Get to know... Nick Castro

Since I've been writing the "Get to Know" column, I have concentrated mostly on bandleaders or singers — the front men or women of the music — and that's all well and good, but the mouthpiece isn't always the person who says the most. Sometimes that duty falls on the rhythm section. Especially when it's a good, solid, groove-laden rhythm section that moves you. And nobody serves up the low end better than Johnson City's own Nick Castro. A ball of energy and sound, Castro bounces across the stage almost as much as his long curls, delivering the perfect compliment to whatever drummer he shares space with — he is the consummate professional and a wonderful performer, as anyone who has seen him match dance moves on stage with Florencia could tell you. He soaks up the music, gives it a spin and sends it right back to you so you can get moving. If you were looking for someone who embodies "having a good time on stage," it would be Nick Castro. He is always smiling, moving and giving his all — on stage and off — and he does it very well. Take a few moments and get to know Bass player and DJ Nick Castro. When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved? "I remember being exposed to music at a young age. My mom strived to give me and my twin the opportunity to try many different things growing up, from sports, performing in plays, taking piano lessons, or anything else she thought would help inspire us to find something to be passionate about. I remember being drawn to this odd phenomenon of music that not only moved me physically, but emotionally as well. The power of a strong melody, groove, or lyrics had the ability to make me excited or even reflect on moments in my own life. I was fascinated by the inner working and theory of how all these sounds come together to create something that could illicit such a wide range of feelings. I don't remember a specific moment when it dawned on me that music was going to be a big part of my life. It slowly tightened its grip around me as I grew, and it's never loosened." Is this current project your first, or have you been involved in other things? "At the moment I'm playing in "Florencia & the Feeling" and "Jusfine," two great projects I think you should check out, although I may be a bit biased. I've played in many different groups over the years, from my early bands in high school to other groups such as Random Tangents, A Great Disaster, Doctor Ocular, Jake Quillin Band, Daniel Byrd's Boogie Machine, and Amythyst Kiah and Her Chest of Glass." What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved? "One of the main reasons I love to perform is because it's so much fun! I love working hard with a band to make sure everything is as tight as it can be, then having a blast presenting it and getting a crowd feeling good and moving. I like being able to provide a place of escape, especially since life can be so tough." How would you describe your music/band/project? "Most of the music I'm involved with now is heavily influenced by black artists and genres such as funk, jazz, and hip hop, although the music I'm playing now covers a wide variety of feelings. I would say I personally push within the groups for more dance oriented music." Is this something you see yourself doing as a career? "I'm happy to say that my income is solely produced through music, however, as many artists know, that means having to be creative with multiple income streams. I teach private music lessons, I perform live with the bands most weekends, and, as of late, I have been DJ-ing weddings, the Hard Rock Casino, and some EDM shows as well." What are your other interests? Do you have any surprise talents or hobbies? "I'm actually a huge geek! I love sci-fi, fantasy, manga/anime, video games, long YouTube videos about incredibly niche topics, and just about anything with good storytelling and interesting ideas to share. Anything from Kurt Vonnegut I absolutely adore. I also love psychology and communication; I got my bachelors in clinical psychology at ETSU. I'm really into discussing people's experiences and philosophies and how they relate to the rest of the world." Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local)? {p class="p4"}"Most of my influence comes from the great musicians I'm blessed to be surrounded with. There's always so much to learn from those around you, and I've really enjoyed absorbing what I can from all the people I've had the joy to make music with. When it comes to legends that have inspired me, I would say James Jameson, Joe Dart, Thundercat, Bootsy Collins, and Paul Turner." If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be? {p class="p4"}"I believe the closest thing we have to magic in this world is our dreams. Dreams push us into places and actions that we could have never imagined. They can bring us hope. They can bring us peace. They can bring us love. I don't know where I would be in my life without my dreams. It sets a fire in me everyday and makes a life worth living. I'll never stop pursuing my dreams." {p class="p6"}You can watch Nick follow his dreams most weekends with The Feeling and Jusfine. To find out where he'll be playing, check the band pages online at facebook.com/florenciaandthefeeling or facebook.com/thatsjusfine — or — instagram.com/florenciaandthefeeling and instagram.com/thatsjusfine.