Artist Spotlight
Louie Castro – Songwriter and Producer From Long Island, NY
Louie Castro Is an American Artist, Singer, Songwriter and Producer. He Is One Of The Most Phenomenal Songwriters, Producer and Singer Here In Long Island, Ny. His Music Takes Inspiration From The Sounds Of Some Of Today’s Most Relevant Artists Such As The Weekend, Drake, Frank Ocean, Miguel, Trey Songs, Neyo, And Chris Brown. Though Naturally A Singer Louie Remains To Have A Strong Urban Appeal And That Rough Edge That Ladies Just Seem To Be Drawn To.
Since Louie Castro find himself doing music, the young star has been working hard to stay on top and be the best in the game. He released his first new single titled “Ride” in the year 2019. We had the opportunity to interview with Louie Castro the fast growing Up and Coming artist from New York City shares his own story with Honk Magazine Editor.
INTERVIEW
Hello Louie Castro,
1: Tell us about your background getting to where you are today?
I have always been music-oriented from a young boy. Musical talent is in my blood and runs in the family. Jose Feliciano the creator of FELIZ NAVIDAD is my cousin as well as the Actress from the Taina Show on Nickelodeon. My Grandmother was invited to Carnegie Hall for her beautiful voice and my uncle, her son, was gifted as well. He read and wrote the music and played 9 instruments. It’s safe to say I was made for this. Growing up my love for poetry, rhymes, and music grew with me. I sang every chance I got and one day I decided to turn one of my poems into a song. The rest was history. One day I was introduced to Tony Yayo of G Unit, performed an original for him, and was signed later that year at the age of 18. I am now independent and have a growing fan base. I am also available to be streamed and viewed on all music platforms. I have been on the hot97 several times and have had several write-ups including being featured on The Source for my music video PGH featuring Busta Rhymes’ Artist Reek Da Villian resulting in my own official LOUIE CASTRO VEVO.
2: Where are you from?
I was born at Nyack Hospital in Rockland County and was raised in Spring Valley all located in Upstate New York.
3: How did you get into music?
When I was 17 I was introduced to Tony Yayo by the sister of my mother’s best friend. Later at 18 I then got signed to him and became professionally known as Louie Castro. Been in the game ever since.
4: What is the most challenging thing you have overcome in your life?
Being homeless before and living in a home with no electricity, no heat, no water, and no money and being alone was the most challenging thing I have ever overcome in my life.
5: Are you currently signed or independent?
I am currently Independent.
6: Who inspires you the most musically?
To be honest there is no one person individually that inspires me the most. I take and feed on all the creatives. Good music is good music. I grab inspiration from anything and anyone I can including myself of course.
7: What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?
I just want people to feel good essentially but I also hope to reach someone with my sentiments and points of view. Maybe through my expressions, others can find a way to express the same feelings or find them for the first time from listening.
8: What is your greatest achievement as a musician?
I was featured on Eric Bellinger’s Verified Instagram Page for his ONLY YOU CHALLENGE bringing me thousands of profile visits and views reaching over 21.7K and I now have over 23.2K followers ingrowing. I was also featured on THE SOURCE as well as many other top blogs. I even have an LOUIE CASTRO VEVO.
9: Do you produce your own music? If not who do you work with?
Yes I am the producer of several of my singles. My Producer’s name is Mr. Instant Hits. I adopted that name years ago and branded it much more as of recently. But I have worked with two producers LiveTrax and B Da Producer on my album Sex, Dreams, and the Pursuit of Happiness currently being remastered and submitted back to all digital platforms.
10: Who is one artist you wish you could work with?
This may sound like a surprise to a lot of people but Saint John would have to be one of the main artists I’d love to work with.
11: Tell us about any new music you have coming out? When is coming out? What is it about?
I am consistently dropping singles but I have an upcoming Self Produced Self Titled Coming up this summer. Stay tuned IAMLOUIECASTRO Produced by Mr. Instant Hits dropping soon. This will be full of samples of my own voice and beats produced by me. I will capture feelings of love, lust, loss, and whatever my heart says to me.
