MICHAEL AGUILAR

Michael Aguilar, though born in Los Angeles, California, grew up in Houston, Texas. He came from a very musical family and began playing the drums at a very early age. His family had a conjunto (a four-piece group that consists of a bass guitar, accordion, drums and a twelve-string guitar known as a bajosexto) called Los Optimos. His mother (Victoria) acted as the leader and singer, his father (Robert) was the soundman, and his older brother (Robert Jr.) played the drums. His older sister Dody, who played the flute, didn’t fit into the conjunto style of the band and was unfortunately left out.

When Michael’s older brother decided to leave the family band and move on to bigger and better things, Michael was given the first chance to replace him. At the age of eleven, Michael couldn’t believe his luck. He was playing with Los Optimos on the weekends, while earning money and attending junior high during the weekdays. In school, Michael also continued his passion for music, performing with the orchestra and stage band.

When it came time for high school, Michael decided to audition for the High School for Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA). He was accepted and began to learn about new genres of music he didn’t know existed. He played with various groups, both in and out of school. He participated in Orchestra, Symphony, and Lab Band. He also studied symphonic, classical, and jazz music alongside musical theory and composition. By the time he graduated, Michael was determined to pursue a professional career in drumming.

After graduation, Michael began playing with bands in and around the Houston area. He played with bands of many genres including jazz, blues, Latin, rock and country. He continued this for several years, until the opportunity of his career came knocking. In 1986, La Mafia, an up and coming Houston based Latin/Tejano group, asked Michael to join them as the drum player. Michael grew up with La Mafia and had even played in a band with Armando Litchenberger when they were teenagers. Michael accepted the invitation and went on tour all over Texas and out of state.

Michael incorporated all he knew about music into his drumming and fit very well with their style. In 1989, they began touring in Mexico and signed a deal with Sony Discos International two years later. Before they knew it, their recordings were reaching gold, platinum, double platinum, and even platinum. The group received many awards, such as Tejano Music, International Billboard, Premio Lo Nuestro, Lifetime Achievement, and, after three consecutive nominations, they received their first Grammy Award in 1996.