Cachi was born in New York City, and has been playing percussions for most of his life. He was taught the art of percussion, by his father, Phil "Pipo" Velez, who played with Fania All-Star legend Ismael Miranda (Cachi’s godfather), Conjunto Saoco, and The TNT Band. “Because of my father, and his connection to Latin music, I decided to make music a part of my life and obtain a Degree in Audio Engineering / Sound Recording from Mercy College/Center for the Media Arts” - Phil Cachi Velez.

 

As a percussionist, Cachi has been fortunate enough to have participated in many recordings and performances with various artists like FANIA ALL STARS legends, Willie Colon & Yomo Toro, Grammy and Latin Grammy Winning Percussionist & Producer Pablo “Chino” Nunez, Grammy Winner Marlow Rosado y la Riquena, 2x Grammy Nominated Percussionist Sammy Figueroa, Kevin Ceballo, Angel Lopez of Son by Four, Frankie Negron, Alfredo De La Fe, Edgar Joel, Julio Voltio, and European artist Albie Donnelly. Cachi was also the Percussionist for Telemundo’s “Yo Me LLamo”. 

 

After many years of playing with so many diverse bands, Cachi started his own band “Cachi y Saoco Nuevo”. Recently, Cachi y Saoco Nuevo released their third single titled “Dejala Que Baile Sola” which is currently playing in Puerto Rico, Florida, and New York. “Dejala Que Baile Sola” followed the release of their singles “La Fiera” and "Plazos Traicioneros”. Cachi has also produced two Reggaeton Albums: “Sonido Bestial feat. DJ Dynamite” (recorded in P.R.) and “Rude Boyz NY”.

 

Cachi y Saoco Nuevo have already performed for major institutions, clubs, lounges, fairs and concert halls in New York, the Tri-State, and in the South Florida area.  Cachi hopes to create his own brand of Salsa Dura and Latin Jazz in hopes of entertaining the masses in the days, months and years to come.

 

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Cachi uses REMO Percussion, Zildjian Cymbals and Vater Sticks