On air interview with 2REM radio station in Albury / Wodonga, discussing the "Up from the Rubble" podcast. The German / Austrian show is hosted by Elko Neviandt & he also gives his own story of a wartime Christmas. Very heartwarming.

2REM Interview_Up from the Rubble

The podcast series "Up from the Rubble", tells the story of my father's childhood in Nazi Germany, his survival during the carpet bombing of Berlin, living through the Russian invasion of the German capital & the Berlin blockade by Stalin. It then charts his immigration to Australia. I composed & recorded the emotive soundtrack using piano (which I played) & a string quartet. This piece of music is played at the conclusion of dad's life up 'till his arrival back in Australia in 1963. What my father has packed into those nearly 60 years since has been incredible, so he's definitely lived life to the fullest.

Here is a link to the podcast on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6zvMkmR99EPlEGHp80cuq1?si=0280b03e01ed46f0

Conclusion

As part of the Piano Soundboard Facebook group, we were challenged to compose a piece that changed key four times. I really enjoyed this step out of my comfort zone & rather than just create the same motif & walk through different keys, I tried a few things that challenged me personally.

Change

Each year I love recording a jazz version of classic Christmas carols. Here is my version of "Joy to the World". I love to get that small jazz combo sound. Drums, upright bass & piano. Merry Christmas to everyone!

Joy To The World (Jazz Version)

Paying homage to bands like "New Order", "Joy Division" and "Ultravox", this song explores feelings of feeling alone and not being understood by others. We often find solace in people that are in the same boat as us. Enjoy!

Alone

I love to create songs based on strong piano riffs & this one is no exception. Lot's of genres used in this pop/rock song, including funky guitar, alternative style vocals through a loud hailer & too many other influences to mention. 
You may also like the YouTube clip I made for this song. Watch it via this link:
https://youtu.be/hActFWdT1QU

When I grow up

When I Grow Up

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the first post war migrant to arrive at Bonegilla reception and training centre near Albury / Wodonga in Australia. The six part series of interviews tell the fascinating story of "New Australian" arriving from 1947 onwards, till it's closure in 1971. The six episodes are as follows. 1. War and peace. 2. Sail of the century. 3. First impressions. 4. Camp life. 5. Transition. 6. Home sweet home.

2REM Bonegilla Stories Trailer Soundcloud

To advertise the Bonegilla migrant camp 75th anniversary, Simon Reich is interviewed on ABC Goulburn Murray Radio by Sandra Moon. Simon discussed the release of 4 videos interviewing former migrants & workers at the camp.

ABC Radio Interview 16 11 22

Each year I release a Christmas tune to celebrate the Yuletide season. This year I decided to pick "Jingle Bell Rock" but change it to "Jingle bell Jazz". Enjoy your holiday break & have a really happy 2023.

Jingle Bell Jazz

Jingle Bell Rock

Many songwriters talk about Summer as the times they feel good and Winter as the time they feel down. I reverse the roles in this song and describe depression as "my life, is melting away like the snow in the sun". To get my life back on an even keel, I suggest "my life, waits for a snowfall to fill it again". It may not lyrical follow the norm, but it presented a strong picture in my mind during the writing process. Enjoy all the instruments I packed in around the lyric to convey my thoughts at the time. Enjoy!!

Snow in the Sun

Snow In The Sun Final

I started off learning piano at around 6 years old, but only realised my ear for music when I could pick out melodies I heard on the radio & from then on I started writing my own music & playing long into the night, to the point where my parents told me to stop so they could go to sleep!
In my teenage years I joined bands & learnt basically on the fly how to work as a group. Once I realised that keyboards were not as portable & able to be played on beaches / around campfires, I taught myself guitar. By adding drums, harmonica & bass to my arsenal, the stage was set for a fully working band to record in my garage. Since setting up my home studio, I love recording a tune each week & especially love collaborating with all the extremely talented musicians on soundcloud. I'm a full time musician, with many different hats in the music community. Including songwriter, composer, live musician & blog writer.

If you are interested in my electronic page, then visit https://soundcloud.com/electro-pup

Check out my blog at http://simon353.wordpress.com/

New tracks tagged #Simon Reich