“I’ve had a fascination with music for as long as I can remember,” said Randi Stickles, lead vocalist for local Orlando band Blaine the Mono. “I never had the confidence to sing until my mom passed away two years ago. I figured I had nothing to lose, and I needed an outlet. Singing was the best form of release and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Her musical influences range from R&B to Alternative Rock, from Lauryn Hill to Nirvana. “The musician that sticks out most in my mind is Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam lead vocalist). He started his career very reserved and shy and he stayed persistent and true to his passion for music. Eventually people accepted his performance style. He made it his own despite how different he was.”
For songwriting, Stickles’ inspiration comes from within. “My music and lyrics are the soundtrack to my life. If I don’t live it or feel it, it doesn’t come to mind. All of my words are at most an arms length from my heart.”
She wants people to really connect to and identify with her music. “Considering it’s the universal language, I would just like for anyone to be able to relate to our words and our vision.”
The band, Randi Stickles (lead vocals), Eric Joseph (guitar), Chris Culverwell (bass), and Clifton Garner (drums), formed in 2010. “It is absolutely important to have the local support,” said Stickles. “Nobody appreciates local music like other local musicians. We all play the same game, and face the same struggles with being heard. Paying it forward exists in every industry, especially the music scene.”
Music fans can check out the local Orlando band on Facebook, Reverbnation, and Twitter.
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