Rafael Moreira

The rich musical diversity of Brazil, particularly the artistry of Djavan, Milton Nascimento and Antonio Carlos Jobim, proved an undeniable influence on Rafael’s musical upbringing. At the request of her three young boys, Marili would frequently drive to the record store, only to return bearing the latest rock records—including the Rolling Stones, Kiss and Queen.

Rafael's two brothers, Benedito Moreira Neto and Leandro Cury Moreira, played drums and bass. Together, they performed with their mother in concert and theater appearances. The three siblings also formed a rock band and played outdoor shows at state fairs, honing their performance chops in front of audiences of 10,000+. Their younger sister, Mariana Cury Moreira occasionally lent her vocals to her brothers' performances. In this arena—at the age of nine—Rafael refined a ferocious, crowd-pleasing lead guitar style.

In addition to these performances, Rafael's televised / feature appearances include American Idol (for "Rock Week" 2009), The American Music Awards, both the U.S. and European MTV Video Music Awards, BBC Top of the Pops, BBC Live Sessions, Saturday Night Live, Oprah, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kelly, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and a number of other major shows throughout Europe, Asia and Australia, including The Essence Awards, The ALMA Awards, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, VH-1's MTV/VH-1 Fashion Awards, Men Strike Back, Storytellers, and Divas Awards.

In 2009, Rafael was featured on the cover of the legendary publication Guitar Player Magazine online for his musical artistry and ability to unite fans around the world. In 2010, Rafael signed a publishing deal with the world’s largest independent music publisher-Bug Music, home to such artists as Johnny Cash, Pete Townshend, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Kings of Leon. Bug Music now represents both Rafael's solo compositions as well as his rock band, Magnetico's catalog of songs.

In December 2009, Music Connection Magazine named Magnetico as one of the 'Top 100 Unsigned Bands of the Year'.

Magnetico - Songs About the World (2009) ASIN: B0026RB3YW

The Rock Star House Band was formed in 2005 for the CBS reality TV series Rock Star: INXS. On becoming a member of the House Band ... "After being on the road with Pink throughout Europe for almost a year and a half, I got an email from Paul Mirkovich (House Band musical director) saying that he saw me playing with Pink and that he thought I was terrific (nice compliment!!) and wanted to know if I would be interested in auditioning with him for the Rock Star: INXS TV show and my reply was "lets do it!" At the auditions we got to play Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen), Need you Tonight (INXS) and Suffragette City (David Bowie) and when we finished playing, there was excitement in the room and chemistry on the stage!! Sasha also auditioned on bass with Paul and I. To complete the house band, the producers of the show ended up choosing drummer Nate Morton and rhythm guitar player Jim McGorman who were also auditioning with their own bands." The members of the House Band reunited in July, 2006 for Rock Star: Supernova (season 2 of the CBS reality TV series Rock Star).

Rafael released an instrumental album in 2005. "Acid Guitar" features Joey K. on Drums, Corey McCormick on Bass and other guests. The album is a blend of Jazz/Rock with Brazilian undertones-peppered with a ton of shredding guitar solos. Produced by Rafael Moreira and mixed by Grammy and Latin Grammy Award winner Antonio "Moogie" Canazio. You can listen to the tracks or buy the CD at CD Baby: Rafael Moreira. Rafael was also invited to record on the debut project for the group Shapes, produced by Jimmy Haslip, where he performed with two legendary Brazilian artists: drummer Airto Moreira and singer Flora Purim.

Rafael Moreira - Acid Guitar (2005) ASIN: B000GW8PLI

Rafael attended the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California (1995–1998). Graduating in 1996, Rafael was awarded a scholarship to continue his studies.