We Love to Love Athena’s “Love is Love”

November 3, 2010 1 Comment

This just in 11/04/10: Love is Love is nominated by MTV for Best Video the Year 2010!! You can vote for it: http://bit.ly/aCQoaC

I cannot remember exactly where I first met Athena. I think it was a little variety show that she organized at Cafe ShaSha in the West Village of NYC, maybe some 6 to 8 years ago. Gosh, it seems like yesterday. Anyway – I find it hard not to like Athena, I think she’s one of the most original artists that I’ve heard. Always trying new things, always pushing the envelope, not needing to fit into easy, descriptive boxes. She had a song I really liked where she played electric guitar and also clucked like a chicken–sounds weird maybe, but it was amazing, fearless. The sound was nothing like her current songs, my favorite being the emotional and positive “Love is Love”.  Still fearless, still 100% Athena. We love it.

Athena was a frequently invited featured artist during the old monthly showcases of Chicks with Guitars – and also had a track on the now highly-collectible Chicks with Guitars compilation CD from 2004.  I’ve been enjoying watching her evolve, and we’ve caught up with her to get a glimpse of what her life is like in 2010. Enjoy!

Athena Reich

www.athenareich.com

How would you describe your relationship with music over the last 5 years?

I recently released my latest album Little Girl Dreams.  The process with that was writing songs, getting them critiqued, working out arrangements on piano, with the band, and working with the amazing arranger Greg Pliska (Carly Simon, Hem) on string arrangements.  The producer was Cynthia Daniels (multiple Emmy/Grammy winner) who did a fantastic job. Since the release of the CD in 2009 I’ve been touring it to Europe, the U.S. and Canada.  I just love performing live so that’s my biggest thrill.

Where do you find your writing inspiration?

Right now I am studying ragtime, boogie woogie, stride piano, and old school french music like Edith Piaf.  Inspiration is coming from those genres at the moment.  My piano teacher is Garry Dial (who taught Nelly McKay, Nora Jones, among others)

Things you are juggling:

I teach private music/acting lessons, I work for the Manhattan New Music Project as a Professional Development Facilitator (meaning I write and teach curriculum for NYC teachers on how to integrate the arts into their classrooms; specially on how to increase socialization and communication needs their Special Needs populations.  We teach the teachers who then go on to have more tools for using the arts in their classroom).

I tour, I am recording some new songs in the dance genre, I co-wrote a TV show called 16th & 8th coming out soon (www.16thand8th.com) and I have so many other pots on the stove.

I am in a wonderful relationship and am sure to make time for relaxing like watching TV, going to Central Park, and spending time with friends.

Biggest challenge about being an independent musician:

The music administrative work you have to do is suppressive.

Best thing about being an independent musician:

You don’t start out with a lot of debt from the record companies.

Gear you use:

Yamaha NP30.  It’s only $200 and 11 pounds.  Not weighted keys but it is touch sensitive and has a great grand piano sound. Perfect for gigging.

Dream gear?

I really want to invent an instrument where I can sample in really awesome sound files and play it in a way that’s visually interesting in a live show.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I have so much going on.  Best to check out my website (www.athenareich.com), my facebook (www.facebook.com/athenareichfans), send me an email so I can put you on the email list and keep in touch!

 

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