The questionnaire
Mainard Larkin
Mainard Larkin (better known under the alias Randa) is an electro hip-hop musician, wacky lyricist, pop-culture vulture, and piefee enthusiast. The artist, who has already picked up a VNZMA win and nomination in her three EP-career to date, has just clocked 100K Spotify streams of latest tune Fashion and will be imparting her wisdom with a free Making Music workshop session as part of the Auckland Pride Festival, running February 2-18. Interviewed by
Mike Alexander. What are you plugging right now?
The PieFee, an amazing pie-shaped chocolate coated cookie containing delicious flat whites and cappuccinos from Tasteful Bakehouse on Karangahape Rd.
Oh, and I put out this track on Spotify, it’s called Fashion. I’ve been granted some funding from NZ On Air to make a video, that will be coming out early this year!
Also my Instagram, instagram.com/ larzranda/ – no shame, never ever.
What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
I don’t believe in perfect happiness but enjoy cooking and sharing food with the buds I love, healthy relationships, finding mental stability, good and bad coffee, beach swims, drawing, and watching Masters Of The Universe cartoons.
What is the most adventurous thing you have done that has taken you out of your comfort zone at the time?
Any type of festival or crowded event.
Which living person do you most admire?
I think Britney Spears is REALLY wonderful.
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
My parents will read this and be upset so I’m not going to disclose.
What is your most prized material possession?
A 1982 McDonalds Uniform vest.
What gets your back up?
People who take their dogs to yoga and then say ‘‘Oh my dog Nikos does yoga, he just loves it.’’ These people exist and I’ve met them.
If you could time travel, where would you go and why?
I’d travel to the year 2318.
What job would you do other than your own and why?
I would like to design a miniature golf course. I think Auckland needs one of these, one that is visually on par with those featured in cartoons.
What life lesson would you pass on to your children?
Better safe than dead, but also stunts are good.
If you were given three wishes that you could fulfil by a magic genie, what would they be?
It would be cool if vegetables and healthy foods were more affordable and therefore more accessible. I’d also quite fancy a microwave that is able to play movies, and I’d love it if someone could employ me to design that golf course.
❚ Register for the Making Music With Randa at GridAKL Tech Cafe´ (101 Pakenham St West), February 4, with Breaking Boundaries.
I would like to design a miniature golf course. I think Auckland needs one of these, one that is visually on par with those featured in cartoons.