Debbie Neigher has never let the piano get away with being just a piano; her provocative songwriting and years of classical training command the force of a full band on the keys. Her nuanced, jazz-infused vocals are testaments to a life lived beyond her 24 years, narrating topics ranging from moving across the country to sexual assault to wondering what happened to her childhood best friend. Neigher’s recently completed debut LP combines these honest stories with intricate piano playing and the colors of the Magik*Magik Orchestra (Death Cab for Cutie, Third Eye Blind), creating kaleidoscopic vignettes of her personal growth over 10 stunning tracks. Without an apartment or job waiting for her, the then-twenty-two year old Neigher fearlessly uprooted herself from her native state of New Jersey and flew across the country to San Francisco to pursue her music fully. By night, Neigher began to gig as a solo artist at renowned venues like Yoshi’s San Francisco Jazz Club. By day, she works at a non-profit organization located in one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. She teaches piano, singing, and creative writing to homeless youth, empowering them to express themselves creatively and leave street life. “It’s one less hour they're on the streets,” Neigher says with fervor. In what she calls “the luckiest freak accident,” John Vanderslice, (Spoon and The Mountain Goats) pop-folk artist and owner of Tiny Telephone Recording Studio, came out of retirement from producing records to work with her. After meeting Debbie, giving her a tour of Tiny Telephone, and booking recording dates, John was asked if he could recommend a producer. Two days later, Vanderslice reached out to say that although he hadn't produced records for years, he would love to be involved on the Neigher project. Vanderslice's production was essential to the record. He encouraged Neigher to record the album on analog tape and assembled a "Dream Team" of helping hands, including Minna Choi (Arranger/Conductor of the Magik*Magik Orchestra) and engineer Ian Pellicci (Rogue Wave, Deerhoof). He also helped narrow down the final songs for the record, gave advice on vocal deliveries and harmonies, and provided the enthusiasm and keen musical instinct that he has always been known for.