Biography
Rändi Fay is a US-based vocalist and songwriter. Her engaging collection of atmospheric folk, symphonic rock and rich tonal jazz brings her alluring storytelling to life. Named one of the "female musicians who paved the way here in Wisconsin” by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (March, 2022), her approach to music can be attributed to a combination of influences including jazz standards, pop & rock classics, music theater, camp songs to classical masterpieces. She seeks out diverse, worldwide collaborations to bring in unexpected flavor and character to her songwriting and vocal performance.
Rändi is a graduate of Boston College (BS Biology) and the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She practiced veterinary medicine for 13 years until a series of hand injuries forced early retirement. After that, she shifted her focus, putting her heart into her music, learning both “on the job” working with some of the best musicians and performers in Wisconsin and pursuing a Master’s Certificate in Songwriting through the Berklee College of Music’s online program (2017) and certification in teaching the BAST method of vocal instruction (2018).
Rändi’s first CD was released in 2010 (“Close To My Heart”). In the following decade she released five more full length CD’s, two EP and several singles. Rändi worked with Grammy nominated Nashville producer Shane Adams on a grouping of releases for 2022-23, and Grammy nominated Hans Christian on her first three CD’s and her most recent release “Thankful,” which received international airplay since its November 2023 release.
Some notable songwriting honors include: Finalist- Wisconsin Area Music Industry 2023 "Jazz Song of the Year" (“Lost In You”), Finalist in the "Great American Song Contest" "Christmas Music" category 2019 (“Joy Whispered”) and "Top Five Songs, Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting" 2018 Great American Song Contest, "Adult Contemporary" category (“Supernatural”). Rändi is a perennial nominee for WAMI Jazz Artist and Female Vocalist of the Year.
Rändi co-writes with Moscow Bassist Dmitry Zaystev for his band “Rhythmystica." They released their first duo single “The Birch Tree” in February 2024 to international audiences. Their Brit-pop tune "Innocent" (January 2023) was a finalist in “Lyric Writing” in the Great American Songwriting Contest 2022.
After disbanding her jazz combo “Limited Edition” in 2018, Rändi has been focusing on more feature vocalist opportunities, including taking on roles in Music Theater, including “Donna” (Mamma Mia), “The Witch” (Into the Woods), “Martha Watson” (White Christmas). Look for her in upcoming performances of “Nunsense” (Sister Hubert) and “Cowgirls” (Jo).
Outside of music, Rändi is passionate about her family and her pets, travel, skiing, hiking, reading and baking. Causes dear to her include Leukemia Awareness and Support, Mental Wellness, Prevention of Domestic Violence and Abuse, and Animal Welfare.
Rändi's independent music label is Emerald Heart Productions, LLC (est. 2008) and her publishing company is Emerald Heart Music & Lyrics (est. 2014).
"I just had the pleasure of listening to Rändi's latest recording...She amazes me with her style, artistry and professionalism. What a treat it is to hear her perform. She is a treasure to Green Bay and our community."
-Dudley Birder,
Professor Emeritus of Music, St. Norbert College, and Founder & Director of the Dudley Birder Chorale
June 2024
May 2024
February, 2024
Recent Achievements
- Finalist “Jazz Song of the Year” by the WISCONSIN AREA MUSIC INDUSTRY- May, 2024
- Finalist GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST/LYRICS: “Innocent” -March, 2022
- Finalist GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST/CHRISTMAS MUSIC: “Joy Whispered” -March, 2020
- Music Video “Lone Wolf” received international attention and viewing via film festivals (2019-2022)
- “Top Five Winner” with “Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting” GREAT AMERICAN SONG CONTEST/ADULT CONTEMPORARY: “Supernatural” (with Aaron Zinsmeister) -March, 2019
- “Best Music Video” WILDWOOD FILM FESTIVAL: “Supernatural” (director Jocelyne Berumen) -March, 2019
- Finalist UK SONGWRITING CONTEST: “Joy Whispered” -2019 & “Moonlight” (with Aaron Zinsmeister) -2018
"Take Six," first song co-written with Mick Maloney, Winner of the 2013 National Collegiate Music Society Award, Berklee College of Music
- “Jazz Artist of the Year” nominations six times (2015-2021) by the WISCONSIN AREA MUSIC INDUSTRY.
"One should probably like Rändi Fay simply because she is one of the nicest human beings ever, but if you take a few moments to listen, a number of things become apparent: 1) her voice is worthy of her "vocalist of the year" nominations and she sings both standards and her own material in a manner that brings a unique and very listenable quality to every song; 2) she is a gifted and talented lyricist-songwriter whose compositions are both engaging and entertaining; and 3) she is a true pro who prepares, chooses her musicians and her material in service of the performance and her audience. Her life, education and career have positioned her to both entertain and offer valuable insights listeners in settings ranging from intimate venues to corporate events."
-George Halas, Producer, Musical-Theatrical at CAUSE:SUCCESS, INC.