12: What does a day inside your shoes look like?
I wake up thinking about music and about my page while smoking my morning blunt. Nothing like a good wake and bake. Hey, it’s legal in New York now! Gotta have some breakfast. Love bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll with salt, pepper, and ketchup. After that, it’s off to the hood to see the fellas hang out and smoke hella loud and talk moves and the future. Some days I’m recording a song on my phone or I’m in the studio making a full record. Nightlife is usually by the Nautical Mile on the boats and vibing with friends at the clubs and social events. Artists gotta show their faces. I’d say everywhere I go you’ll find out A LOT of people know me. I end my days winding down with a loved one or alone. Always gotta have my bedtime blunt. It’s a must. Of course, I may even get a song in before I fall asleep.
13: Anything else you want the audience to know about you?
I’m going to bring back the love for the craft of genuinely good music and teaching other artists how to be themselves.
Contact Louie Castro:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlouiecastro
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamlouiecastro
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San Sebastian shares his creative inspiration and aspiration for the new single “Again and Again” – [Exclusive Interview]
Swedish artist San Sebastian has released his second single, “Again and Again.” Known for his danceable pop sound infused with a nod to club music, San Sebastian presents a sonic vibe that resonates deeply with his audience. Drawing inspiration from notable artists like Tove Lo, Kylie Minogue, and Troye Sivan, he creates a distinctive blend of vulnerability and optimism. His latest single exemplifies a personal journey, exploring the intricacies of navigating complex emotions within a fractured relationship. Here, San Sebastian takes us behind the scenes, providing insights into the creation of “Again and Again,” detailing the production choices that shape its emotional core and outlining his future aspirations.
Questionnaire
1. Who are the band members, if any, and were there any particular artists, genres, or band’s main influences?
San Sebastian: I’m a solo artist, though I often perform with professional dancers Alicia Gjerulf and Elsa Davidsson. My musical inspiration is drawn from renowned artists such as Tove Lo, Kylie Minogue, and Troye Sivan.
2. Where was the single recorded, and who was involved in its production? Name the record label, producer, and sound engineer who mixed and mastered the song.
San Sebastian: “Again and Again” was originally written by the well-known Swedish artist Darin Zanyar and songwriters Pär Westerlund along with Petter Tarland. I worked on re-creating the track with senior producer Johan Kronlund, who also produced my debut single, “Hear Me Out.” Both singles were released under the auspices of my record label, Metronica.
3. Regarding production, what aspects of “Again and Again” caught your attention? What were some of the critical production decisions that shaped the final sound, and how did they contribute to the overall sonic quality of the track?
San Sebastian: I collaborated with the producer, Johan Kronlund, for nearly 2 years, so we have developed a good understanding and shared vision for the desired sound we aim for in my music. The goal was to turn my flaws into something optimistic, capturing a sense of future possibility by blending a melancholy message with an upbeat, danceable rhythm.
4. What inspired you to write “Again and Again”? Was there a particular ethos, music style, or events that sparked the songwriting process for this single? Were there any collaborations on writing the lyrics?
San Sebastian: The song “Again and Again” was initially composed by the famous Swedish artist Darin Zanyar and his co-writers. I immediately liked the idea of the song’s core concept; its melodies and lyrics spoke to me. The producer and I reimagined the sound to make the song reflect entirely my unique artistic identity.
5. How did you aim to take listeners on an emotional journey with the message or lyrical narrative you are trying to convey through this song? What feelings do you hope to evoke through the music so far?
San Sebastian: I want my lyrics to be honest and resonate with many people’s feelings. I try to transform my flaws into something optimistic, showing that everything has a future. I hope that people, by listening to “Again and Again,” will find pieces of their own experiences within the song’s lyrics while still perceiving this growing hope through the positive upbeat and alongside the danceable energy inherent in the production.
