Syd Eichinger

What do you teach at Loudlands?

Guitar, piano, bass, ensembles

When did you start playing music?

I started playing piano at age 9

What's your favorite aspect of music or your instrument?

My favorite aspect is guitar-centric techniques such as bends that make the instrument sing.

Who are some of your favorite bands/musicians and why?

Julian Lage, Adrienne Lenker, Antonio Carlos Jobim. I love musicians that create landscapes with their chords.

What are some of your current and/or past music projects?

My original band is called Fae Feral. I am also a part of the Flux Band, and most recently The Boston Classical Guitar Orchestra. In the past I was in JVK, a metal band.

How would you describe your music and playing style?

I like to blend elements of punk music and jazz music. I take a lot of inspiration from my roots of blues and rock as well.

Can you please describe your gear of choice?

My main guitar is a semi-hollow body Telecaster, that has an acoustic pickup and a single-coil pickup. The 1967 Fender Twin Reverb is my favorite amp. For keys, I gravitate towards a Yamaha Reface CS Synthesizer.

Any general advice you'd like to give to beginner musicians or someone looking to get started?

Pick the music that you love and listen to often to start to learn. Don't judge it before talking with your teacher. Many students think the music they know and love is too far out of their grasp when in reality, they can learn aspects of it right away. This helps keep excitement!

Aside from playing/making music, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?

I love to rollerskate at the skatepark, paint, write poetry, garden, and make jewelry.

If you were battling a physically identical but evil android version of yourself on top of a skyscraper during a thunderstorm and someone miraculously intervened, how would they know which one was the real you?

I'm the funnier one.