Damiano
Damian Castroviejo, known as “Funky Damiano” with Argentinean and Italian roots, is an electrifying singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based in Miami.
His musical journey began at the age of 8 when he started playing the “bombo legüero” drum. A few years later, after his brother brought home a used drum set, he quickly started to learn the instrument by himself. It felt so natural for him, that at the age of 14, he was already playing with local rock bands in pubs in Buenos Aires. While playing drums, he was also doing background vocals, and he soon realized he could become a real singer. As a self-tough musician, and always curious about everything, he then learned to play guitar, bass, piano, and harmonica.
His versatile vocal style, allowed him to record songs for TV shows and Hollywood movies;
play and sing in many bands of different styles, collaborate, and participate in music sessions with renowned musicians such as Guillermo Vadalá, Mark Lettieri, Juanes, Diego Torres, and Carlos Vives. In the last few years he has been very active in the Miami live music scene; touring with the legendary Argentinean rock band Enanitos Verdes across the USA, South America, and Europe.
Nowadays, after joining forces with colleague musicians Erik, Bosco, Marcelo, and Richard, his most ambitious and enthusiastic project which they have called “The Funky Suspects” allows him to exhibit his inspirations from the 70s and 80s music in their songs aiming to bring the organic flavors of the classic Funk and Soul music.
ERIK NUNEZ
Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Erik Nunez is a multi-talented musician, renowned for his mastery of various instruments and his prowess as a sound engineer. Born with a natural inclination for music, Erik embarked on his musical journey at the age of 5, starting with the guitar, followed by the piano at 6. However, it was at the age of 17 that he discovered his true calling and embraced the bass as his primary instrument.
Erik’s musical journey has taken him across Argentina, gracing stages nationwide, appearing on TV, and making waves on local radios. In 2001, he brought his musical prowess to the United States, where he continues to captivate audiences with live performances as the Musical Director for acclaimed artists such as @kabamusic, @kaylandmusic, @cesarfrankomusic, and @Funky suspects, among others.
With a career spanning back to 1989, Erik is not only a skilled bassist but also an accomplished sound engineer. His extensive experience includes producing, arranging, and performing music and sound design for TV and radio commercials, recording artists, and movies. In 2004, Erik crossed paths with multi-Grammy Award-winning percussionist Richard Bravo, leading to numerous collaborative studio productions. In 2015, he joined forces with master keyboard player Bosco Aguilar, contributing to solo artist KEBA’s performances.
The year 2017 marked another significant collaboration when Erik connected with the groove master Marcelo Novati, sharing the stage with Keba and various other artists. In 2021, a meeting with the incredible singer Damiano marked the destiny that led to the formation of The Funky Suspects.. Leveraging his skills as a music producer and sound engineer, Erik, alongside his fellow Suspects, embarked on a creative journey, producing and recording new original material that came to life in 2023.
“The Funky Suspects” stands as Erik Nunez’s most ambitious project to date. This dynamic ensemble creates groovy tunes with exquisite sound and catchy arrangements, showcasing the collective passion and talent of its members.
BOSCO
Bosco was born in Mexico City and began his musical journey at age 1. His father shared his passion for music by teaching Bosco how to play drums, and he performed on stage for the first time at age 3 in a community chapel. When Bosco turned 4, he began taking piano lessons. It was clear he was a prodigy, and his music teacher provided 2 years of free lessons to support the young talented musician. As a teenager, Bosco performed professionally alongside his father at weddings and high end establishments.
After years of dedication to learning drums and piano, in high school, he chose to focus 100% of his studies on piano. At Music City College in Querétaro Arteaga, Mexico, Bosco refined his classical technique while studying performance, harmony, theory and composition based on curriculum from Berklee College of Music. He studied abroad in New York City at Hartwick College where he was first exposed to a new style of music: big bands. Then after graduation, he traveled to Havana, Cuba to immerse himself in lain jazz.
A talent recruiter noticed the 21-year-old natural talent, and Bosco received the offer of a lifetime to travel the world as the keyboard player in a Latin trio with Carnival Cruises. Bosco was then inspired to join the cruise’s showband orchestra because of his love of New York City big band performances.
