Meet Carlos Rico | Self-taught guitarist, vocalist, DJ & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Rico and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From a very young age, my Father & Mother introduced me to artists from many different genres. I grew up listening to funk music, old school rap, 80’s pop, punk and heavy metal. I became obsessed with bands like Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, Tool and A Tribe Called Quest.

My father would show me live versions of these bands playing and I remember becoming entranced with how the audience would be moved by their powerful songs. When I saw how many fans would crowd around one band or artist for their music, it influenced me greatly as a kid.

From there I knew that inspiring others through music was something I wanted to do. I felt a deep passion to wanting to be able to create a sound that could give life to audience, draw out emotion and create a space of positive energy.

My father noticed my intense interest in performing and decided to buy me a guitar. Immediately, I began trying to learn a lot of my favorite songs by watching live performances, copying hand positions, reading books on chords/scales and following tutorials online.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is creating experimental bass music. I produce ethereal EDM tracks utilizing my voice, guitar and an ensemble of synthetic sounds. In my live performances, I focus on room shaking drums and mind melting bass lines, integrating a mix of nostalgic sounds and new auditory sensations. I am most proud and excited to release my newer music as I integrate more of my vocals and shift gears into a personal and emotional vibe.

To get where I am today was not easy. I spent many nights scouting venues and staying after hours at raves to introduce myself to promotors. Even after getting rejected over and over, I would still release new music, ask venues to play and go to every show I could. Eventually, I had an opportunity to perform at an open deck night and got a chance to prove myself in front of an audience.

I learned that performing music and creating a positive impact on people is what I want to do in my life. I learned that following this dream and doing everything I can to make it a reality adds fulfillment to my life. I believe in my own music and talent and will keep striving to push myself to get better. Currently, I moving from Dallas, TX to Atlanta, GA to pursue new opportunities and take a chance in a new city.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My first weekend in Atlanta was honestly one of my best times ever. I am still new to the city, so I took a mini vacation recently to explore what is has to offer! I was lucky enough to have my bestfriend/manager be a tour guide for me! So far my favorite spots have definitely been in Little Five Points! I love the Vortex for fun drinks and good food and Junkman’s Daughter for awesome clothes and nic nac’s. The overall vibe of Little Five points just hits the inner hipster soul within me.

I also love Piedmont Park! It’s a great place to go for a fun picnic, a walk or to see all the hidden art installations. When the weather is beautiful, it’s a great place to hangout with your friends and enjoy nature.

I haven’t been to every venue in Atlanta, but I really love the raves here and the awesome community!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to recognize the love and support given to me by my friends and family. I want to give credit to my Mother, Father and Sister for introducing me to music and creating a supportive space that allowed me to pursue my musical aspirations. I also want to give credit to my friends, old and new, who would come to my shows, help promote my music and stood by my sound.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my manager Audrey for being an amazing friend and believing in my sound. I am really lucky to have people in my life who care about me and want to see me succeed.

Website: currlymusic.com

Instagram: @currlymusic

Twitter: @currlymusic

Facebook: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3435392846784144/

Youtube: @currlymusic

Other: Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/GPoGF TikTok: @currlymusic

Image Credits
JessXO Photography(watermarked photo) Audrey Starfield(picnic photo)