6. Please briefly describe the song, the E.P./Album, and the thinking behind the Project. What does “Again and Again” mean to you personally? How does it reflect your growth as an artist?
San Sebastian: The song tells the story of a broken relationship, where one person is left behind, feeling shattered and powerless. Unable and unwilling to let go, they cling to the memories of a love that once felt real and the hope that they might reunite. Despite knowing they will get hurt again, the chance to feel happiness, even briefly, makes the pain seem worthwhile. By combining vulnerable lyrics, expressive melodies, and a more positive and hopeful production, the song illustrates those who put on a positive front and hide the absolute truth.
“Again and Again” represents my second single in collaboration with Metronica. I describe my musical style as danceable pop inspired by club music. Both my debut single, “Hear Me Out,” and my recent release, “Again and Again,” follow this musical direction. My active involvement in a DJ duo also keeps my heart closely connected to the club vibe, which naturally influences my music.
7. Do you have any favorable quotes from previous reviews or specific aspects, lines, and phrases of the song that you would happily share?
San Sebastian: My previous song and debut single, “Hear Me Out,” was recognized across various blogs internationally. The fact that it was so well received is heartwarming and makes me very happy. However, if I have to highlight one thing, it would be all the positive comments regarding my vocal abilities, specifically its range and how I deliver the songs.
8. Did “Again and Again” create any standout moments or surprises that made it a memorable atmosphere or mood for you? If so, what were your biggest challenges, and how would you describe them?
San Sebastian: A memorable highlight was our spontaneous release party, which drew almost 500 attendees. It was an incredibly heartwarming experience to see how all these people adjusted their schedules and re-booked engagements, altered travel plans, and other meetings to join. I will be eternally grateful for this display of support and gift of love.
9. How do you envision performing this song live? Are there any special events, musical tours, and performances that San Sebastian’s fans should expect soon or plan to incorporate?
San Sebastian: I have actually had the opportunity to perform “Again and Again” live on stage several times with two of my professional dancers, Alicia Gjerulf and Elsa Davidsson. I hope to present “Again and Again” on more stages in the future, incorporating additional live band support from professional musicians and dancers to create an immersive experience for audiences.
10. Is there a music video planned for this single? If so, can you share any insights into its concept? How does this single fit into your future musical plans? Is it part of a larger project, like an album or an E.P.?
San Sebastian: I’m not planning to create a full music video for “Again and Again.” However, I have already created teaser videos, which I use in the release marketing and the ongoing song promotion. I have no concrete plans to release an EP that includes “Again and Again.” Instead, I am focusing on my next single, which I plan to release in early 2025.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM San Sebastian’s “Again and Again“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
Angelina Lucii unveils her unique journey into reflection and healing in “Time Machine”
Angelina Lucii, a rising R&B voice out of South Florida, taps into vulnerability and strength with her latest single, “Time Machine,” a sonically buoyant take on emotional excavation. Transitioning from musical theatre to R&B, Lucii is known for her soulful and powerful vocals, bringing an element of vulnerability to her music and creating an authentic, powerful sound.
Lucii confronts the universal desire to turn back time in ‘Time Machine,’ capturing the inner conflict between regret and forgiveness. Her lyrics serve as a tribute to resilience, reminding us that while we can’t change the past, we can move forward and grow. With soft piano and atmospheric beats, her ethereal voice glides through haunting yet hopeful soundscapes.
The song’s otherworldly aura feels as if Lucii herself invites you to journey back in time. Her gentle delivery feels heavy with lament and almost stoic in acceptance, embodying her message of moving through life’s challenges with grace and strength, an idea that permeates her artistry.
Through ‘Time Machine,’ she transforms personal pain into a relatable musical experience, highlighting the beauty of turning life’s most challenging moments into art. With this release, she stands among R&B artists unafraid to express vulnerability. “Time Machine’s” emotional depth is evidence of her steady ascent.
