Raleigh Heckel

Raleigh Heckel is an American guitarist and producer from Richmond, Virginia, who draws from many different styles and influences. His instrumental music spans from electric to acoustic, calm melodies to loud solo crescendos, hip hop beats to rock drums, ambient synth textures to crunchy power chords, sometimes all within the same song.

Raleigh has released 2 EPs (Waiting, Reflection) and several singles since beginning his instrumental solo work in 2020 (he was formerly the lead guitarist in The Pick Me Ups during the mid/late 2010’s). His latest single, June in January, in honor of his daughter, is a song of two halves: first bringing moody and pensive guitar as a nod to waiting for her to arrive, followed by a build up giving way to the latter half representing her happy and playful nature, with a cheerful beat and a soaring octave lead.

Raleigh’s biggest influences include alternative and indie rock, classic rock, blues, funk, pop rock, guitar virtuosos, ambient & lofi, pop, metalcore, and post-hardcore. Harnessing his favorite elements from these different genres, Raleigh aims to create guitar-forward, atmospheric instrumental songs that can help you relax, reflect, focus, or just enjoy some cool music.