ZUPANOVA

From the studio to the stage; Los Angeles band ZupaNova, an internationally touring act, is a #ZupedUp all-encompassing explosion of music, fashion, and culture. This multilateral fusion originally unified in 2012 with “ZupaStarz” Rawcel (Recording Artist, Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Producer), and Davy Brown (Internationally acclaimed Multi-Genre Producer, Recording Artist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Arranger, Audio Engineer).

Rawcel: A Musical Visionary from Los Angeles

Los Angeles native Roycel “Rawcel” Cooks is a multifaceted artist whose talents span singing, rapping, songwriting, and producing. His musical journey began in the heart of LA’s vibrant scene, where, from a young age, he was deeply influenced by the city’s rich blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop culture. Rawcel’s creative drive and unique voice set him apart, and by his teenage years, he was already a prominent figure in LA’s underground music circuit, performing alongside fellow artist Dante Santiago in high schools and local clubs. Their chemistry as a singer/rapper duo quickly caught the attention of industry insiders, and in 1993, they were recruited by the rising stars of Interscope Records, The Black Eyed Peas.

As a founding member of “Broshigeez,” a crew formed by Will.i.am, Taboo, Apl.de.ap, Rawcel, and Dante, Rawcel played a pivotal role in shaping the early days of the Los Angeles hip-hop scene. The group wasn’t just about music—it was a cultural movement that embodied the spirit of collaboration between singers, rappers, dancers, writers, DJs, and producers. The Broshigeez collective laid the groundwork for Rawcel’s deep connections in the industry, enabling him to work alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment.

Through this platform, Rawcel forged significant partnerships, collaborating with a wide range of artists and producers across the entertainment world. His work with The Black Eyed Peas opened the doors to numerous opportunities, including collaborations with artists such as Ray J, Grammy-winning producer Randy Jackson, soul legend Macy Gray, and R&B singers Lalah Hathaway and Tamia. Rawcel’s creative versatility also led him to work with acclaimed producer David Foster and American Idol finalists, showcasing his adaptability in genres from pop to soul and beyond.

Rawcel’s extensive résumé includes production and songwriting for notable acts, as well as collaborations with basketball star Pau Gasol and Japanese pop star Tiana Xiao. His work with Sevyn Streeter and Bell Biv DeVoe further highlights his ability to transcend musical boundaries, contributing to projects in multiple genres and markets around the globe. Rawcel’s commitment to creativity and artistic innovation has solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking artist who thrives on cross-genre collaborations.

Despite these high-profile collaborations, Rawcel’s passion has always been about fostering new ideas and breaking boundaries. His global perspective, having worked with artists from both the U.S. and abroad, continues to inform his artistic direction. This drive to constantly push the creative envelope eventually led him to partner with Davy Brown, and together they launched ZupaNova—a groundbreaking group that blends EDM, hip-hop, and pop to create a sound that’s as rebellious as it is innovative.

With ZupaNova, Rawcel found a new platform to explore his musical vision. Their genre-defying sound combines the energy of LA’s melting pot of cultures with modern electronic beats and pop hooks, a reflection of Rawcel’s broad creative influences. The band has quickly made waves in Southern California’s music scene, captivating audiences with their fresh and electrifying performances. ZupaNova’s unique style has also earned them recognition from DJ pools and international acclaim, leading to collaborations with artists from Listen Deep and Will.i.am Music Group.

ZupaNova’s global reach has been nothing short of extraordinary, boasting two back-to-back Top 40 hits on U.S. radio, a Top 10 track in South America, and multiple world tours under their belt. Rawcel’s artistic vision and dynamic stage presence have been instrumental in shaping the group’s success, driving their innovative sound and securing their place on the international stage.

Rawcel’s journey from local LA clubs to international stardom is a testament to his passion, resilience, and relentless pursuit of creative expression. His ability to move seamlessly between genres and collaborate with a diverse range of artists has positioned him as a key figure in the evolution of modern music. As ZupaNova continues to grow, Rawcel remains dedicated to exploring new ideas, creating groundbreaking music, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the ever-evolving landscape of global pop culture.

Davy Brown: A Multi-Genre Musical Polymath

Southern California native Davy Brown is a true musical polymath—an accomplished multi-genre producer, recording artist, multi-instrumentalist, and audio engineer with expertise spanning all aspects of music production and beyond. His ability to seamlessly merge genres and push creative boundaries has made him a dynamic force in the music world. Raised in a household filled with musical talent, Davy was deeply influenced by his father, a renowned Latin jazz musician and vocalist, and his older brother, a recording artist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and open format DJ. Together, they helped shape Davy’s profound connection to music.

Even before he touched an instrument, Davy’s first musical expressions were through whistling and singing, which he did from an early age. These innate abilities foreshadowed the musical path he would soon follow. By age five, Davy began his classical piano training, which laid the foundation for his expansive musical career. His early mastery of the piano quickly led him to explore other instruments, and soon, Davy was proficient in drums, percussion, bass, guitar, and various wind and brass instruments. His diverse instrumental prowess reflects his ability to traverse musical styles, from hip-hop to jazz, pop to EDM, and beyond.

The home where Davy grew up became a creative sanctuary, known throughout the local community as the “jam house,” where musicians from all over Southern California would gather to play, collaborate, and experiment with sound. These jam sessions were Davy’s early immersion into the world of professional music-making. The constant presence of seasoned musicians challenged and inspired him to grow rapidly as an artist. Unlike most kids his age, Davy developed his musical abilities by playing alongside experienced, professional musicians—a rare opportunity that cultivated his versatility and honed his instincts as a performer.

This environment also ignited Davy’s passion for the technical side of music. From an early age, he became fascinated with the recording process, driven by the desire to capture the sounds and performances he created. His dedication to understanding the art of recording and production led him to master not only performance but also engineering, mixing, and mastering, giving him full control over the creative process.

As he evolved as a musician, Davy’s talents in both performance and production caught the attention of local artists and producers. He began working as a session musician and producer, contributing to a wide variety of projects across genres. This experience set the stage for his eventual collaboration with Rawcel, leading to the formation of ZupaNova. The partnership between the two was the perfect match: Rawcel’s sharp lyrical skills and vocal prowess paired seamlessly with Davy’s broad musical knowledge and production expertise.

With ZupaNova, Davy found the ultimate outlet for his creativity. The group’s unique combination of hip-hop, EDM, and pop, infused with cultural influences from Los Angeles’ diverse music scene, allowed Davy to fully explore the boundaries of genre. His ability to blend different styles into a cohesive and innovative sound became the hallmark of ZupaNova’s music, setting them apart in the industry. Their hybrid sound, both fresh and accessible, quickly gained traction, capturing the attention of top producers, A-list artists, and celebrities in the entertainment industry.

ZupaNova’s rise to fame has been marked by significant achievements, including two back-to-back Top 40 hits on U.S. radio and a Top 10 single in South America. The band’s electrifying live performances and genre-defying music have led them to embark on multiple world tours, solidifying their reputation as a global act. Their growing international fanbase reflects the universal appeal of their sound, which mirrors LA’s melting pot of cultures and influences.

As ZupaNova’s musical journey continues, Davy Brown remains at the forefront, constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in music. His ability to seamlessly shift between genres, his mastery of both performance and production, and his commitment to artistic integrity have established him as a creative leader in the industry. With an impressive track record and limitless potential, Davy’s contributions to music will continue to resonate far and wide, as ZupaNova paves the way for the future of genre-blending innovation.