In Their Own Words /// Stacey Randol on Nashville’s Hippie Radio

By Stacey Randol (listen while you read)

Like many music lovers, I am constantly playing music no matter where I am.  Many times I like to be in control of what I am listening to.  In the car, I have a ton of CDs crammed into little compartments. Putting them in the perfect condition to scratch and skip.

In the past few years, I haven’t been much of a radio listener. When I would turn on FM radio, I would check out what Lightning 100 was playing—and either I would like the song playing or go back to a CD.  But this past summer I found an alternative where I could let go and get surprised. Thank goodness Nashville now has Hippie Radio—94.5 FM.

Anyone who knows anything about me will know that I love the oldies.  I was raised listening to nothing, but good, old-fashioned rock n roll. The 60s and the 70s produced the best songs ever created—hands down. Those generations had the magic, which can’t be replicated. Because now… well, we have technology to ruin things. Music from that era is a breath of fresh air.

It was just another tired morning on the way to my 9-5 desk job, when I turned on Hippie Radio. They were playing Rod Stewart ,“You Wear It Well.” Now, I like Rod, but I have never been a huge fan. I never really listened to him growing up either. But for some reason, that particular morning, at my particular age, it struck me differently. So I played it on repeat most of the day because it just made me FEEL GOOD!  Maybe it’s because the “You Wear It Well” line is so proclaiming or maybe it’s because there is a stand out, twangy fiddle sitting in a pop song—but, most definitely, it’s a combination of those. The song is charming and in charge and I still listen to it every week, hahaha, not ashamed! I get excited when I hear something that I have heard before, yet this time I hear it differently. It is a rush for me. I really enjoy listening to great songs on repeat, so I can pick up little touches that are so significant and then I can appreciate why it’s a great tune.

Another song that hit me differently after I heard it on Hippie Radio was “Ruby Don’t Take Your Love To Town,” by Kenny Rogers.  Now I am completely obsessed with it and stylistically it has inspired my songwriting. The opening line, the train feel, the catchy guitar riff, and the cool vocal delivery, (again) makes me push repeat every time. Can’t get enough of that ole badass.

Just recently, Jimmy Hall did a live interview with Hippie radio, promoting his show at 3rd& Lindsley.  Jimmy was in the group, Wet Willie, in the 70s and they were famous for their hit “Keep On Smilin’.”   Hearing that song and hearing the interview definitely got my day started off right. He described how over the years, random people have approached him saying how the song helped them overcome major struggles in life.  That struck me with inspiration. To me, that is what writing music is all about—to connect with strangers and to help them feel something.  One song can make a difference in someone’s life … and that is the coolest part of creating.

I would say the main reason I love Hippie Radio is because it offers variety.  Also, it doesn’t stick to the tunes your typical oldie station plays. It will play off the wall songs that I would only hear when my dad would spin his old 45s. And it isn’t all Woodstocked-out—they play Jackson 5 (lil Michael)!  The station doesn’t have a strict format and that’s what I like about them. Though it seems stations that don’t play the same ten songs every hour have a hard time sticking around. But I hope that isn’t the case, because Nashville needs a station like this.  Rock on and tune in, y’all!

About Stacey :::

Stacey didn’t always know what her calling in life was going to be, but one common vision remained the same. The sounds of music and the personal vulnerability that came along with it, followed her every step down life’s walk.

Like most, Stacey grew up warming her vocal chords during her Sunday morning church services before an afternoon filled with her dad’s “walk down memory lane” records of The Beatles, The Turtles, The Beach Boys, and Elvis Presley.

After studying music at Milikin University, the pieces began to fall in place and Stacey’s musical career took her on travels to Italy, China, and throughout the USA, only to find herself settling down in Music City with only one goal in mind: To share with the world, through the most intimate way imaginable, her story.

Step by step, a new chapter of her life began to unfold. Beginning with the most basic of chords, a pen, and a paper – the blueprints for ‘Steady Rhythm’ , the debut album from Stacey Randol, were officially underway. In the summer of 2011, Stacey ventured into the studio with producer, Tyler Cain, to create the vibrant album.  Indie Music Reviewer writes, “Every song on the album is memorable and catchy. After one listen you will be left feeling enchanted and re-energized. Her vocals are warm and inviting, gentle yet hearty. Steady Rhythm is an eleven- song remedy guaranteed to bring some sunshine in your life.”

Stacey recently released her latest single, “Fragile Forest.” She began writing this song at one of her favorite Nashville spots–Radnor Lake. Awaiting The Flood writes, “Leaving the beach behind, this serious tune still features her inimitable writing, as well as strong folk roots, like Joan Baez with a spoonful of honey. She sings, Whisper your secret of trusting spring to come, personifying nature almost as a lover, giving life and breath to the world we’re killing. It’s beautiful poetry, sung with beautiful voice, cementing her spot among female songwriters, even if you haven’t heard of her yet.”

Photo by The Lady & Rock

Watch her video for “Fragile Forest” :::