User:Michaelrien7/sandbox

Michael Rien (born December 7, 1973) Montreal is a Canadian musician with a career both in performing, and composing.

Started playing piano at age six and drum set at age ten. With a strong passion for music he continued his studies receiving a DEC in Music at Vanier College (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) in 1994 and a Bachelor's Degree of Music at Concordia University (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) in 1999.

Credits:

Scored his third independant feature film entitled "Schemer" by Eddy Kara, receiving the E.K.P. Wreath Award 2011 for Best Music.

Scored two indie feature films by award winning filmmaker Jean Alix Holmand "L'Obsession"  won 1st prize at "The 2008 Montreal International Haitan Film Festival" http://www.montrealblackfilm.com/backup/pdf/com_22sept08_en.pdf and "San Pran Souf" in 2009.

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

Founder of the rock band "Ninth9State". Michael drums, composes and arranges for the group. www.ninth9state.com (2010)

Was the music conductor and drummer for the "Cummings Band" at the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors - CJCS.

Played keyboards in the 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)

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. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he0q99DHjdw

Had the privilege to perform at one of the largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in Montreal, Quebec both in 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, Stephen Glass.

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" 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 "Reel Juice Flavour" which ran for seven nights at Hurley's Irish Pub. (Montreal, Quebec)

Music Director for Concodia University Television (CUTV).

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

Website: www.michaelrien.com