We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Rainwater. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.

Michael, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Many people who wish to take up the piano tend to find an instructor to take lessons with. I personally started taking lessons at the age of 3 with a private piano instructor, David Nash, who specializes in classical piano music and education. I learned classical piano first, participating in classical music competitions, judgings, and recitals. While classical music is fundamental to my style today, I decided to branch away from the practice, into piano arrangement about 6 years ago. This allowed me to became more passionate about my piano study, inevitably increasing my practice and dedication. While I think it is very important to have a strong foundation of fundamentals (whether be classical, jazz, etc.), passion and zest for your craft will ultimately allow you to pursue your musical endeavors. In retrospect, I would recommend to any new pianists to study the classical path first, and give yourself some time to get know the instrument. It is very difficult to imagine being proficient in something you are first taking up, but once the pieces start to fall in place you may have a new perspective.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My parents initially registered me for piano lessons after showing a strong inclination towards music and rhythm in preschool. The teachers noticed that I would attune myself to rhythms of the songs being played in the class and I’ve been playing the piano ever since. While my training was focused in classical music, I began to apply the same ideas to popular music- creating arrangements of pop/rock songs unique to those found already. This was a way to unite my knowledge of classical music with my passion for modern music. Together, that forms the basis of my musical philosophy- using arrangement to bring out a “side” of the piano people aren’t familiar with.

My professional work began in 2016, when I was “discovered” playing the piano at the store. I was performing one of my early arrangements on a Steinway grand placed in the (now unfortunately defunct) Fry’s Electronics. It was then that a local music manager walked by and spotted my playing. He was able to secure an audition for a talent showcase called Tower of Talent, featuring Atlanta’s top talent. It was that moment that gave legitimacy to what I was doing, and allowed me to begin my professional pursuits. I was accepted into the showcase, and continued performing with them for many years afterwards. In that time I continued working on my arrangements and classical music. I entered, and won first place, in an international piano competition, where I performed solo Chopin in Carnegie Hall, in what I consider one of my most valuable moments as an artist. Today, I am focused on my arrangements more than ever, concentrating on ways I can present the piano in an unconventional light. I am also a working producer, having learned the skill over the coronavirus pandemic.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission statement reads “timeless > trend” which is the best representation of what I do. I aim to present a classic instrument, like the piano, in a new light, all the while revitalizing the music of yesterday as well as the hits of today. My biggest musical influences come from the pop/rock and easy listening artists that topped the charts in the 60’s and 70’s: music characterized by a changing world, written with sweeping melodies set to grand orchestras. My mission is to use my piano/arrangement as a medium of accomplishing this.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I have been staying current on the latest news and updates surrounding NFT’s and am intrigued by the possibilities that they hold. I think that the creator environment is constantly evolving: the tools are improving and platforms are changing. I look forward to using NFT’s and the metaverse as a means of enhancing my real world performance, creating digital experiences that can compel my audience. It is important to adapt to this changing landscape and to use these tools to enhance the creative process, in the entertainment industry and otherwise.

Contact Info:

• Website: michaelrainwatermusic.com
• Instagram: @itsmichaelrainwater
• Twitter: @mrainwatermusic
• Youtube: youtube.com/MichaelRainwater
• Tiktok: @michaelrainwater

Image Credits
Dora Vorosmarty, Madison King, Atlanta Workshop Players