Inspiring Conversations with Vinny Castro of TrakFormaz Music Group
Today we’d like to introduce you to Vinny Castro.
Hi Vinny, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I can’t help but see in my head that my mom starts out my story. She introduced me to music at such an early age. The earliest songs I can recall are the theme songs from Star Wars in the early ’80s. Mom would be cleaning the house, dancing and listening to this on vinyl, then switching over to “Just My Imagination” by The Temptations, then Michael Jackson. It was an awesome time, and I was like 4, lol. Anyway, it stuck with me, and so did the hobbies of my two older brothers who were young teens either DJing or breakdancing. Outside of my windows, there was either reggae or Latin music being blasted by whoever started the party first! East New York rules!
From there, I became a DJ “in my head” for a few years, which led to rapping solo or in groups, but all as teens. In the mid-’90s, I was listening to Wu-Tang Clan, Redman, EPMD, Poison – Bell Biv Devoe, Lauryn Hill, etc. Around that time, I knew I needed to become a music producer because one of my older brothers was suddenly producing big acts in the ’90s, including music for movies. I quickly followed after him, especially with the inside hookup for gear & various studio runs, lol. From that point on, I’ve never stopped.
I also worked as a school teacher for about 18 years while trying to keep up with the music business. As for my education career, I taught various subjects over that window of time, also attaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Eventually, I dropped the education component and opened my own professional recording studio in Brooklyn, which is open 24/7. This studio has grown to be very popular and is a home for many clients who frequent it. Besides that, I still tend to teach my own music classes here at my studio because of my love for education.
My production credits include French Montana, Red Velvet, Jim Jones, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, 50 Cent, G Unit, Full Force, Victoria’s Secret, Pepsi, NFL, NBA, BET, and more. For the last 2 years, it’s mostly been sync placements for TV and film alongside running my studio. I’ve also been able to secure distribution deals to produce sound packs for other producers to download and use for their own creations. These sound packs have allowed me to collaborate with artists all around the world.
It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step has led me to where I am today, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the greatest challenges I faced on this journey was the struggle to secure consistent representation in the music industry. This difficulty stemmed largely from my initial lack of understanding of how the music industry operates. I used to place my trust in others who were supposed to “run the business,” hoping they would effectively manage my hard work and navigate the complexities on my behalf.
Fortunately, my music consistently opened doors to valuable conversations, meetings, and joint ventures. However, it soon became clear that relying solely on others was not enough. I made a pivotal decision to take control and educate myself thoroughly about the music business.
I took the time to learn royalties, publishing, and legalities required to be an independent published artist. Its a process that demands focus because its easy to lose sight of your creative journey. I couldn’t stop making music so I balanced both. This journey of self-education was challenging but ultimately transformative, turning each obstacle into a valuable learning experience.
I take pride in mentoring and consulting with numerous artists, helping them navigate the complexities of the music industry with confidence. Empowering others with the knowledge of what to do and how to protect themselves legally has become an integral part of my mission. Ive become a mentor for many and having this studio has allowed that to happen.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about TrakFormaz Music Group?
My company, TrakFormaz music group, revolves mostly around music production. My work involves close 1 on 1 sessions when producing for artists. Its the only way I personally feel to create that “magic” we here in hit records. Of course theres no rules, so I can send music out for remote work as well! Thats generally how I attain my sync placements. I’m mostly provided with briefs to fulfill, and I just
What Ive expanded on is on the growth of my recording studio, TheLabStudiosNYC. I focus a lot on growing our clientele list to build financial sustainability. I employ engineers & producers to take on the tasks required when working with clients who book our space to create their music. We provide recording, mixing, & mastering services. Aside from these studio services we also offer music production, in a wide variety of genres and formats.
This studio has become a home for many, including me. This is where I do 100% of my work, even being mobile on laptop. The sole purpose of the studio was to serve as a production house for me and my collaborators. Clients who book this studio always share this with me also. Im glad I was able to design and build a space that became so comfortable for so many people. The physical buildout alongside the purchase and use of amazing gear was always a focus for me as a business owner. People are paying for our time and so they should get nothing but top of the line audio/video in return.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people did not know I was a teacher but quickly understand why I was, once I speak about it. I do have a love for education but after working as a teacher for 18 years, I decided to open my own studio business. In those 18 years, I taught k – 8 students all subjects ranging from Math, Science, Computer, Gym, & History. at about 10 years in I decided to go for my Masters from Fordham University to become an admin. For 2 years i served as assistant principal for a school I also worked in as a junior high teacher. It was a busy time of my life!
I didn’t let myself get pulled into 100% admin work. I wanted to remain teaching but still ended up running all sorts of programs in various schools like after school programs, lunch programs, neighborhood fairs and events, school stores, fundraisers, etc. Eventually I went on to run social media platforms for various schools, while also working the creative side of gathering the content for them. So I would become the in house photographer/videographer curating all work for social media. That lasted the later 8 years of my education career.
Probably the most surprising thing would be the year the student parent community tried to vote me in as principal!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheLabstudiosNYC.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelabstudiosnyc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrakFormaz/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@thelabstudiosnyc476