After completing his masters program he started recording and performing with various American artists.
He has written and produced music for Off-Broadway productions, composed soundtracks for films and performed as a member of various bands.
Forro in the Dark
Forro in the Dark is a New York City-based group of Brazilian musicians who play a modern update on forró, a traditional music that originates from the Northeast of Brazil[3] On 16 October 2002 (Refosco's birthday), he invited some friends over for a forró-style jam session at Nublu, a nightclub located in the East Village district of New York City. The group was such a hit that they started a weekly residency at the club.[4] Their public prominence increased due to their extended residency at Nublu, where they came into contact with prominent New York influence David Byrne, who helped propel further recognition for the band when they collaborated on Forro in the Dark's 2006 album Bonfires of São João.[5]
The band have released two albums and one EP so far including 2006's Bonfires of São João, 2008's Dia de Roda EP and 2009's Light a Candle.
Atoms for Peace
Refosco (back) performing with Flea as part of Atoms for Peace in 2013
In 2009, Refosco joined Atoms for Peace, a supergroup formed by the Radiohead singer Thom Yorke to perform songs from Yorke's debut solo album, The Eraser (2006).[6] Refosco and the band recreated Yorke's electronic music with live instrumentation.[7] They toured the United States in 2010,[8][9] and released an album, Amok, in 2013.[7]Amok was followed that year by a tour of Europe, the US and Japan.[10]
Red Hot Chili Peppers
In 2011, Refosco performed on several tracks on the Red Hot Chili Peppers' album I'm with You along with the b-sides compilation, I'm Beside You, which was released in 2013. Refosco joined the band's touring lineup as a percussionist in 2011 for their I'm with You World Tour. During the band's encores, Refosco along with the band's drummer, Chad Smith would usually start off with a lengthy drum/percussion jam showing off both musicians abilities. Refosco was featured on all of the band's live releases from the tour, which came to an end in April 2013.[11] He would again hit the road with the band for another tour with dates all over the world scheduled from May 2013 to June 2014. Refosco provided percussion on two songs for their 2016 album The Getaway however he would not join them for the tour to support the album. Refosco made a surprise appearance during the band's 20 July 2017 performance in Rome where he provided percussion on "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie".[12]
Other work
Refosco performing during a David Byrne and Brian Eno Tour at Zoellner Arts Center in 2008.
Refosco has also been featured as a member of the music department, mainly as a percussionist on various movie and television projects including the 2007 animated movie, Surf's Up in which he wrote the song, "Forrowest" with Forro in the Dark. The song also is featured on the soundtrack.