FRIDAY, JUNE 7th, 2024
Tickets: $15 Door: $20
Dinner & Show: 1 x Ticket + 3 Course: $95
Double Pass: 2 x Tickets + Charcuterie & Cheese sharing board $76
Limited Tickets available. Double Pass and D&S are guaranteed front seating.
Cocktail Bar: Open from 5pm.
General Admission Doors: 6:30pm. Show: 7:30pm
Dinner times Pre show: 6:15pm, 6:30pm, 6:45pm, 7pm
Genre: Guitar and fiddle playing, intriguing storytelling and evocative vocals.
About:
Songwriter and singer Miguel Rios accompanied by fiddle player Ash Jones - are known to Melbourne live audiences for their compelling, down-low acoustic sets. Rios, writes songs which are lyrically driven, the words are both simple and incisive, a dichotomy matched by a vocal style that is pure and raw. These are detailed and deeply personal stories but they also thrum with universal truths. This gifted, highly original singer-songwriter gives soulful voice to the longings and dark comedies of human striving that play out against the natural world.
Rios' earnest musings never assume the 'high road' but arrive as credible and unpretentious in delivery as Kev Carmody or Jonny Cash. - Chris Lambie, Rhythms Magazine 2021
"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.” (Kavisha Mazella)
FULL BIO
‘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 Mazella.
"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.”
(Kavisha Mazella)
With an already long and celebrated career, Miguel Rios is poised to confirm his place among this country’s favourite troubadours.
Contacts and links:
For press related queries, Stuart Coupe, Laughing Outlaw Records: coupe@laughingoutlaw.com.au
All other queries,Miguel Rios, miguelriosmusic@gmail.com 0437842017
https://www.facebook.com/miguelriosmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/miguelriosmusic/
https://open.spotify.com/album/5OvX5q7l6vGOtfDwYTW3RF?si=k_p8mOgWQ7mc1xkpkzK9SQ
Note: Most performances are a combination of seated and standing format. Seating is provided for Dinner and Charcuterie bookings and for most General Admission depending on numbers. If you require a seat we suggest you arrive when the doors open. Bar food available from 6:30pm-9pm. Pre Cocktail & drinks available from 5pm in the Salon.
PALAIS-HEPBURN , on Dja Dja Wurrung country
Nominated for Best Regional Venue (Established) in Music Victoria Awards 2022
