Texas country singer and songwriter, Matt Castillo is on the rise making his dreams a reality. His music is wholehearted and authentic with a ‘90s and Texas country feel. You’ll find yourself listening to his songs on repeat. Through 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”, available on all streaming platforms.
Background
Matt is originally from Austin, Texas. He had an interesting childhood but nonetheless, it shaped him into who he is today. Matt had the best of both worlds where he had two hometowns growing up. His time was spent between Austin with his mom, Carol Castillo, and Edinburg, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley with his aunt, Slyvia Hernandez, and uncle, 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 have to offer.
Growing up, 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 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’d play all of his mom’s favorite ‘90s country songs.
“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. He got his degree 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. Matt led his journey being driven with a good amount of faith and hope. He wanted to make his family proud.
Growing up Matt had seen his family own their own business and that motivated him to want to build his very own business. It just so happened that music was lined up perfectly for that by having your own business being in a band and being able to chase your dream of country music.
Credit: BonaFide Cowboy
Music Journey
It has been one heck of a journey so far, Matt has been pedal to the metal and has built himself from the ground up as an independent artist. He’s endured vocal lessons, learning how to train his voice. The more he performed at honky tonks, venues, and bars is when Matt really started figuring out his style and voice. Through networking, building relationships with people, 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. He continues to learn and continues to blossom.
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.
Appreciation for the Cowboy Way of Life
Something that Matt loves most about the Western world is the values it brings. Even though he wasn’t raised 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.
Special Thanks
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.
Where to find Matt Castillo
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
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