In 1977 after graduating from college, Randy and his two younger brothers (Ken & Hal ) formed the band “Ludacer”. Debuting at CBGB’s with drummer Harry Verderci (of the “Sic F**s”), who was later replaced by college classmate and painter, Bill Komoski. “Ludacer” offered original songs such as Quality Control, Fair Trade and Class of 77.
In a shared loft on South Street, Randy and roommate, John King each had musical aspirations. In a badly soundproofed DIY rehearsal area, “Ludacer” and John’s newly formed band, “The Coachmen” began rehearsing. (The Coachmen included young Thurston Moore who later formed “Sonic Youth.”) Over the next few years they played primarily at CBGB's, Max's Kansas City, and Tier 3. “Ludacer” made some demos, but never put out a record. Gradually Randy's brothers needed to move on with their lives, college, etc.
After “Ludacer” disbanded Ken, Bill and Rendy reformed as “The Green Scene” with George Sempepos on guitar. “The Green Scene” appeared in various incarnations, and eventually evolved into a post-punk, bossa-nova sort of shtick. Contributing talent in those years included George Sempepos, Ken Ludacer, David Hanson, Peter Moser, John Scherman, Barbara Merjan, Paolo Rangel, & Brazilian singer, Kenia. A three song EP was released during this period. Songs included: Hot Water, Green Scenery and Betting on Gravity.
The Green Scene disbanded around 1984 and remaining members formed “Cargo Cult” (Randy, George Sempepos, Hearn Gadbois, Steve Cohen (later replaced by Gary Kelly), Michael Lauren, and Paula Jeanine.)
[Note: NY “Cargo Cult” not to be confused with the Austin, Texas band of the same name. Both bands wrangled a bit over who owned the name. NY “Cargo Cult” won the trademark, but Texas-“Cargo Cult” is probably better known. Their front man was also named Randy (Turner), adding further fuel to the potential for confusion.]
Cargo Cult continued to build on The Green Scene’s bossa nova thing, adding more urgent percussion and denser, latin-influenced arrangements. Playing primarily at the east village club, “8BC” Cargo Cult developed a stage routine that involved giving away handmade musical souvenirs (cargo) to the audience during every performance. These included such primitive artifacts as bowls made out of melted records, maracas made out of promotional calendar paperweights, etc. Cargo Cult was signed by Public Records and released one album of 10 songs, produced by Chris Butler (of “The Waitresses”) entitled: Concrete Island. Line up at the time of the album was: me, George Sempepos, Hearn Gadbois, Gary Kelly, and Michael Lauren. This album can occasionally be sighted on Ebay. A single was recorded after Paula Jeanine joined, but sadly this was never to be released.
In 1986 Randy and his family moved away from NYC (due to housing difficulties in the Bronx) and “Cargo Cult” was no more. He wrote a few lyrics for George Sempepos’s up and coming Greek/American band “AnnaBouboula” (see Smoking in Bed on their album entitled, Burn Down The Coffee House)—but this was pretty much the end of his musical endeavors for a while and the start of a 13 year non-musical period. No guitar, no singing, no listening to radio, stereo system not-in-working order, etc.
Concentrating instead on graphic design, he and his wife founded Beach Packaging Design in 1990. 13 years later (without warning) he began writing songs and performing again.
In 2008 he was awarded a COAHSI grant to “write and record a series of new songs about packaging, culminating in a solo performance atop the North capped garbage mound at Fresh Kills.”
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