Tag: Piano

“Sweet Dreams Young Light” Out Today! A New Solo Piano Improvisation Album

Music

At some point during quarantine I started recording 2 or 3 solo-piano improvisations before going to sleep. The goal was to challenge myself to create music that would (hypothetically) help people. Not play what my teachers taught me to play, not play something I would emphasize to students as a teacher – just focus on sounds, emotions and exploration without judgement.

Today, the first 1-hour collection of improvisations is available on all streaming services. There is also a new YouTube channel where all of these improvisations will be posted – subscribe to the new channel!

Here’s more about the process (links to the music below)…

“Sweet Dreams Young Light” is an album of piano improvisations where I wanted to create music that came from and returned to emptiness. I’ve always been fascinated by these types of magical recordings since I was a kid. When sound emerges from the vacuum, it can become its own universe – expanding and collapsing. I wanted these improvisations to have stops and starts, faster and slower tempos mixed together, no tempo to tempo, themes that dissipate before they develop… All with the intent of matching the flow or ideas that come and go from our mind as we reach for sleep, peace or quiet. I hope these pieces connect with and help you in some way.

BandCamp…

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/1gTn5L9E98iTOT4GSi4xI2

YouTube…

Thanks for listening!

Michael

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New Music – It’s Idle There Sky

Music

My new single, “It’s Idle There Sky” is out now on all streaming services. You can also download it for free (or donate what you want) via the Bandcamp link below.

Cover Art

This is a piece that was written and recorded for piano. It expands into an atmospheric/cinematic soundscape as the piece unfolds.

The music video uses an overhead shot of me recording the piece on piano. I programmed the visuals to interact with the music to create a world around the soundscape of the piece.

I hope you enjoy!

Spotify:

Bandcamp:

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“Service” – New Piano Video

Music

I wanted to share a recent recording of a piece I wrote called “Service”. Usually each day I try to write at least one new piece, song or progression. This was a personal favorite and I was going to only record the main theme. But at the last minute I decided to improvise after the theme to see if anything cool would happen. Let me know what you think!

Stream and save it on Spotify here:

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New Music Monday Letters IV

Music

The fourth installment of “Letters” is out now.

This one has two songs, one about heartbreak and time travel. The other one is about the perils of comparing ourselves too much to others.

If you can’t play the songs in your email – click here.

Here are the lyrics to “It’s Tomorrow (Everywhere but Here)”

The sun climbs the trees
along the River Ij in Amsterdam.
Where a pretty girl from Athens
Walks canal-lined streets.

An afternoon train rolls through Tokyo.
Where a jazz man from New York
unloads for an early show.

It’s getting late here
but I can’t sleep.
I drove down to the place we met,
hoping we’d meet again.

It’s tomorrow everywhere but here.

I got your message late yesterday.
Your voice is so different.
I guess I am too.
I had to listen twice
Or maybe it was five times.
I forgot how bad it hurts
to hear the words you never say.

It’s tomorrow everywhere but here.

I had lunch in the park.
I think it was last Tuesday.
A girl walked by with a smile like yours.
It stole my heart away.

It’s tomorrow everywhere but here.

Michael Stegner

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New Music Wednesday

Music

Today I’ve released two new songs… One is rock and roll (Migration to Divine) and the other is a mostly piano-based song (Find My Way). These songs feature some of Seattle’s finest. They continue the series of letters set to music.

Give a listen, purchase and share with your friends here (If you’re getting this via email and can’t listen, click here)…

Find My Way Lyrics…

I see yesterday laid before me
in a hotel room.
Somewhere my phone rings
but I can’t find another “hello.”
I hear that you will love me.

My shoes get so worn
trying to carry this heavy smile.
My voice gets so weak
trying to scream above my head.

I’m trying to find my way.
Trying to find my way back home.

Afternoon church bells ring
for a wedding that may be mine.
My words have never changed
in the rain a yellow leaf falls.
It may be time. It may be time.

A train leaves tomorrow
for another time and place.
Don’t wait for my answer
I won’t be here anyway.

I’m trying to find my way.
Trying to find my way back home.

 

Credits:

Michael Stegner – Vocals, Piano, Producer, Mixer
Flora McGill – Vocals
Katie Jacobson – Vocals
Anna Freedman – Vocals
Colin Higgins – Guitars
Andy Sells – Drums
Forrest Giberson – Bass
Mark Fung – Percussion
Robin Holcomb – Pre-production
Paul Kimble – Recording Engineer
Marcel Fernandez – Recording Engineer

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New Music – Letters I

Music, Personal

It’s always a little intimidating to sing/release songs that are raw and emotional. But it’s time for me to start sharing. Over the past few years I’ve been writing and recording a series of songs that are essentially letters set to music. They are written from one person to another and they loosely tell a story.

I’ve been so fortunate to have some of my favorite musicians contribute to this project. On this first set I have Rachel Eckroth singing the lead of the opening song, “A Believer”. Rachel is a remarkable keyboard player who also sings at the highest level (as you’ll hear on the recording).

Here is a link to the recording so you can stream, share and/or purchase. You can also check out the lyrics and credits here – https://michaelstegner.bandcamp.com/album/letters-i

All social media and email shares are greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy these!

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