Goran Rista was born in Serbia in 1979 and moved to New Zealand in 1996.
He showed interest and talent for drums at a very early age, but due to economical difficulties actually started playing at the age of 15. His desire and passion for drums, commitment and hard work got him to quickly advance on his chosen instrument.
Most recently Goran released his debut album “Rista World” that showcases his writing, arranging, programing, producing, engineering, mixing and mastering abilities, as well as his playing on both drums and percussion. Influenced by various cultures and musical styles, this album defies genre categorization.
Currently, Goran is involved with a Rumba/Flamenca show "Ole-Ole" based out of Miami. He is performing on both drums and percussion.
Upon landing in Miami, Goran was playing drums for 5-time Grammy Award winning composer/producer Estefano, who's hits can be heard by who's who of the Latin music scene (JLo, Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Chayene, Paulina Rubio, Gloria Estefan and many more).
You can also hear Goran on tracks by Lanzallamas Monofonica, which he also produced and was a member of.
His sight-reading ability and versatility made Goran a choice for RCCL and Carnival, where he played in over 16 production shows in Broadway and Vegas style including selections from hit musicals such as: Les Miserables, Cats, The Chorus Line, Chicago, The Producers, Mama Mia and many many more. He has also backed a large number of performers such as: Ben Vereen, The Drifters, The Coasters, The Diamonds, Susan Anton, Renato Pagliari and many others.
On land he has performed with Carli Munoz (from the Beach Boys), Eddie Gomez, Neil Finn (Crowded House), Bruce Paulsen, Jon Papenbrook, Supremes, British comedian Michael Barrymore, Suenalo and a number of notable NZ jazz performers.
A graduate of Massey University Wellington, NZ with a Bachelor Degree in Jazz Performance, he was awarded 2 scholarships: Ken Avery Scholarship and Rotary Club Scholarship.
He took part in NZ Youth Jazz Orchestra for 2 consecutive years (1999&2000).
Even earlier on, while at high school, he was awarded Best Young Jazz Artist runner up and also took part in winning the Auckland regional finals at Rockquest in '96/'97 with bands Rosie and Leprechaun.
His appearances included NZ TV1, TV3 and in Puerto Rico on Wapa TV, Telemundo, Uni Vision with "Ole-Ole", as well as numerous radio and newspaper appearances.
Goran is accustomed to regularly playing for audiences of hundreds or thousands in styles ranging from pop, Flamenco, Jazz, Big Band, show, rock, Latin to anything else in between that he might be called upon.
Regardless of what musical situation he is put in, he flows comfortably.
His 2 drumsticks had become his passport to the world and enabled Goran to travel to a large number of destinations of Central America, North America, Caribbean, Northern and Southern Europe, Australia and all over New Zealand.