Randal Arsenault
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Randal Arsenault

Band Folk Celtic

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Discography

Dr. Zoo "Southern African Field Studies" (2008)
- Nominated 2009 ECMA World Recording of the Year

Dr. Zoo "42" (2006)
- Nominated 2006 SOCAN Songwriter of the Year (Music NL) for "I Wish"

Dr. Zoo Self-titled (2003)
- Nominated 2003 Music NL Rock Artist of the Year
- Finalist in 2003 National Songwriting Competition for "Can Only Get Better"

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Bio

Randal Arsenault is a folk singer and songwriter from Newfoundland and Labrador, now living in Alberta teaching ecology at Lethbridge College. Randal is also the lead singer of the Afro-Celtic group Dr. Zoo, which has toured extensively and been nominated for a number of industry awards.

In July 2012, Randal will be releasing his first solo folk music album. The album was recorded with Brian O’Shea in South Africa, who produced Dr. Zoo’s first CD - which included the folk single “Since you went away” and was played regularly on radio in Newfoundland and CBC. Randal will also be touring in support of the album, either solo acoustic or as a folk trio (acoustic, fiddle, bass).

“This record and tour is about getting back to my folk routes” says Randal, “Since moving to Alberta in 2009 I have been writing more and more folk songs which don’t fit with Dr. Zoo’s Afro-Celtic world music style.” “This album and tour allows me to explore storytelling and folk songs and intimate connections with the audience”. This “getting back to folk basics” is inspired by the success of a 2008 solo storytelling tour of Newfoundland Arts and Culture Centres, and shows in theatres and folk clubs in England. Ellen Turner, Manager of the Labrador City Arts and Culture Centre said, "Randal's evening of stories and music took me on a wonderful journey. I love the songs. His story of the young man's journey to Africa and back is one that should be shared with many young people as well as adults."

Since 2003 with Dr. Zoo, Randal has toured Canada, Japan, UK, US, and South Africa, and won nominations for 2009 World Recording of the Year (East Coast Music Awards), 2006 SOCAN Songwriter of the Year (Music Newfoundland), 2003 Rock Artist of the Year (Music NL), and a finalist position in the 2003 Canadian Songwriting Competition (CMW).