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
Artist Spotlight
Justin Ruff breathes new life into a soulful classic with “Cross My Mind (Jill Scott)”
Justin Ruff’s new single, “Cross My Mind (Jill Scott),” confidently steps into the world of respected music. ” It’s a very personal and respectful look back that adds new emotional depth. Ruff makes it clear from the start that this is not a remake just for the sake of memories, it is a real tribute in his own style.
He keeps the original’s warmth and spirit, as well as the smooth, inviting rhythm that made it so popular. Ruff doesn’t just go back to what he knows; he adds to the story. His extra verses add to the emotional arc and make it feel like a real continuation instead of something that doesn’t need to be there.
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This release is special because it is well-balanced. Ruff does a great job of honoring the past while also coming up with new ideas in a stylish way. He respects the track’s popularity and adds his own perspective and exposure. The final product is a picture that looks planned and personal, with less emphasis on capturing a moment and more on making it last. Justin Ruff’s “Cross My Mind (Jill Scott)” shows that a new version can be just as good as the original, if it’s thoughtful and passionate. This track isn’t just a trip down memory lane, it’s a soulful conversation between people of different ages set to a beat that never stops.
Connect with Justin Ruff on Spotify || Instagram || Twitter || Soundcloud
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“Changing Winds” is interesting because of the story it tells. The groove changes the mood and texture of the music, which takes listeners on a journey that is both broad and personal. Jazz is a style that looks back on its history while also looking forward.
Connect with Eric St. Godard on Spotify || Instagram|| Youtube
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