Interview: Rye Randa, Musician Extraordinaire - Page 3

Last year Rye and Jeff teamed up with their good friend Michael Johns (American Idol Season 7) to score the documentary film “Don’t Look Down” for the Ebersol brothers. The film chronicles Olympic snowboarder and skater Shaun White. “Don’t Look Down” airs January 2nd, 2009 on ESPN, and will be followed by a DVD release, as well as a Soundtrack featuring several bonus songs not heard in the film.

With more than a decade and a half of experience under his belt, Rye has written, produced and arranged over 300 records for numerous songwriters, artists and bands.
But we can assure you this is only the beginning…"
I followed up the Biography he'd sent with these questions, hoping to put some of my speculations to rest:

Are those release dates for the Don't Look Down soundtrack and DVD pretty firm?

My understanding is that they will be released in conjunction with the air date of the film. But I could be wrong!

It is also rumored that you helped Michael Johns with the "River Of Life" project. Are there any details that you would like to share about that collaboration?

Yes, I produced, engineered and played bass on that song. We recorded it for a documentary film called Ithuteng about the South-African Ithuteng Trust School for young teens that have basically been failed by the system in the post-Apartheid region of Soweto. One of the students, Lebo Kgasapane (the singer on "River of Life") passed from AIDS before the film was completed.

 
We literally built the song around a short audio clip of Lebo that was recorded during the filming process (this is the actual voice you hear in the song). It was quite a touching experience for all of us. It was also a really wonderful experience to record the Dorsey High School Choir at Hollywood Sound. Those kids are very talented.

Of course, everyone would love to know which of your songs might end up on Michael's CD.

Unfortunately I can't say. It's top secret! But I can tell you that his CD will be off the hook. The tracks I've heard so far are insane! Plus there are some very big players involved. All in all I'm positive it will be a huge success.

Michael has mentioned the following people are involved with the new CD: Diane Warren, John Shanks, Ken Andrews, Matt Mahaffey, Linda Perry, John Legend, and of course, now we know about you. Do you know whether or not Cee-Lo Green and Mark Ronson are on board too?

I believe there will be some collaboration with Cee-Lo Green. Not sure about Mark Ronson.

Some of the questions come from Michael Johns' fans at IDF (
Idolforums.com - Michael's section on the board and home of The Aussie Posse forum.). You are rapidly gaining a fan base here at the IDF site as well! One of the members wanted to ask how long have you known Michael Johns?

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Ultimat1. I am typically busy with writing my novels, and come here just for fun. I am a female, and most assuredly over the age of 21. Please take anything I say in good fun, as that's how most of my opinion posts are intended.

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  • 1 - Vizzy

    Oct 16, 2008 at 8:05 am

    Cool Stuff U1, thanks for this article.. it was enjoyable.. looking forward to your next article :D

    and thanks for correcting my name :haha:

    Cheers

  • 2 - Ultimat1

    Oct 16, 2008 at 8:22 am

    You're more than welcome Vizzy. :D Thanks for your comment!

  • 3 - jas

    Oct 22, 2008 at 5:42 am

    wonderful article!

  • 4 - Sheoak

    Nov 08, 2008 at 8:10 am

    I just stumbled upon this article and couldn't believe how well written it was, and how informative! I have heard you mention this blog, but that is all. I'd like to congratulate you on writing an article that had me completely captivated right to the very end!

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