Miguel Rios live at The Coolrooom

Miguel Rios

With an already long and celebrated career, Miguel Rios is poised to confirm his place among this country’s favorite troubadours.    

‘Captivating’ is a frequent description of singer-songwriter Miguel Rios. His performances generate a stillness among listeners. Crafting of story, voice and intricate guitar creates a beguiling space, with the roots of Americana raised in the dirt downunder.   

The seeds of Miguel’s work were sown early, in an organic setting. Growing up in a Far North Queensland alternative community, inspiration surrounded him – indoors and out. He had access to a home recording studio and vast library. Among 25 kids running free on the hinterland property, the soundtrack of the adults’ record collections subliminally informed his future compositions. His debut solo album Slaughterhouse Road examined the benefits and challenges of those formative years.  

His new release Running Blue was originally recorded in 2014 with renowned producer Craig Pilkington. From edgy alt-folk narratives to upbeat bluesy outings, it captures a unique soundscape. 

Longtime collaborator, virtuoso fiddle player Ash Jones again joined Miguel in the studio. Some of the country’s finest musicians added more magic: Dave Foley on drums(David Bridie/Archie Roach), Steve Hadley on bass (Black Sorrows/Paul Kelly), Barb Waters harmonies, Bruce Haynes on piano and ‘Pilko’. Now, newly mixed and brilliantly re-imagined by Hugo Race (The Wreckery, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds)  the 11-song collection has the feel of a natural progression for Miguel. His vision has come full circle.  

Sublime guitar work underscores clear, rich vocals that bring Leonard Cohen to mind. Also a filmmaker, Miguel colours his songs with resonant imagery. Stories are cloaked in evocative references to nature, humanity, and the mysteries of life. Gritty, intriguing, worldly and ethereal. Since moving to bushland outside Melbourne, the effect of inherited memory may be at play in this creative evolution. He has begun to feel a strong cultural connection with his Native American and Mexican heritage. The backdrop of tall eucalypts, dappled light and feathered warblers provides a nest that nurtures both his young family and his art.

Miguel’s festival appearances have drawn audiences that build to capacity, from Nimbin Roots to Bendigo Blues. Fellow artists to sing his praises include Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson, Neil Murray and recent collaborator Kavisha Mazzella.

"After seeing him sing…and listening to ‘Slaughterhouse Road’, Miguel is the most compelling and interesting singer-songwriter I have seen in a long time. His songs take you to another world, the sign of a good songwriter”(Kavisha Mazzella)

A World Music Program event of The Coolroom

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