At age 24, Bosco was promoted to the youngest music director in a fleet of 25 ships. He felt honored to work with teams of talented musicians from around the world. After 5 years as a musical director, a new title was created for him, and he spearheaded the position of Music Supervisor for Carnival Cruises. As the first supervisor, he managed multiple international bands on every ship. He launched a new type of cruise band concept, Rock Band, and designed every element of the show (sets, outfits, setlists, etc.)
Bosco Aguilar now lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He continues to perform with elite international musicians while composing music in his home studio. Bosco is passionate about working with musicians from diverse backgrounds and different career levels. His international repertoire along with his experience as a seasoned music director and talented composer make him a valuable asset to musical acts wanting to elevate studio recordings and live performances.
Marcelo Novati
Marcelo Novati was born in Buenos Aires on March 21, 1969 . At age 11 he began to study drums with teachers Alex Sanguinetti , Hector Ruiz and Jota Morelli , then formed his first band at school. At 17 he started playing professionally with Sandra and Celeste with which he toured South America. After a few years playing with Ruben Goldin and virtuoso guitarist Luis Salinas, is called by the great Argentinean artist Luis Alberto Spinetta to record their new live album entitled ” Exactas ” . In 92/93 he went on tour to Europe with pianist Lito Vitale, with whom he recorded two albums in Argentina. He also played and recorded with Nacha Guevara, Viuda e Hijas de Roque Enroll, Patricia Sosa and Juan Carlos Baglietto .
In 1997 he moved to Madrid, Spain , where he began working , playing and recording with artists such as Ketama , Mecano, Presuntos Implicados , Miguel Bosé, Pedro Guerra, Najwa Nimri , Carlos Jean , Miguel Rios, Victor Manuel , Ana Belen, Pereza, Amaral, Manolo Garcia, Alejo Stivel , Armando Manzanero , Milton Nascimento, Paulina Rubio , Julieta Venega, Coti, Tommy Torres, Joan Manuel Serrat, Alejandro Lerner y Niña Pastori, and his own band LEGÜERO among others. In 2016 he joins Latin star JUANES’s band. Currently he is living in Miami, touring with JUANES and tracking drums online at his own studio NOVAESTUDIOS MIAMI for different producers.
When he is not busy touring or recording, he does clinics for the brands he represents, Zildjian, DW, EVANSand VicFirth.
RICHARD BRAVO
Few individuals personify the essence of true artistic passion quite like Venezuelan-born Percussionist RICHARD BRAVO, evident in his fervent performances and extensive discography.
Recognizing that education laid the groundwork for his future, RICHARD BRAVO, upon graduating from high school, pursued his studies at the prestigious FULL SAIL Academy in Orlando, Florida. There, he earned an Associate’s Degree in Engineering.
His impeccable and precise musicianship has yielded a remarkable body of work, boasting over 1000 recordings, 2 Grammy statues, and 34 Grammy Award Achievement Certificates. From contributing to the recordings and performances of international Latin superstars such as LA LEY, RICKY MARTIN, and JUANES in MTV’s “Unplugged” releases, to crafting the infectious rhythms of Multi-Platinum hits like “HIPS DON’T LIE” and “CHANTAJE” by SHAKIRA, and the recent SONY Music release of Roberto Carlos’s “LIVE at ABBEY ROAD” DVD.
RICHARD BRAVO holds a special place in his heart for his appearance and recording on the long-awaited BARRY GIBB/BARBARA STREISAND collaboration CD. This musical reunion of giants led to ongoing collaborations, including recording and touring with BARRY GIBB on his groundbreaking “One Man Solo” tour, titled “MYTHOLOGY,” which received stellar reviews during its worldwide run. Also, has completed recording BARRY GIBB’s latest release, “IN THE NOW,” and is set to tour with BARRY GIBB in 2018.
In another impressive feat at the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in Sevilla, the critically acclaimed album “Camilo Valencia, Richard Bravo—Made In Miami,” produced by Camilo Valencia, Richard Bravo, and Alex Sino, secured two Latin Grammy Awards: Best Instrumental Album and Best Arrangement for the track “Songo Bop,” featuring Milton Salcedo. Richard Bravo’s exceptional talent continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry, earning him accolades and recognition for his unparalleled contributions to the world of percussion and beyond.
