Despite not being able to perform in front of a live audience due to the pandemic, Dr. Funk and the Mind Body & Soul band still managed to rock the Independent Music Network Charts throughout the winter season. Their single Love Is became number 1 on the week of January 26 to February 1 this year. Their other singles, including Just a Matter of Time and Do It Right, also reached the top of the charts.
Mind Body & Soul, with Dr. Funk on the lead, received the 2020 Entertainer of the Year and Video of the Year awards from the Independent Music Network Awards on top of the achievements their songs got the past months. A native of Queens, New York, Dr. Funk grew up in a musically-inclined family, learning how to play various instruments at a young age, including the piano, drums, bass, and cello, to mention a few. He has had the chance to play in other bands and go on tour with The English Beat, giving him a wealth of experience and a vast understanding of the rigors of touring the globe. To this day, Dr. Funk is still considered by his colleagues as one of the most gifted reggae drummers in the industry.
Mind Body & Soul is composed of some of the music industry’s most gifted instrumentalists. Dr. Funk and his brother Power Morcillo, who plays the guitar in the band, made sure that they recruit the best of the best only to guarantee the quality of their songs and live performances. After much searching, the band was formed little by little as the right people started to surface. In 2012, saxophone player Ray Zepeda was the first to come on board. He then introduced Dr. Funk and his brother to Ricky Lucchese who plays the trombone, Brent Williams for the trumpet, Farid Zariff on percussions, Cesareo Garasa and Lamar Brooks alternately playing the drums, and Eric Barefield who plays the keyboard.
Dr. Funk and Mind Body & Soul bring a different energy and vibe with them every time they perform on stage. Their electrifying presence and music motivate audiences to let go of their inhibitions and just have a good time. Seeing their audience dance, laugh, and get groovy on the dance floor have always been some of the most rewarding experiences of their careers.
“I miss seeing dance floors filled with people enjoying my music, but I am thankful to be able to virtually connect with them,” Dr. Funk shared. “Music is so important, especially during a pandemic, when we are feeling low and separated from the people we love and care about. It’s chicken soup for the mind, body, and soul,” he concludes.
Despite the present challenges that the pandemic has put upon him and the band, Dr. Funk is confident that their music will continue to be relevant and provide joy to their loyal followers. Somewhere down the road, he envisions himself and the whole band performing at the Grammys and getting a nomination would not hurt as well. Overall, Dr. Funk desires nothing more than their success in the future so that they can continue to impact the lives of countless people who turn to their music for entertainment, happiness, and escape, most especially during tough times.
Mind Body & Soul are preparing for their upcoming show at CLUB BAHIA, 11:30 on June 24, 2021 at Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. Fans of the band who wish to see them perform live should take this chance to come to their show.
Learn more about Dr. Funk and Mind Body & Soul by visiting this website.
