Carlos Niño, a prominent figure in Los Angeles' eclectic music scene, is set to release his latest album, "Placenta," on May 24, 2023. At 47, Niño is celebrated as a versatile musician, adept at percussion, DJing, producing, and more. Over nearly three decades, he has significantly influenced the spiritual and improvisational music scene in L.A., contributing to numerous projects, including seven releases over the past eight months.
Niño's unique musical style, characterized as "spiritual, improvisational, space collage music," often includes unconventional percussion instruments like bells, shells, and rain sticks. His career has included collaborations with various artists, such as André 3000, for whom he produced the album "New Blue Sun" in 2023, a project that features a significant use of flutes.
In addition to his music career, Niño has been an instrumental force within L.A.'s transformative jazz scene and a mentor to emerging artists, fostering a sense of community among musicians. His upcoming album, "Placenta," is inspired by themes of parenthood and is a tribute to his partner, Annelise, and their newborn son, Moss, as well as the doulas and midwives involved in childbirth.
Through projects such as Carlos Niño & Friends, Niño continues to explore and express his deep connection to music as both a personal journey and a communal experience.