seeking and drawing inspiration from each place he visits. His musical explorations have taken him through the DMV (DC, MD, & VA), WV, and the American South, where the diverse cultures and sounds have deeply influenced his work. Now settled in New Orleans, he finds endless inspiration in the city's rich musical history and vibrant artistic community.
From a young age, Randy displayed exceptional talent in the performing arts. He began studying piano at three and later mastered the flute, piccolo, organ, and conducting. He earned dual Bachelor of Music degrees in Performance and Jazz Studies, becoming an expert in Western Art and Contemporary Commercial Music. His early career saw him working as a piano accompanist, church musician across various denominations, and keyboardist for the dance cover band Souled Out. Additionally, he thrives as a piano and vocal instructor, music director for musical productions, and piano technician. After spending seven years in VA, Randy embarked on a journey across the South, gathering inspiration to create original music.
As a recording artist, Randy crafts music that takes listeners on an emotional journey, pushing the limits of imagination and infusing positive energy into every note. His unique and fearlessly innovative sound blends elements of popular music and jazz with the soul music he was exposed to playing for his cover bands and solo performances. With seven singles in his emerging Alt-Pop catalog, Randy showcases his versatile style and witty lyricism. His debut EP, "#StartAsianLove," is a testament to his passion for music and desire to inspire introspective conversations. He continues seeking other collaborators across the world to produce and perform new music with. Having settled in New Orleans, he regularly performs at festivals, open mic nights, and jam sessions around the city, most notably as a keytarist with the band Bamboula 2000 and drum circle hosted by Congo Square Preservation Society.
Beyond music, Randy is a dog lover who enjoys reading, comedy, swimming, and video games. He has received numerous awards for his academic achievements, community service, and contributions to the music industry, including Best Male Vocalist at the Apollo Civic Theater Talent Show and annual placements in the Musical Theatre and Classical categories of the NATS Mid-Atlantic Regionals and Virginia state competitions. Randy's deep affinity for music is evident in all he does, and he is poised to become a global phenomenon, continually challenging the status quo of the industry.