Interview with pianist and composer Michael Neal: 2020 has been a chore overall so that has likely effected my writing

08.12.2020

Our virtual meeting with the American artist Michael Neal, composer and performer of "Coalescence"!

What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

I think overall, just gaining traction in a genre that isn't as mainstream as others. Trying to find a unique sound with one instrument took some time, but overall it has been a relatively smooth ride that I really enjoy.

Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?

I'm very proud of both Lapse and Coalescence. I think they compliment each other well, and I'm also very proud of my upcoming ep. I try to not release anything that I'm not proud of, so I guess I would say everything haha...

I always write with myself in mind first. If I don't like something, I will scrap it. That being said, I do like to tinker inside those lines to write things that I believe will influence people.

When you compose and produce tracks, do you make music for yourself or do you make it with others in mind?

I always write with myself in mind first. If I don't like something, I will scrap it. That being said, I do like to tinker inside those lines to write things that I believe will influence people.

What characterizes this period of music for you?

Right now I think I've been writing more mellow, sad pieces. 2020 has been a chore overall so that has likely effected my writing.

Do you want to tell us how the "Coalescence" project was born?

Yes, so Coalescence was a concept album intended to see what I created in different headspaces. I also wrote pieces based on people and places from the past year or so, and those elements influenced the finished product of the album.

Travel would be the primary influence. Along those lines, people I've met and relationships I've formed have also had a large impact on my music.

Which non-musical influences have affected your music most?

Travel would be the primary influence. Along those lines, people I've met and relationships I've formed have also had a large impact on my music.

What is your musical philosophy?

My philosophies vary from project to project, but for my piano work, I just want to enjoy the process, have fun, and be proud of what I release. I enjoy what I do, and I want others to as well.

If someone has never heard your music, which keywords would you personally use to describe your overall sound and style?

That's a good question. I would say my music sounds fictional, like a fantasy video game or movie. I would just encourage people to give it a listen and decide for themselves!

Could you kindly anticipate us something about your upcoming projects?

Yes! I am going to be releasing an ep of songs that I've written during covid/quarantine. They have a very melodic and minor feel, and I think they're very nice to relax to.

BONUS QUESTION: Three favorite tracks of all time?

That's a tricky question! Of my own work, I would say Teckniq (Lapse), Pipito (Coalescence), and Watercolours (Coalescence)

Michael Neal was born in Findlay, Ohio, United States of America. Taking piano lessons from a young age, his art truly began to grow when he stopped and instead focused his creative power into original composition work. He loves emotional pieces, and uses the piano as a tool to unlock the mind. Michael began scoring for projects ranging from acoustic pieces to metalcore before focusing on composition work for video games, film, and standalone releases.

Listen to "Coalescence" here:

Digital platforms ► https://album.link/s/5BzCpNkwdIzPoyKOEigNnW
Blue Spiral Records ► https://en.bluespiralrecords.com/coalescence