Reg Reichherzer

Meet the Artist

From back seat drummin' to multi-instrumental musical storytelling

Music has been part of my life since my birth, both parents being musically inclined and teaching us how to sing, to play the recorder, to whistle, to hear harmonies, to feel the rhythm… One of my earliest memories of musicality was with my sister Franziska: we were 6 and 7 years old, and we’d grab pots and pans, their metal lids, and wooden spoons, and go play music in the basement together with these improvised drum kits! Also as kids, we invented a little percussion sequence together in a car ride, in the back seats of the family van. We were definitely on this path already, not knowing that this growing passion for music would become very central and incredibly meaningful. It took a beautiful twist as soon as I moved into the city of Montreal. I started gliding through events and parties where jams would happen… This was probably one of the most important aspects of my 20s! Then, one thing led to another, I came closer and closer to the music industry, I picked up some stage and performance experience, I serendipitously joined different groups of artists; Kumpa’nia the batucada, Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra, Les Mains Tendres, Singin’ Rendez-vous, Zeugma - a percussive dance company… and more… which led me to create my own solo show, my own music, carry my own medicine and perform as a one-woman band, sharing stories and melodies in unique performances that I call my multi-instrumental “Musical Storytelling”.

I’m a proud participant in the second album of Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra - “Velkom Bak”, as a percussionist, vocalist and composer of the vocal “turlutte” in the song “Tant qu’y a du Brandy”.

I have collaborated with the rap artist Rook, accepting the challenge to co-create a whole song from scratch in less than 3 days in his studio, it’s called “Vieille Âme” (Old soul).

I want to mention here: ALL of my Musical Storytelling shows that I’ve shared at the different summer festivals in the past few years in Quebec… I have been invited year after year, and my gratitude for these inestimable moments of togetherness is immense!

My biggest and most stupendous creations until now might be my TISS Cabaret multidisciplinary shows, 3 editions since 2016. My 2 co-creators and I have invited about 30 artists each time, to magnificently expose and express themselves through all these beautiful art forms… Circus, music, dance, comedy, poetry, fashion, storytelling, culinary art, and more, bringing together dozens of cultures on one stage, all amalgamated under one roof, to remind us one essential truth : Art is a universal language shared by all cultures since forever. We need it!

“TISS, l’art de Vivre Ensemble” !

Where music has led me...

Letting the music play through me

Creativity is an art that is now quite spiritual for me. When I let myself be “in the flow” and get out of my own way, this magical phenomenon occurs where I can let music guide me and play through me. Improvisation, jamming with friends has been my “school” of music, teaching me how to listen, to feel, and to let go of control. The sounds, beats and melodies that will come out are the closest to authenticity as it can get. Music has to be felt while it’s expressed. After phases of listening to punk, rock, alternative, grunge, “hippie” music from the 60-70s, French singers and songwriters, and then electronic music, throughout all these different styles, I’ve always had a significant attraction to “gypsy” music. I seem to be able to appreciate all types of music… what I’m looking for is authenticity and feeling in songs!

Until today, what lights me up the most might be what we call “world” music! I have a fascination for sounds of ethnic folkloric instruments from countries and times other than mine…

My message, medicine and intention

My message, medicine, intention behind the artist’s life that I chose (or that chose me), has everything to do with spreading joy, lightness, freedom… and sensations of serenity. I especially want to inspire people to get in touch with their own creativity; I want to spark this in them. My conviction is that if all humans had the freedom, time or inclination to bring in motion their creative juices at least once a day, we’d be living in a much healthier society. I think creativity and expression of self is part of our basic needs, even more so in these times, this era. Music is medicine, sound vibrates through everything and reaches even deeper than a deep tissue massage; it is as ancient as human life on the planet. It is my pleasure and honor to have music as my tool and ally, to broadcast frequencies that can bring about more well-being around me.

The Jamhouse connection

My answer, when Emma asked me if I wanted to participate in the compilation “Ensemble”, to be part of this powerful assortment of Medicine Songs from talented artists, was doubtlessly a big YES from the start! I had met Emma through a common friend, we firstly connected through one of those quite compelling and grandiose “music jams” ! I was already entirely in a state of trust when it came to recording the tracks at her studio, no questions asked.

Living Room Show Tours!

Since the end of summer 2022, I’ve been organizing my own Living Room Show TOURS! I offer my solo performances, the Musical Storytelling shows, all over the province of Quebec, in people’s homes, creating incredibly touching and precious get-togethers, with the proximity and warmth amongst people that only living rooms can bring about. These tours made me discover so many areas, towns, treasures of Quebec’s countryside, and crowds of amazing human beings, who made it possible for me to share my passion, my artistic medicine. All I know is, this was only the beginning, I am on a mission to spread it all over the world, where it wants to be heard and received! I simply LOVE sharing my solo-shows! May it be in living rooms, venues, outdoor stages, festivals, retreats… I feel at my best when I perform and share my art… or during recording sessions! I am enjoying studio time like a child enjoys being held by his mother!

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