Introducing Randy Thrill$: Embracing A New Dimension Of Urban Music

Brisbane-born punk-rock rapper and performer, Randy Thrill$, is back with an electrifying new single that is sure to make waves in the Australian music scene.

Titled Walked Away, the highly-anticipated track marks a thrilling collaboration between Randy Thrill$ and Sydney-based indie producer and mixer, James Christowski.

Renowned for his exceptional work with artists like ioakim, Barley Passable, and Peel, James Christowski brings his expertise across genres to this exciting project.

Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources, Randy Thrill$ infuses elements of internet music, the revolution of SoundCloud-rap, influence from Playboy Carti, Kodak Black and Lil Uzi Vert, and 90’s inspired R&B anthems into his latest release, Walked Away.

Clocking in at just 1.44 minutes, this high-energy song bursts to life with its infectious beats and captivating lyrics.

In this track, Randy Thrill$ takes a bold step outside the boundaries of his punk-rock rap style, daringly incorporating influences from various genres to craft a truly unique sonic experience that will resonate with audiences across the country.

Walked Away is an emotionally charged yet uplifting song that perfectly encapsulates Randy Thrill$' punk-rock style. The track effortlessly blends feelings of sadness and happiness, resulting in a wholly distinctive musical journey for listeners.

While there may not be a specific narrative driving the song, it is abundantly filled with confident and boastful rhymes, complemented by a captivatingly sung chorus.

The collaboration with James Christowski proves to be a masterstroke, as his exceptional production skills shine through the track, which is meticulously crafted, with every element thoughtfully placed to enhance its overall impact.

With Walked Away, Thrill$ invites listeners to explore a new dimension of urban music. The fusion of punk-rock rap, infectious beats, and captivating lyrics creates an irresistible blend that is as audacious as it is unforgettable, reminding us that this is just the beginning of an incredible musical journey, and Randy Thrill$ is a name you'll want to remember.

We sat down with both Randy and James to talk Walked Away and gain insight into the pair’s collaborative process.

Hey Randy and James, how are you guys today?

R : I’m feeling blessed as always, and happy to be alive – Thank you!

J: Floating! I’m in writing mode for my own upcoming project - so I’m energised.

Randy - firstly, how did Walked Away come together?

R: The instrumental mentally came together, over about a 7+ month period – since I came across it, since then it’s probably been my favourite up to date. It just instantly made me move and provided a strong sense of nostalgia, the first few words I mumbled are now a beautiful chorus.

How did you meet James? And how did that process work?

R: DiDi got referred to me. But it wasn’t until I listened to a single he mixed and mastered for - youproblem and shoot me - two other new singles of mine (yet to be released) that I relealised his mixing and mastering skills sounded impeccable.

I hit him up on IG and we organised for me to fly down to Sydney so we can polish a few demos. The process was very smooth. After he heard the demos he knew exactly what end results I wanted with each track. During our first call, I could sense strong chemistry which led right up until we got in the studio.

James, How did you enjoy working with Randy Thrills on this release for Walked Away?

J: The sessions for Randy’s project were absolutely hype. I felt like we were super locked in together and the energy in the room was palpable. It was an incredible few days.

What influences helped you create the skeleton production for Walked Away?

R: I can’t say one particular influence. More so it’s a result of me listening to old-school classics from Craig David, T-Pain, Kanye West and a few others, taking bits and pieces from some of their songs I felt I could distinct.

What did you add from a production standpoint to bring this release to life?

J: Randy had the instrumental and the hook vocals for this track ready to go, and they felt great. My role was more about capturing the right vocal performances to match the energy of the track.

We also had a refined approach towards vocal processing - Randy wanted the track to feel relatively dry and upfront, but have bursts of fx that gave different sections their own character, so I guess aesthetically guiding those so they hit right was important on this record.

As a mixing engineer and producer, James, how was this different from working on indie rock records?

J: You definitely do take different approaches to mixing hip-hop than with other genres. Mainly how focused you are on the vocal and the low end.

Sometimes in other genres the vocals are further back and more a part of the sonic fabric of the song, whereas for the most part hip-hop is always about getting the vocals hitting really hard.

I also really like how more radical vocal treatments are celebrated in Hip-Hop mixing. I’m super inspired by the mixes on Kendrick' [Lamar’s] records, where there is really bold and detailed vocal processing - so I enjoy tapping into that.

How was the collaborative experience for both of you being in the room together?

R: Every 30 minutes I would tell James, I’ve found my producer soul mate haha. Hard to believe but he’s actually the first ever producer I’ve done a full studio session with, and really I don’t want anyone else.

We both communicated very well and very honestly too! I think the fact that we both weren’t just “Yes yes cool cool” allowed us to really push ourselves to extract the full potential out of this amazing single.

J: It was a dream collaboration. Randy has a really strong vision for his project - and that is always great from a producer standpoint - it makes you push your own boundaries. There was also a total openness to ideas from both ends, so the creative flow was uninhibited. Looking forward to doing more, that’s for sure.

What was the highlight from working together, and being in the studio together?

R: Just building a general friendship, to be honest. Getting to know each other on a personal level and me annoyingly admiring the studio space that was beautiful, which actually helped boost my creative thoughts in a way. Other major highlights would be us finding the perfect vocal edit and looking at each other like.. “That’s the one!”

What else did you work on together?

R: Oh man. We worked on some extremely special records. Two days back to back. We worked extremely hard and utilised the little time we had together. I can confidently say I left the studio with James with my best set of work ever.

J: Facts.

What's the plan for the rest of 2023 for both of you?

R: To drop my best project yet. Surprise all my family, friends and Thriller fans, by pushing myself and exceeding my creative expectations. Additionally, displaying how I’ve grown and elevated as a rockstar in all aspects of my life.

J: At the moment it’s finishing a bunch of material for my upcoming project Babydiamond, and also just keep connecting with like-minded artists who want to make really meaningful records. That gives me life…

While we are here, curveball question: Best release of 2023 so far?

R: Oh, I’d have to say Monochrome by Highway - recently popping off Artist from the US. His versatility is out of this world.

J: I’ve been rinsing the new Overmono album, Good Lies. Also really digging the Fever Ray record.

Thanks for your time today, any last words + where can we find you?

R: live life punk, and don’t worry about finding me. I won’t be hard to find for too long. I can promise you that.

J: Haha love it Randy. Most probably in my studio~ Can suss @noisebydidi for my prod work!