Matt Castillo STAYING TRUE TO COUNTRY MUSIC

BY: MEGAN DEFABRY

Texas country singer and songwriter, Matt Castillo, is on the rise making his dreams a reality. His music denotes wholeheartedness and authenticity with a classic ‘90s country feel. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself listening to his songs on repeat. Through all of life’s grit and grace, he’s been creating music hits like, “Cause He’s a Cowboy” from his album, “How The River Flows”, and “Corazon” from his EP, “The River Continues”. He recently released his new single, “Go Get Her”, which is now available on all music streaming platforms.

Matt is originally from Austin, Texas but bounced between towns when he was growing up. His childhood was spent between Austin with his mom, Carol Castillo, and Edinburg, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley with his aunt and uncle, Slyvia and Alex Hernandez. His mom knew he’d receive a better education in South Texas so Matt went to school in Edinburg. He saw his mom every chance he got which was every holiday when he wasn’t in school. Matt appreciates her sacrifice and is thankful for his family. He loves both of his hometowns and what they had to offer him growing up with the best of both hometowns.

Even when he was young, Matt has always had an appreciation and love for country music. His mom loved country music and so he naturally gravitated towards it, especially ‘90s country. To this day it still runs deep as he’ll find himself listening to country music throughout his day.

“I have memories of having headphones on and turning them sideways and wanting to emulate Garth Brooks. I’d seen an NBC special one time and had fallen in love with the idea of playing country music and wanting to be a country star. That always stuck with me.”-Matt

Castillo

It wasn’t until Matt was older, in his sophomore year in high school, that he got his first guitar. He had taught himself how to read music and then eventually learned how to play. He started out by playing all of his mom’s favorite ‘90s country songs which eventually led to the inspiration of his own music later in life.

“The first song I ever learned on my guitar was, “Much Too Young (to Feel This Damn Old)” by Garth Brooks. Any chance I can play it I always dedicate it to my mom because it’s kind of like coming full circle. You know as a little kid, listening to him, then playing that song, and now actually chasing the dream and it becoming a reality. I knew that is what I always wanted to do.” –Matt Castillo

Matt had actually gone to college to become an athletic trainer. He majored in Kinesiology with a minor in Criminal Justice and graduated from The University Of Texas – Pan American thanks to the support from his family. Matt was the first person in his family to graduate from high school and college. After his degree, he decided he really wanted to pursue a career in music. He knew it was going to be a challenge but he was willing to endure it.

Looking back, Matt said his journey was driven with a good amount of faith and hope as he wanted to make his family proud.

It has been one heck of a journey for Matt as he has been pushing the pedal to the metal as he builds himself from the ground up as an independent artist, which isn’t an easy task in today’s world. He’s endured vocal lessons and learned how to train his voice. The more he performed, the more Matt really started figuring out his style and voice. Through networking, managing his own company and band, staying focused, never giving up, and most of all staying true to himself, Matt has come a long way in the independent music space and yet he still sets his sights higher.

Something that Matt loves most about the Western way of life is the values it brings. Even though he wasn’t raised in the cowboy way of life, he’s always admired the values they bring to the table. From being a good human, being respectful, keeping your head down, and working hard. A lot of those values that the cowboy way of life offers, Matt likes to instill in himself.

Recent Accolades: Through passion, drive, and a lot of hard work, Matt’s music has come to life and has been taking well-deserved recognition. He received his first #1 radio single, “Cause He’s A Cowboy” (July 2022) on the Texas Regional Radio Report. Not only that but he received his second #1 radio single, “Corazon” (May 2023) on the Texas Regional Radio Report. He was awarded “New Male Vocalist of the Year” (2023) at the Texas Regional Radio Music Awards.

Special Thanks From Matt: Matt gives a special thank you for the love and support of his family and friends, his producer, Roger Brown, and his amazing band who are just as passionate about his music and tear it up on stage bringing more light to Matt’s music.

Matt Castillo is someone you won’t forget, he’s a genuine, humble country artist that I had the pleasure of meeting and his music will surely leave an impression on you. Be sure to check out Matt Castillo and his tour dates at mattcastillomusic.com. Give him a follow on social media, Facebook: Matt Castillo Music, Instagram: @mattcastillomusic, and Twitter: @TheMattCastillo. Don’t forget to listen to his latest single, “Go Get Her”, available now on all streaming platforms.

“I love country music. I don’t want to do anything else. I want to write heartfelt songs that can really give you goosebumps, hit your heart, make you cry, make you smile, and make you dream.” -Matt

Castillo