INTERVIEW with CASTLES IN SPAIN
September 4th 2009 14:30
Q - I have been following along through your Myspace
Really Long Link for a while, but when and how did CIS
first come about?
A- Castles' came about in the 90's and it came about after I was wanting to play with others on stage. I was solo for quite some time and I really wanted a fuller, more ambient sound. I've had numerous players come and go and I appreciate all of the members that have been part of the project, but I have to say that the current lineup right now feels like a family unit more than it ever has. A shout out to my guys: Derek Richmond, Joe Birtola, Anthony Verdier and our guest violinist Stephanie Lee.
Q - Your music has been described as Hypno-Pop, Alternative, Ambient,
and Rock - but how would you describe the sound of your own music?
A -Exotic Hypnotic, Melodic-Eclectic with an heavy and emotional pull with 100% sincerity. How's that?
Q - I hear that you are working on your fifth album with producer
Sylvia Massy - can you give fans a few hints as to what they will hear
on this recording?
A - A very organic, layered, lush record. Sylvia's productions have inspired me for years and her studio up in Weed, California allows for your true artistry to come out. Radiostar Studios is by far the most comfortable and professional studio I have ever worked at. She has this amazing ability, much like Rick Rubin or even Steve Lillywhite to bring out the true artist and she does not try to change you. Honestly, she is my favorite producer now. My engineer Lori Castro is another newcomer in the recording scene with amazing ears. With three women working at the production of this record, people are going to really hear some beautiful tracks. Nothing personal guys. =)
Q - Where can interested people check out your music if they cannot
make it to a show?
A - The music is all over the internet, (ITunes, Rhapsody, CDBABY, etc.) but I would say the best place to hear and see us is currently at the myspace.com/castlesinspain site or even on Facebook. The home site (castlesinspain.com) is another good site.
Q - You have played multiple local venues, which would you say is the
best San Francisco club to play and why?
A - Well, a lot of them have closed down or turned into dance clubs that were my favorites (Paradise Lounge and The Nightbreak) but currently I would say there are a few like the "Red Devil Lounge" "Annies" (always good to local bands) "Great American Music Hall" and Slims are great too. I am hoping the Fillmore, The Independent and Regency Ballroom can make room for more local acts who are getting a following to open up for touring established artists.
Q - I have noticed that you are heavily involved with the annual
'Women Who Rawk' event - how did this come about?
A - Each year I produce an event called "Women Who Rawk" that features all female fronted bands and 100% of the proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Fund. The money generated from this event is used to fund The Breast Cancer Fund's current campaign work to raise awareness about the environmental links to breast cancer. This event features live entertainment, and informational booths for anyone who needs information on how to prevent breast cancer, how to deal with a diagnosis, and where to get support.
Q - Can you name a few local bands that you consider worth checking out?
A - There are so many great bands in the scene right now and I always love when bands persevere and never quit so they get major respect from me. Ol' Cheeky Bastards (Dave Dalton is one of the most determined and hard working people in the scene that I know), The Gun & Doll Show (Killian is a work horse), Psychokitty (Trish is a flamboyant force to be reckoned with) and my East Bay Favorite band is "Wire Graffiti" (this is another band who perseveres and writes great material and they put on a great show). There are so many bands in the city, it really is hard to keep up.
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