User:Flower of Fire/sandbox

-synopsis- Randall Shreve is an American songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He began his career as a drummer and songwriter for award-winning bands Frontline and GS Megaphone. In 2009 he released his first solo album, "The Cure for Yesterday." This was followed by "The Entertainer" (2010), "The Jester" (2011) recorded with his backing band, "The Sideshow," and an EP titled "Lovers, Lies, & Butcher Knives" (2013). He is currently in the studio recording his next full-length album, expected early summer 2015.

-career- As a teenager, Randall played drums and was a contributing songwriter for the band Frontline (transition?) GS Megaphone's first release, Out of My Mind, received critical acclaim and garnered the band a national following. They released two videos from their debut, for the songs "Use Me" and "Out of my Mind." Their sophomore release, Beautiful World, took the band even farther. They were championed by critics such as Doug Van Pelt of HM Magizine, and received considerable radio play in the United States and the UK. Lee Brown, author and blogger for Indie Vision Music called "Beautiful World" one of his top 10 albums of all time.

GS Megaphone dissolved in 2003 (why?) worked as a producer at ninth hour Records in Florida

During this time, Randall joined the band Rook with CCM fave Eric Champion. formed in 2004. put out EP in 2005.

In May 2006, Randall released his first solo project, "The Cure for Yesterday," on which he wrote, produced, and played all of the instruments. This album was a journey of discovery: Shreve  emulated many of his musical heroes in his quest to find his own unique voice. Naturally an introvert, Randall found that taking on their personas helped him get comfortable with the stage as he stepped away from the drum kit and into the spotlight. This concept album would become the first installment of a 4 album cycle that tells the story of: ................. Fans of the GS Megaphone drummer were surprised to discover that Mr. Shreve's talent stretched far beyond the drums. As the new album was reviewed, his vocals were often compared to songsters such as Rufus Wainwright, Jeff Buckley, and Jimmy Gnecco. He recorded his sophomore release, and second in the series, "The Entertainer" at Legacy Studios in NYC. This album departed stylistically from his first, as Shreve wrote and recorded a "Vaudeville Rock" album, the name often given to his now-signature sound.The Entertainer was released in October 2008. He developed an onstage persona, and soon became known for his dramatic, bold stage presence.

In 2009, Randall Shreve began to put together a backing band, which quickly evolved into "The Sideshow." There was a little member-shifting in the beginning, but it soon settled into a solid line-up consisting of Keys player Timothy Grace (from the band Valeze), lead guitarist Danny Klein (from Unwed Sailor and Mar), bassist Geoff Baker, and drummer Sway McStaggers (Zach Reeves). Randall toured with The Sideshow for the next five years, gathering a quickly growing and loyal fanbase. In March 2014, after Danny Klein departed the band, he was replaced by Michael Tisdale (......).

In October 2011, Randall released a new album, "The Jester"; the third installment in the concept album cycle. With the release of the Jester, the band solidified their niche. They delivered their own brand of Vaudeville Rock to expectant fans. In 2011, Randall received two Independant Music Award Nominations for "Eclectic Album" and "Eclectic Song" (for The Jester and "The Ghost" respectively)

2012 won a record-setting five NAMAs, including male singer/songwriter, male vocalist in a band, indie/alternative band, album of the year, and artist of the year.

jan 2013, released solo EP "Lovers, Lies, & Butcher Knives." consisted of music that didn't fit stylistically within the framework of the Concept albums.

In 2013 Shreve set out to make a music film titled "Randall Shreve & the Sideshow: Rock & Roll Circus." They filmed a live show in front of a nearly-capacity audience on October 13. the film was set to be made by award-winning filmmaker, Matthew Wolfe, who also directed their music video, "the Ghost." It was to include live footage from the concert, as well as documentary-style footage of the band on the road and behind the scenes. Unfortunately, Due to scheduling conflicts and lack of financing, the project was never finished.

After five years of intensive touring and recording, The Sideshow called it quits in October 2014. The split was amicable, as the five members agreed that it was time to move in other directions. They spent the remainder of 2014 playing a string of farewell shows for their main markets, ending with a big finale in their home-town of Fayetteville, Arkansas Jan 31, 2015. Fans from across the country traveled to Fayetteville for one last chance to hear the band. The Show, held at the historic George's Majestic Lounge, became the first from a local artist to sell out in pre-sales. Randall spent the early months of 2015 in the studio working on the fourth and final installment in his concept album cycle. The album is slated for release summer 2015.

EVENT PERFORMANCE HISTORY, AWARDS, AND NOTABLES

Heart of Texas Rockfest, SXSW Austin 2014. Riverfest (2011) Last Night Fayetteville (2011) Imagine: Lennon Tribute (2012) Last Night Fayetteville(2012) Riverfest (2013) Last Night Fayetteville (2013) Musicfest ElDorado (2013) Rock House Music Festival (2014) Music Zeitgeist's Indie artist of the month: June 2013 IMAGINE: Lennon Tribute 2013 "Valley Inn" movie-- song "Pale Blue" featured in final scene/end credits may 2014 Imagine: Lennon Tribute 2014