Meet Mike Reyes and Rafael Alvarez | Two Turtles Duo – Musicians

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Reyes and Rafael Alvarez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike and Rafael, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, we feel like the thought process was pretty simple. We wanted to showcase music that we really like, such as jazz but in the style we like performing them in. We have been playing and writing music together since our time at SDSU around 2013(ish), and after doing it for so long, it felt only natural to try and formalize what we had into a band. We were able to record and release our first album, “Crossing Over” in 2023 and have been playing gigs around town since the pandemic. We are currently working on producing a second album of originals which is influenced by Bossa Nova, Funk, Jazz and Rock. We are very excited for that and are looking forward to sharing it with everyone.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We are very proud of our music and what we do. Over the years we have definitely developed a signature “Mike and Rafa” sound that comes out in our compositions and arrangements. It’s influenced by a lot of our past playing in school and what we listen to. If you come out to one of our gigs you will hear a lot of influences from Jazz, Samba/Bossa Nova, Funk, Rock, Video Game Music, Gypsy Jazz and more.

We wouldn’t say it’s been easy. We have had a few challenges over the years, but the biggest challenge we’ve had, and still have, is on the business end. We are still learning a lot about how to market ourselves and do all the business things that come with being a band. We are definitely a lot stronger on the musical end of things. We have been playing together for so long that a lot of our writing and arranging comes together pretty smoothly. And so we are still working on how to balance our time between the creative side and the business side of things. It’s a never ending process that is going pretty well for us so far, and so we are pretty happy with that. Also Rafa was blessed with his first born child last year, and so a little bit more planning is required when it comes to rehearsals, composing, and promoting our band. But it is something that is a fun challenge. We are excited and looking forward to sharing what we’ve been working on with friends, family and fans in the coming years.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Mike: Well, my two favorite things about San Diego have to be the music scene and the food. I have a lot of friends who are amazing musicians, and so one of the first things I would do is see who is playing around town. There are a lot of great venues that feature some great musicians like Humble Heart in OB, The Soda Bar, The Jazzy Wishbone, and so many more. It’s amazing we live in a city where no matter the day, you can find some great local talent to go check out. As for the food, I’d definitely have to take them to a few of my favorite spots. For pizza, it would definitely be Powerhaus Wholesome Pizza in PB, or there is a great local Thai place called Pinto Thai Bistro in Tierrasanta that is fantastic. I go there a lot. And of course I would take them to all the usually touristy spots like Balboa Park, Coronado or Downtown.

Rafa: My Wife and I are big “foodies” so a week trip here in San Diego would probably revolve around that and sightseeing. I would like to start by taking them to the San Diego Zoo which is the coolest zoo in the nation. After that we would enjoy eating at this nice Italian restaurant called Monello in downtown Little Italy. The next day we go surfing at the La Jolla Coves and afterwards probably grab some great Mexican food at Tacos El Chuchys. The following day we would spend the day again in downtown and watch a show at the music box and maybe go to Prince Street Pizza for some more great eats. Then I would like to take them to the San Diego’s Zoo’s sister park, The Safari Park. After enjoying that fun, grab more great food and beers at Karl Strauss. Then we would probably spend the rest of time relaxing, grabbing more food at Coronado Brewery, and seeing touristy spots like Balboa Park and Old Town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Rafa: I would like to shoutout my wife and family who have always supported me and really persuaded me to continue with musical goals and aspirations. I would also like to shoutout my duo partner Mike for being an awesome friend who is understanding and has definitely taught me the importance of being disciplined and business oriented with our music. Then I would like to shout out Chico Pinheiro who taught me how to play brazilian music more authentically and gave me advice with compositional ideas. Lastly, I would like to shoutout my late professor and mentor Bob Boss. Who really helped me become the musician I am today

Mike: There are a lot of people who have helped me along the way over the years, from teachers, to friends and family. But today I would like to shout out my buddy Oskar Beckman. He’s a local bass player and accountant that went to SDSU with us and he has been pivotal in encouraging and helping me transition into being my own business and becoming a self-employed musician. I can always count on him for advice whether that be musically, personally, or financially. I definitely would not have had the courage or know-how to get where I am today without his help over the last decade.

Website: https://www.twoturtlesduo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoturtlesduo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twoturtlesduo

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoTurtlesDuo

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0OOPRSQ7PCsZZAFeWriRfC

Image Credits
Mike Reyes
Rafa Alvarez
Kathryn Alvarez
Kyra Recabaren
Elaire Andrade