Multi-instrumentalist Carlos Riegel brings forth an eclectic style of music that conjures elements of music and instruments from around the world. His South American roots blend with his passion for rhythm and the exploration of world music instruments, Carlos is drawn to use music to help facilitate an experience for transformation to take place.
A unique feature in Carlos’ music is that he designs and makes his own drums and percussion instruments from raw materials. These unique instruments play a key role in Carlos’ musical expression. Inspired by his love for art, woodwork, and the natural world, Carlos’ musical creations are influenced by the geometric patterns found in nature. The artwork carved in his drums is a visual representation of geometric forms, merging visual and sonic arts into one.
With over a decade of touring and performing regularly at festivals in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, Carlos’ journey has led to musical collaborations with renowned international bands and artists such as Rising Appalachia (USA), My Baby (Netherlands), Wild Marmalade (AU), Elijah Ray (USA), Grammy nominee Russel Walder (USA/NZ), as well as some of Aotearoa’s finest musicians.
Carlos is also a registered music therapist, his clinical work is centered on supporting teenagers and adults in acute mental health settings. Carlos is passionate about exploring creative ways of using music as a modality to support people’s well-being in the community.