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- 29-95.com – TODY CASTILLO
- 29-95.com – TODY CASTILLO SADDLES UP WITH WINDHORSE
- HOUSTON CALLING – Review: Tody Castillo, Windhorse + CD release shows
- Space City Rock – Tody Castillo (New CD!)
- Dryvetyme Onlyne – Tody Castillo ‘Windhorse’ review
- Houston Callings Favorite Albums of 2009
- 002 Houston Magazine – Recording December: Tody Castillo
- http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/critics/2009/686517
Houston Modern Luxury Magazine - February 2008 Issue
The Loop Music
David A. Cobb
FRESH BROOD Past his ‘lonely boy’ stage, H-Town’s favorite tortured soul is ready to rock on a new disc with a second album scheduled for release this spring, affable singersongwriter Tody Castillo’s star is rising.
In a just world, Castillo would be as well known as the similarly prolific alt-country bad boy Ryan Adams. Times should soon change.
In December, his song “Not That Kind Of Girl” was licensed for MTV’s Real World, an opportunity that came as a result of Castillo’s West Coast representation. “It’s my first ‘real’ break that only took 12 years,” he quips. “I hope that it will spark more opportunity.” Castillo was born in Kingsville, and split time between San Antonio and Corpus Christi throughout his childhood. After moving to Houston for college, he decided to stay. Castillo also did a brief stint in New York City during his twenties, which, according to him— due to the abundance of talent in the Big Apple—helped hone his skills as a songwriter and guitar player. “It’s good to leave your comfort zone as an artist and as a person,” he adds. He returned to Houston with a fresh take and added experience.
Quinn Bishop, local music guru and owner of record store Cactus Music, played a huge role in shaping Castillo’s prowess, according to the artist, in that his first 2005 self-titled LP had a home. “I think I was a bit Surprised by the [first] record’s success, but I was probably more thankful of the reception,” he says. “It was the first time I ever put something out that got serious criticism. I was pleased with the results because I gave it all I had. That’s all you can do with anything you do in life.” His music is melodic, beautiful and haunting. Whether he’s softly picking his guitar or playing with a full band, it’s readily apparent that he is one of Houston’s finest working artists. Mostly tales of love and loss, his songs’ honesty strikes a chord with listeners. And while he’s no longer the “lonely boy” he sang about on his debut—Castillo is now a happily married father—he still describes some of the material on his upcoming album as a bit dark.
“You can expect a radical sonic journey, equipped with radical thoughtful songwriting,” Castillo says. “It’s like a quiet Sunday morning. It’s like the airplane ride home after a nice vacation. It’s like remembering an old friend from the good old days.” Castillo certainly isn’t afraid of hard work, and setbacks and criticism only further his drive for success. While he avoids the grind of the music industry and will be the first to admit he’s a tad languid when it comes to self-promotion, he works hard where it counts—his music. He’s also not shy about Houston’s status in the music landscape.
In true tortured-troubadour fashion, he fondly adds, “I love Houston.
It’s an under-dog town.”