After a 3-year break, Wilhelm (the music project of Alex Riggen) launched the daring new track “The Creek.” Riggen founded Wilhelm as an outlet for his layered, meticulously crafted arrangements and emotive, introspective thoughts. After a lengthy hiatus, Wilhelm has returned reinvigorated and ready to share his most personal and compelling work yet.
The track is a folk-infused electronic number, with Wilhelm playing all instruments himself including vocals, guitars, mellotron and drum machine. Riggen’s guitar work is stunning, with fingerpicking patterns and string melodies that create a lush, ambient soundscape. The mellotron adds washes of color without overpowering Wilhelm’s acoustic guitar, merging folk and atmospheric electronics into a cohesive whole.
Rhythmic beat patterns propel the song forward at a meandering, dreamy pace. Subtle kicks punctuate picking-heavy verses, hinting at electronics without sacrificing warmth or texture. The rhythms feel fluid and free-flowing rather than rigid, mimicking the restless ebb and flow of the creek referenced in the title.
Wilhelm’s layered arrangements and melodic loops create depth and dimension, with instruments weaving in and out and vocals crystallizing from the haze. Overall “The Creek” evokes a sense of longing and introspection through its sound. Wilhelm’s new work is a haunting and painfully beautiful reminder of his talents, showcasing a pearl of wisdom and skill born of time and experience. Wilhelm’s new sonic palate and level of instrumental mastery on display suggest Wilhelm has entered a new phase of creativity and depth.
“The Creek” is a vivid, haunting glimpse into Wilhelm’s singular artistic vision, one that remains deeply personal yet universal in its themes of loss, hope, and the enduring power of music. Wilhelm’s upcoming releases promise to expand upon this foundation and share Riggen’s most emotionally resonant work with new and longtime fans alike. “The Creek” hints at a bounty of revelations still yet to come.
I highly recommend checking out Wilhelm’s new composition “The Creek”, now available on Spotify. Share it with your friends, so they can experience the gorgeous music as well. And of course, follow Wilhelm on social media to enjoy more of his award-winning compositions.
