Two years in the making, pianist Michael Rinaldi-Eichenberg's debut album has finally become a Mission Accomplished.
Coincidentally, this is also its title.
It takes me a really long time to write a song
sometimes up to six months Rinaldi-Eichenberg said. I think musically I try to not just do really basic music I'm always trying to push myself to write something complicated on the piano. Coming up with subjects to write about is also challenging for this Ohio University grad student and former member of The Jarts, who will be having his CD release show tonight at Donkey Coffee.
Some (songs) have a political bend to them about the previous presidential administration; a lot of them are about relationships
and some songs are ones that I think are kind of silly
like I have a song making fun of pop country
Rinaldi-Eichenberg said. I really struggle with writing a serious song over a cheesy song because you are exposing yourself more with (serious ones). But some songs are cheesy and still work
like Ben Folds has.
First hearing Ben Folds in 2003, Rinaldi-Eichenberg said the pianist and singer has become the first modern artist to be an influence on his music; he previously only listened to the ragtime style piano of Scott Joplin for inspiration.
When I first heard Ben Folds' kind of beat on the piano
I thought it was really cool; I was totally grabbed by that whole listening experience
Rinaldi-Eichenberg said. I like that he doesn't take himself too seriously. It's fun to come across music like that.
Once he did complete the song writing process, Rinaldi-Eichenberg went into 3 Elliott Studio to record with fellow Jart Chris Pyle.
After tonight's CD release, Rinaldi-Eichenberg plans to play a showcase with Bruce Dalzell before the quarter's end and is potentially setting up more shows in the spring.
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