Randie O’Neil exudes strength, wisdom, and honesty when it comes to both her personal life and her music. She crafts thought provoking lyrics and catchy melodies inspired by her own personal experiences. She’s sincere and her work as an adolescent intervention specialist adds onto her writing when it comes to singing about real world experiences and challenges.
She released her latest album Full Moon Rising, a collection of 6 songs written in the pandemic as a release of energy. It explores finding your way and how relationships evolve through tough times. During the pandemic, Randie was able to stay connected to her friends and community. Full Moon Rising deals with being cooped up and isolated but determined to stay connected to those who matter most.
The album opens with “Queen (of the Barstool Two Step),” a song releasing her inner Bonnie Rait. It’s a slower, yet upbeat song about not being able to perform live anymore and examines the changing nightlife for people, especially musicians. The next song is the titular one, “Full Moon Rising.” This country and folk-rock song is upbeat, empowering, and spiritual-like. She utilizes a chorus to drive the message of her creative rise singing “I feel it rising over me.” What brings this song together is the banjo. It really creates an aspect of fun to an otherwise anthemic song.
“Whispers” is the country and Americana song with a Dolly Parton meets Brandi Carlisle sound to it. Even the guitar has a twang to it. It examines relationships and connection, or as Randie explains, “‘Whispers’ takes a look at people who were together yet not able to quite connect.” The next song, “Daddy’s Pride” is a country and folk song about finding her own pride and guiding herself through life since her parents wouldn’t. This is the most personal song as she sings about her alcoholic parents and how they sold her guitars. She was determined to make music and “Daddy’s Pride” shares what music is to her.
“Sidewalks” has a Dolly Parton meets Joni Mitchel sound and style when it comes to the songwriting. She sings “I remember sidewalks/take me where I need to go,” like she’s acknowledging her past and what got her to where she is, but also wanting to move forward into the future. She wants to see where the sidewalk takes her. It’s a folk and Americana song that’s simultaneously upbeat and slightly melancholic.
“Treat Me Right” is the country rock and folk rock song that closes out the album. It has a strong Dixie Chick and Go Go Girls vibe to it and carries a 90’s anthem vibe. It exudes power and strength, leaving the listener feeling empowered after listening. It’s infectious, sassy, and examines what a girl wants out of a relationship.
Full Moon Rising is one of those albums that sticks with you. You’ll be singing it in your sleep and dancing along to the music. Every song on the album is extraordinary and demands more than one listen.
From The Artist : “Full Moon Rising is a very special project for me. I was determined to use the time of covid to keep moving forward and growing as an artist. It gave me time to explore. I consider myself to be adventurous, an explorer, but we were all trapped inside during COVID. It felt like endless full moons. I was so restless. I really worked to channel that energy into an album, Full Moon Rising. I allowed that song to set the tone for the project. Just exploring myself as an artist and seeing how far I could go with each song.”
Connect with Randie O’Neil : Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // TikTok // Spotify // Soundcloud
