Random (group) explained

Random
Background:group_or_band
Origin:Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Genre:R&B
Years Active:–, 2009
Label:Sony/BMG
Associated Acts:Rough Diamonds, 315
Past Members:
  • Xylocaine "Xy" Latu
  • Donald Tauvao
  • Tasesa Junior "TJ" Tauvao
  • Wayne Tauvao
  • Andy-Iese "Jesse" Tolo-Paepae

Random were a five-member Australian R&B vocal group formed in 2005 by Xylocaine "Xy" Latu, Wayne Tauvao, Tasesa Junior "TJ" Tauvao, Donald Tauvao and Andy-Iese "Jesse" Tolo-Paepae. Random were the winners of the first season of The X Factor (Australia); they were also the first (of five worldwide) group to win the franchise.[1] In October that year, they issued their debut self-titled album, which peaked in the ARIA Albums Chart top 100. Their first single, "Put Your Hands Up", peaked at No. 7 on the related ARIA Singles Chart. A follow-up single, "Are You Ready", reached No. 36. The group disbanded in 2007 but briefly reunited in October 2009 for a one-off performance.

History

Random formed at the Brisbane auditions for The X Factor (Australia) in December 2004.[2] Initially Xylocaine "Xy" Latu and Andy-Iese "Jesse" Tolo-Paepae were to compete as a duo, Rough Diamonds; while Tasesa Junior "TJ" Tauvao wanted to enter as a solo artist: he was attending with his brother Wayne Tauvao and their cousin, Donald Tauvao – all three were former members of a vocal trio, 315.[2] Prior to auditioning all five agreed to compete as a combined R&B vocal quintet and named themselves, Random.[2] The group were mentored by Mark Holden and won the TV talent contest.

After X Factor

The group released their first single "Put Your Hands Up" on 10 June 2005[3] after their win. The single reached No. 7 on the Australian ARIA Chart.[4] Their second single, "Are You Ready", peaked at No. 36 in September.[4] They released their self-titled debut album on 9 October 2005,[5] but it only reached No. 79.[6]

The group performed at Australia's biggest Christian music festival, the Australian Gospel Music Festival Awards in 2006 before breaking up.

In October 2009 the group reunited for a one-off benefit concert for victims of the Samoan tsunami. Latu reflected on their split, "we all wanted to do different things and there were other personal issues that needed to be taken care of."[7] All five ex-members were either performers or record producers.[7]

Members

Discography

Studio albums

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:16em;"
Album detailsPeak chart positions
AUS
[8]
Random
  • Released: October 2005
  • Format: CD
  • Label: Sony BMG (82876709362)
79

Singles

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
YearPeak chart positionsAlbum
AUS
[9]
"Put Your Hands Up"20057Random
"Are You Ready"36

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Teen, duo, country mum battle for X Factor. The West Australian. Australian Associated Press. 24 November 2015. 15 February 2017.
  2. Random . Trove . . 2009 . 7 July 2015 .
  3. Web site: Put Your Hands up (New York Mix) by Random. iTunes. 10 June 2005.
  4. Web site: Discography Random . Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien (Steffen Hung) . Hung . Steffen . 7 July 2015 .
  5. Web site: Are You Ready by Random. iTunes. 9 October 2005.
  6. Web site: 30 July 2007 . https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20070819140100/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20070820-0001/issue908.pdf . The ARIA Report. Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) . 816 . 2, 4, 6–7, 10, 15–16, 18 . 19 August 2007 . 29 June 2015 .
  7. Web site: Where Are They now from Reality Shows Long Forgotten . https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20120523050400/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/127903/20120523-1504/www.realityravings.com/2009/12/02/where-are-they-now-from-reality-shows-long-forgotten/index.html . dead . 2012-05-23 . Reality Ravings . December 2009 . 7 July 2015 .
  8. 229.
  9. Web site: Discography Random. australian-charts.com. 9 September 2022.