Michael Juan Nunez grew up absorbing the music around him. As a boy, he spent many nights lying in bed listening to the rhythmic sounds of the Cajun and country music which filled the house. He listened in admiration as his Dad and his band rehearsed but like any boy his age, did not realize the gift his father was sharing. He often wondered, "Why don't these guys stop all that noise and go to sleep". That "noise" would later guide Michael Juan’s life long search for real music.
MJN was born in Lafayette and raised in Erath, the hometown of his father. Here he found his home near the banks of the Bayou Tigre and discovered the center of his soul, his roots. Warren Nunez later gave his well worn Gibson J45 to his 15 year old son. He taught Michael Juan the chords he needed to play old standards like “Mathilda” and “Johnny B. Goode” then set him free to find his own voice.
Michael Juan absorbed the Cajun, Zydeco, Rock, and Country music of his parents and immersed himself in the music of his time. He experienced the life of roadside bars and dives learning the tricks of the real Cajun, Country, Blues, and Zydeco players of the South. Most often he was the youngest player in the band learning from the wisdom of a different generation. He has obviously taken notes along the way. His journey has made him Michael Juan Nunez. An artist who takes pride in the music he creates and someone who appreciates all who have taken the journey with him.
MJN has shared the stage with famous artists such as Sonny Landreth, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Taj Mahal, Indigenous, Jimmy Vaughn, Tab Benoit, John Mayall, Corey Harris, Henry Grey and many more. He made his mark as vocalist and guitarist for the Lafayette, Louisiana based group the "RiverBabys". With this power house band, he released the self titled "RiverBabys" CD and "Thicker Than Water". In February 2001, the RiverBabys were finalists at the International Blues Competition in Memphis.
Nunez decided to venture out on his own. This gave him the chance to express himself on his own terms. With his self titled debut, Michael Juan and producer A. J. Dauphin began their quest to capture his music in a raw environment. What came about with this mostly acoustic album was refreshingly simple, yet powerful. This release earned Nunez the honor of being named OffBeat Magazine’s Best Emerging Blues Artist for 2002 and caught the ears of local and national publications.
Michael Juan teamed up with producer A. J. Dauphin once again and the result was "About To Snap". Released on Parish Line Records it truely showcases MJN's ability to reach deep down inside your soul. Each song is refreshingly unique. Giving listeners a heaping serving of that Cajun, blues, rock style that has got people talking. Many talented musicians and artists of the area such as the late Big Daddy Harry Hipolite and Erath's own D. L. Menard added spice to this project. "About To Snap" earned Nunez a spot on OffBeat Magazine's top 50 releases of 2005 and was named by IBC as one of the Best Self-Produced CDs" for 2006. It reaches deep down into the soul and makes you want to move.
MJN can be seen and heard at venues and festivals throughout the United States, Europe and Canada. Whether he is sharing the stage with artists such as Roddie Romero and the Hub City Allstars, the world renowned Zachary Richard, or the legendary Henry Grey or he is turning up the heat with his band, he is sure to move you.
