California-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Randall Rahn, known professionally as runnerthewriter, is captivating listeners with his unique blend of catchy, melodic, and upbeat choruses that instantly have you ready to sing-along. However, beneath the infectious hooks lies a raw and vulnerable exploration of heartache, anxiety, and loss that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
Born in Torrance, CA, into a challenging environment, Randall faced immense hardships from an early age. His parents battled addiction to methamphetamines and alcohol, which led to a tumultuous upbringing. He experienced homelessness, residing in hostels and motels surrounded by addicts. Nights were spent sleeping on flea-infested floors, often without food or electricity. Left to fend for himself, Randall and his siblings were forced to mature prematurely. They resorted to stealing food just to survive, enduring weeks of abandonment, and witnessing domestic abuse. Furthermore, Randall had to navigate the presence of a schizophrenic stepfather. It was a life of constant struggle and survival.
When Randall was thirteen, his older brother gifted him a worn-out electric guitar. In a world devoid of stability, that guitar became his refuge—a constant companion amid the chaos. Music provided solace, grounding him amidst the broken lenses of his existence. Living in an industrial factory in the deserts of Antelope Valley, CA, with scarce meals and parents still trapped in the same cycle of addiction, Randall found himself in a 9×9 room with only a mattress and a small radio. There, he honed his skills, learning every song that played on that radio by ear. With nothing but his love for music and that old guitar, he discovered an escape from the hardships of his reality.
Not long after, Randall joined his first band, No Sense, a pop-punk/emo group from Lomita, CA. They gained local success in the South Bay, selling out shows and winning battle of the bands competitions at local high schools. Soon, Randall was opening for his favorite bands and headlining venues across California, from Hollywood to San Diego. At fifteen, it seemed like he was living out his dreams, signing autographs, taking pictures with fans, and even having a few dedicated followers tattoo his signature.
Despite these early successes, Randall faced a setback when the social media platform MySpace, where he achieved substantial popularity under the name Randy Romance, disappeared, resulting in the loss of his fanbase. Determined to rebuild, Randall drew inspiration from an eclectic range of artists, including Blink 182, Blackbear, Fall Out Boy, Ed Sheeran, and Justin Timberlake. Under his new alias, runnerthewriter, he has emerged with a fresh project and new music that connects with audiences on a profound level.
runnerthewriter recently released his debut single and music video, “Sunset,” on May 12th, 2023, followed by his second single, “Mine,” on June 16th. Fans can anticipate the forthcoming release of his full-length album, “The Hard Part,” a powerful testament to Randall’s unwavering passion, drive, and motivation to connect with listeners through his music. He effortlessly showcases that even amidst life’s darkest moments, beauty can emerge, and the ability to rise above adversity is a truly transformative experience.
With his resounding talent and a genuine desire to inspire and uplift others, runnerthewriter is here to stay. His music serves as a reminder that we all have endured our own “hard parts” in life, and through resilience and self-expression, we can find beauty in the midst of chaos. Get ready to embark on a musical journey with runnerthewriter—a name that will undoubtedly make its mark on the industry.
