We recently connected with Avi Castellanos and have shared our conversation below.
Avi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
In my heart, I’ve always known that music is my path—not just as a profession, but as the force that truly ignites my soul. From the beginning, I understood that this journey would be far from easy. It would demand sacrifices, resilience, and the willingness to embrace delayed gratification.
At 25 and a year out of college, deciding to pursue music as a career wasn’t an easy choice. The music industry evolves at a relentless pace, and success often feels like an abstract, ever-shifting concept. I’ve considered other career paths—music therapy, becoming a licensed psychologist—and I’ve worked in non-music jobs that bring me fulfillment but ultimately serve as stepping stones toward my true calling.
At the end of the day, I know I’m happiest as an artist. Even if it doesn’t bring immediate financial stability, there’s a deeper satisfaction in staying true to myself. I’d rather go to bed each night knowing I followed my passion than give up on music to chase something that would leave me feeling drained and unfulfilled.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a singer, songwriter, and producer who loves crafting immersive inner worlds through my music. Fascinated by both sound design and deeply resonant lyricism, I aim to touch people on an intimate level by exploring themes such as mental health, self-growth, emotional pain, toxic relationships, and spirituality.
While I often move between genres, I consider myself a “cinematic pop” artist, drawing inspiration from icons like Lana Del Rey, Gregory Alan Isakov, Pink Floyd, James Blake, and film composers such as Ben Lukas Boysen. My work spans both lyrical and instrumental music. Currently, I’m developing an ambient, neo-classical drone EP titled SIDEDREAM, set to release next year—perhaps the most authentic artistic expression of who I am.
I’m passionate about creating music with a rich, cinematic, and lush sonic atmosphere—dreamy soundscapes that are perfect for long drives or quiet moments of introspection. My mission is to explore and share my inner psyche through my music, inviting others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I believe what society can do to best support artists/creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem is to really legitimize the importance of making art. I’ve been told time and time again that making music isn’t a “real job” or “it’s gonna take a long time, so why bother”. I really dislike those statements because they come from a place of dismissing the significance of bearing your soul to the world, especially in today’s challenging times when making art is more vital than ever before. While yes, it is a windy path that is not for the faint of heart and it has many ups and downs, by simply saying to give up is such an immature response. Perseverance as a creative is the most important thing to do because you realize that even though you may have a specific goal in mind with your career, just know that the plan often shifts – quickly too. By really embracing all the little steps you take each day, it makes the journey so much more bearable and enjoyable too.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the deep sense of satisfaction and emotional release that comes from creating something that authentically expresses a side of yourself you might not typically share. There’s value in all types of music—whether it’s celebratory, viral TikTok hits, or deeply emotional and vulnerable pieces. Knowing you’ve crafted something—whether alone or collaboratively—that releases feelings you’ve been holding onto is incredibly fulfilling.
I started making music on my own, and that was its own rewarding experience. Music can be such an introspective journey, and those solitary moments often allow you to tap into something truly special. However, having a community of other artists has become equally important to me. Collaborating creatively has not only made the process more enjoyable but also given me new perspectives on what art means to a diverse range of people—not just to myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avicastellanosmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avi.castellanos.5/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AviCastellanos_
Image Credits
Jessica Chu, Asher Thomas and Connie May