Her latest album Wooden Leg which follows a seven-album discography over her 20-plus year music career was released on January 26.
Ms Van Riel said her new album has been 10 years in the making and includes psychedelic, folk, blues and jazz genres.
‘‘I feel like it’s the right time in motherhood to go there again.
‘‘I am so pumped to be back,’’ she said.
Returning to adult music Ms Van Riel said her voice has changed a lot.
‘‘My voice has developed and changed, it’s a lot warmer and more mature,’’ she said.
Ms Van Riel has recorded five of her albums including her latest locally with musician and sound engineer Danny Fairley in Lake Ha ¯wea.
‘‘We have created some really cool stuff together, that I am so proud of,’’ she said.
‘‘Performing in the children’s sector worked for me and my family and meant I could stay close to home. ‘‘Folk, jazz and blues is my passion, so I feel pumped to be releasing a new album for grown ups,’’ she said.
Ms Van Riel said supporters of her music were ‘‘super excited’’.
‘‘This new album is absolutely my favourite one. ‘‘I’m ready to set it free,’’ she said.
The title Wooden Leg gained its name from the final track on the album which Ms Van Riel wrote with a pair of American travellers during a songwriting exercise while staying on her family’s property.
‘‘I had always taken inspiration from Wooden Ships, a song by Jefferson Airplane.
‘‘Listening to that song as a teenager in Wānaka was pivotal for me.
‘‘I would think one day I’m going to have an album that feels like this, it’s a full-circle of my dream,’’ she said.
Ms Van Riel is also hosting vocal workshops designed to empower people of all singing levels to come together and enjoy music.
Ms Van Riel hopes her latest album which features 11 songs can create an ‘‘authentic listening experience’’ and takes people on a ‘‘musical journey’’.
