A Professional musician for over five decades, Randall Mcgowan was born in South California and migrated to San Francisco in 1962. HIs band, the Swinging Chads were established in Napa, California in 2010 by Norman Collins and Randall in a small local restaurant entertaining new music fans with their unique sound and classic style. Ken Ingels and Johnny Young joined up to record “With The Swinging Chads” In August 2014, on Russian River Records. It was released in May, 2015.
We caught up with them recently to find out how they have managed to keep the band together all these years as they get ready to go on tour again this year.
Interview by Jacqueline Jax
Music Journalist and Host of A.V.A. Live Radio
How has your year been so far? What goals have you accomplished this past 9 months?
It’s been a wild ride so far this year. The Nor Cal Fires played havoc with the area that I live in so we did evacuate for a bit but all is well with me and my group. Sad to say that the area is very devastated. Our new record “Bringing the Heat” certainly lives up to the title, A.V.A Live Radio has helped quite a lot getting our songs on the airways. We appreciate their help with all the crazy circumstances that could have really derailed our progress.
What have you focused on this past month?
In September, we finalized our plans to shoot a video in Maui. The shoot will be coming up this January 2019. The song we plan to feature in the music video will be “Blue Sunshine”. Maui should be a perfect fit for the song and we look forward to bringing that to our music fans world wide.
What are your plans for October?
October is a a busy month for us. We have a whole bunch of harvest parties. More SF Bay Area gigs as well. The band plays on as they say and despite the hurdles mid year, we intend to be there ready to entertain those of you who show up for the party.
The local eatery BBQ Place called The Boat House in Nice California will have our band playing for the first time this year. A Cd Release party for this area is coming up as well.
What do you feel blessed for this year?
I am very blessed that our home is OK and made it through the fire storm this year and that our Band is always working. Can’t beat those blessings.
Website: http://www.theswingingchads.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theswingingchads/