Rand Anderson is an award winning multi-instrumentalist whose career has spanned decades and crossed countless genres. Proficient on guitar, pedal steel, lap steel, dobro, mandolin, bass, keyboards, and banjo, Rand has built a reputation as a versatile and intuitive musician with a deep understanding of Bluegrass and Hawaiian Music. Rand became enamored with Hawaiian music and the roots of Hawaiian steel guitar at a young age and now resides in Hawai’i.
Rand’s musical journey is steeped in a wide array of influences — from the intricate flatpicking of Clarence White and the soulful phrasing of Jerry Garcia to the swampy grooves of JJ Cale and the virtuosic touch of Django Reinhardt. His playing effortlessly weaves through a diverse sonic landscape, touching on bluegrass, classic country, slack key Hawaiian, 60s psychedelic rock, reggae, Motown, cool jazz, and everything in between.
Throughout his career, Rand has shared stages with legendary acts such as ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Jimmy Cliff, Sublime, The Wailers, George Kahumoku Jr., JGB, Burning Spear, Keith Urban, Brittni Paiva, George Strait, and Los Lobos, among many others. His ability to adapt his sound to any genre has made him a sought-after collaborator both on stage and in the studio.
Rand’s musical footprint extends through an impressive list of current and past bands, including Mudflap, Sweet Juanita, Slack Key ‘Ohana, and Rand & Friends, as well as former acts like Gravy, Freshly Baked, Tom Curren Band, Latch Key Kid, Wise Monkey Orchestra, and Gandharva Loka. His time with these groups has taken him from intimate dive bars to large festival stages, always delivering rich, heartfelt performances, while releasing chart topping records, national television synch placements and soundtracks.
In addition to his band work, Rand is a lifelong student of sound, constantly expanding his musical palette. His deep love for Hawaiian music, evident in his work with Slack Key ‘Ohana, reflects his reverence for traditional music forms. Meanwhile, his roots in outlaw country, psychedelic rock, and classic bluegrass fuel his dynamic and engaging live performances.
Rand Anderson is more than just a musician — he’s a conduit for the spirit of music, bringing diverse genres to life with authenticity, heart, and masterful skill. Whether playing the searing lead of a 70s rock anthem, laying down the warm textures of a country ballad, or painting lush island soundscapes on pedal steel, Rand’s unique musical voice continues to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike.
