"Generally, you are held to a sound and that becomes your sound. That gets branded as your sound, and all the copycats start with it because the labels are looking for that sound."
About Randy Bachman
Randy Bachman — Life and Legacy
Randy Bachman, a prominent Canadian musician, is celebrated for his significant contributions to rock music through bands like The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. His songwriting and guitar work have left an indelible mark on the genre, with hits that resonate across generations. Bachman's core philosophy revolves around creativity and the importance of taking risks. He famously stated, 'You can't be afraid to fail,' which encapsulates his belief that embracing failure is essential for artistic growth. This perspective reflects his own journey, where experimentation and innovation have led to some of rock's most memorable sounds. His quote, 'Music is the universal language,' further illustrates his view that music transcends barriers, connecting people through shared experiences and emotions. Today, Bachman's insights into music and creativity remain relevant, inspiring new generations of musicians to explore their artistic identities. His emphasis on individuality and storytelling in music continues to influence how artists approach their craft, making his contributions to the music world both timeless and impactful.
Quote collection
Randy Bachman quotes
17 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"The local music community here was dying for a place to record, so we started doing acoustic, folk and bluegrass and then did rock projects for other bands, as well as for my son Tal and my own work."
"Those two songs condense the two albums. They also show what the audiences wanted. I was desperate to keep the band together and find something that the public would like."
"You are still lucky - you have a certain type of people who keep buying your music - but then you can get typecast and have to keep making that same music, and you can change only slightly. It's risky to bounce around and change your type of music."
"You take all the things that frighten you, and when you can get them to work for you all of sudden people are calling you a success."
"When I was five I had violin lessons."
"With The Guess Who, it took us fifty-something singles before we had hits."
"The fact that the internet is so active; people can now speak to me indirectly."
"I don't think that bands that make it on their first album are as strong as bands that don't: there is nowhere to go but down."
"My love, growing up on the Prairies, was country music."
"We like the imperfect because it reminds us of ourselves."
"My songs are like cheap Neil Young copies."
"I learned at an early age that I was given something special when I was born, and that was the gift of music."
"To add an AC outlet, for example, you just drill a circular hole in the wall, tap into the wiring, add the outlet and you're set. If you don't want it, pull it out and plaster over it with more earth to seal the hole."
"I listened to it last night for the first time since we started this project. I went out to my car and put it in and went to an empty parking lot and just listened and read the little pamphlet that came with it. After two or three songs I burst into tears."
"When you get successful, you can do pretty much whatever you want."
"You don't have to have a great voice to sing, just a distinctive one. But make sure you say the words clearly and tell a story."