User:Michaelrien

Michael Rien (born 7 December 1973, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada) is a professional multi-instrumentalist musician (specialization piano and drum-set) and is a composer currently residing in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Michael comes from a long line of musicians and started playing the piano at age six. It's no wonder that later on in high school he was attracted to many instruments such as piano, guitar, percussion and drums. He decided to focus on drums and became the drummer for his high school bands. He practiced in the auditorium, every lunch hour, and every other chance he got. His love of drums, prompted him the get private lessons from popular drummer Jeff Lang.

After high school, Michael attended Vanier College, furthering his studies in music. He had the opportunity to study with Robert Slapcoff, one of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra's percussionists. Michael also learned to play mallet instruments such as marimba, vibraphone and timpani, and other percussion instruments like the Latin clave and African shakers, performing in weekly percussion ensembles. In his final years at college, Michael had the privilege to learn jazz piano with the late Art Roberts who was also known for his vibraphone playing.

Michael decided to further his education at Concordia University, where he caught the composing bug, in his first year. As a child, he had a knack for recreating movie and television soundtrack melodies, and decided to hook up with students from the television and film departments where he finally got a chance to realize his childhood dreams of composing for the screen. Since then he has scored a multitude of shorts and two feature films, one of which, entitled "L'Obsession", won first prize at the "2008 Montreal International Haitian Film Festival".

Michael completed his studies receiving a Bachelor's in Music with a specialization in drums, studying with Nasyr Abdul Al-Kabir, Wali Mohammed, and also completing second level music composition with Professor Alan Crossman. After graduating, he landed a gig where he was legendary Skip Bay's drummer for a while. Michael is an accomplished pianist and drummer, and continues to perform and compose. He owns a recording studio and record company under the name "Primal Urge", and has also found a love for teaching.

C R E D I T S

Currently found the rock band called "9th State" where Michael Rien is the drummer and one of the songwriters for the group. www.9thstateband.com (2010)

Playing keyboards in a disco band, on the set of Barney's Version starring Dustin Hoffman and Paul Giammatti. The movie is based on a 1997 novel by Mordecai Richler. (2009)

Scored two feature films by award winning filmmaker Jean Alix Holmand "L'Obsession" won 1st prize at "The 2008 Montreal International Haitan Film Festival" and "San Pran Souf" in 2009.

Scored numerous short films, including "The Power of Yoga" starring Ravi Shankar.

Performed original music for a fundraiser for the alleged victims of Earl Jones at the Dollar Cinema at Decarie Square (Montreal, Quebec).

Michael's piano instrumental piece "Drifting" was later featured on Last Call with Sol Boxenbaum on CJAD radio. (2009)

Keyboardist for reggae artist Empress Deeqa, performing at Festival International Nuits d'Afrique (Montreal, Quebec), in the summer of 2009.

Had the privilege to perform at one of the biggest St. Patrick's Day Parade. (in Montreal, Quebec 2008 and 2009)

Drummer position on board "The Ryndam" Cruise Ship, Holland America Line. (2008)

Pianist for veteran entertainer Geraldine Doucet..

Held the tenor voice and drummer position in the Shaar Hashomayim choir for seven years, under the direction of British Conductor Michael's recording studio, Primal Urge Recordings (formally known as "Second Floor Recordings"), has produced two albums to date, opera singer Sharon Azrieli, Julliard graduate, and Greek vocalist, Christina Fantis Michael also worked with Cantor Boaz Davidoff on his children's music project.

Performed at the YM-YWHA Israeli Street Festival with his group "The Hora Boys" in the summer of 2007 and 2008.

Performed with his jazz band "Missing Time" at the world renowned Montreal International Jazz Festival on the Lauri and Olga Show on CJAD radio.

After composing, arranging, and recording "Stand Up For Canda", co-written with lyricist Don Albin, Michael was asked to perform it on Canada Day at Place Du Canada (Montreal, Quebec) in 2002 & 2003. The Honourable Prime Minister, Paul Martin wrote a letter congratulating Rien & Albin for having produced such a moving song.

Drummer for the Yiddish Theatre's production of On Second Avenue at the Saidye Bronfman Centre. (Montreal, Toronto and Florida shows)

Music Director for Camp B'nai Brith (Montreal, Quebec) summer of 2000.

Muisc Director for a Concordia University theatre production called l "Reel Juice Flavour" which ran for seven nights at Hurley's Irish Pub. (Montreal, Quebec)

Music Director for Concodia TV, CUTV.

Michael has worked with numerous other artists, including, Jeff Nystrom (Producer for April Wine), Fran Avni, and good friend, Kali from Kali & Dub.

Visit: www.michaelrien.com