Random Encounter (band)
| Company type | Independent band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Orlando, Florida , United States |
| Products | Video game music covers and original compositions |
| Website | randomencounter |
Random Encounter is an independent American band from Orlando, Florida that specializes in covers and original pieces inspired by video game music, distinguished by its use of the accordion as the primary instrument. Renowned for their energetic live shows, they focus on arrangements drawn from video games, as well as popular television series and film soundtracks.
History
Established in 2005 by two friends bonded through a shared passion for video game soundtracks, Random Encounter experienced several personnel shifts before reaching a stable configuration in September 2010. Initially performing covers, the group later incorporated original works influenced by gaming culture, with inspirations including Metroid, Dead Space, and The Legend of Zelda. Their concerts frequently showcase medleys organized around specific game franchises, delivered with a rock-centric sound and an engaging stage presence, often featuring guest performers.
From 2009 to 2012, the band promoted a fabricated narrative involving occult-hunting themes, which they eventually discontinued to prevent confusion among their audience.
Random Encounter cultivated a loyal fan base within Florida’s nerd-music community and along the eastern United States, taking part in Player Vs Performer—the first-ever tour dedicated to video game-themed bands. They have appeared at prominent events such as Nerdapalooza, MAGFest, Gencon, Otakon, SXSW, and Hard Rock Live in Orlando. The ensemble regularly tours throughout the Southeastern U.S. Their achievements include awards like Best Rock Act (Central Florida, 2013), Best Indie Act (2012), and Best Folk Act (2011). Their distinctive sound has been commended by Badassoftheweek.com for its nostalgic qualities.
In the winter of 2014, Random Encounter embarked on a 10-day European tour alongside Video Games Live, performing in countries including the UK, France, Finland, Sweden, and Spain. That same year, they composed the soundtrack for the video game Super Galaxy Squadron. In 2016, the band declared an indefinite hiatus; by 2017 they confirmed no intentions of resuming performances or producing new albums following Lost Frequency.
Throughout their career, Random Encounter has shared stages with artists such as They Might Be Giants, Nobuo Uematsu’s Earthbound Papas, Less than Jake, Andrew WK, Voltaire (musician), Steam Powered Giraffe, and Vivid. They have also participated in Video Games Live concerts and have been featured as both speakers and performers at TEDxSarasota.
Most recent lineup
Members of Random Encounter adopt nicknames derived from their gamer tags:
- Rook – bass guitar, vocals
- Konami – guitar, vocals
- Moose – drums
- Kit – guitar
- Jackson – accordion, tuba, keyboard
Former members
- Careless – accordion, vocals, Glockenspiel
- Helios – keyboard
- AdamOne – drums
- Luck – guitar
- Vanek – euphonium
- Gigsley – guitar
- Niko – guitar
- Destiny – guitar
- Hiro – trumpet
- DemonLord – guitar
- Rasputan – guitar
- Ven – bass guitar
- Legolas – drum machine
Random Encounter has also performed live alongside:
- brentalfloss – vocals
- Juja – guitar
- Under Polaris – bass guitar
- Select Start (full band)
- Lauren "The Flute" Liebowitz – flute
- The Descendants of Erdrick (full band, 2012)
- Dr. Wily of The NESkimos – vocals
- Steffeny "Steffo" Messinger – vocals
- MC Wreckshin – vocals
- Video Games Live (Orchestra)
- Tommy Tallarico – guitar
- Craig Turley Orchestra (Orchestra)
- Santaluces Choir (Choir)
- Stetson Orchestra (Orchestra)
- Gerard Marino – guitar
- The Sexy Sax Man – saxophone
- Richard DeGrey – drums
- Professor Shyguy – drums
- Stemage of Metroid Metal – guitar
- Hungarian Virtuosi Orchestra (Orchestra)
- Riva Taylor – vocals
- Vantaan Viihdeorkesteri Orchestra (Orchestra)
- Stockholm Concert Orchestra (Orchestra)
- Orquesta Nacional de España (Orchestra)
Discography
- Neo Symbiance (EP) – Released by ShinRa Electric Records (2006)
- Random Encounter (Demo LP) – Issued through ShinRa Electric Records (2010)
- Unavenged – Distributed by ShinRa Electric Records (2011)
- 72 Hours in The Ocean with your Mother (Single) – Published by ShinRa Electric Records (2012)
- Dead Labs (Single) – Launched via ShinRa Electric Records (2013)
- Let Me Tell You a Story – Released under ShinRa Electric Records (2013)
- The Big Blue LP – Available from ShinRa Electric Records (2014)
- Super Galaxy Squadron Original Soundtrack – Presented by ShinRa Electric Records (2015)
- Lost Frequency – Brought out by ShinRa Electric Records (2017)