We were lucky to catch up with Giancarlo Castillo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Giancarlo , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I embarked on my journey towards earning a sustainable income through my creative work immediately after graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2010 when I decided to make New York City my home. Back then, the road ahead was uncertain, with no guarantees of a full-time musician’s income. I lacked internships or a band waiting for my talents. So, like many aspiring musicians, I scoured the internet, frequented live shows, and networked in bars.

This approach led to my breakthrough as a music producer and guitarist, securing my first gig. From that point onward, my career gained momentum through recommendations and nurturing connections. Reflecting on my journey, I acknowledge the learning curve and the mistakes I made due to inexperience.

Now, armed with experience, I realize the paramount importance of understanding the business aspects of music, industry trends, and diverse income streams. This insight informs my advice to aspiring musicians: prioritize securing reliable sources of passive income, especially for those on tour. It could entail investing in music licensing opportunities early on, creating and selling instructional courses, or even producing sample packs for fellow musicians

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My music journey began when I landed a role as a music producer and live guitarist for Jessica Betts while interning at a recording studio. I was determined to find opportunities and jumped at every chance to be a live guitarist.

For seven years, I honed my skills in Brooklyn, collaborating with indie and major-label artists, live and in the studio.

In 2017, I moved to Los Angeles and joined rapper Skizzy Mars for my first national tour as a playback engineer and guitarist. This journey introduced me to more artists, including my current role as a touring guitarist for Quinn XCII.

I’ve had some incredible moments performing in sold-out arenas and appearing on TV shows like The Late Late Show with James Corden. Beyond touring, I also produce electronic music and compose for ads and international media.

Besides touring, I have also continued with my work as a pop/electronic music producer and composer, having had the opportunity to license some of my music for advertising and all types of international media broadcasting opportunities.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most gratifying part of my job lies in the ability of music to brighten someone’s day. As musicians, we possess the remarkable power to influence people’s emotions positively. This impact takes various forms, whether it’s the joy an audience feels after witnessing a live performance, or the desire to replay a record I’ve produced because of the happiness it brings.

The heartfelt compliments I receive, where people express how my music has enriched their lives, serve as my driving force. These affirmations keep me motivated and inspired to continue creating and sharing my art with the world.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Hailing from a third-world country, Peru, has fueled my primary aspiration: to inspire future generations of musicians, particularly those hailing from places with limited resources like my own. I strive to lead by example, demonstrating through my actions that perseverance, unwavering commitment to honing your craft, treating everyone with respect, and maintaining an unquenchable thirst for learning can pave a path to pursuing your greatest passion.

In this age, geographical boundaries matter less and less. Regardless of where you’re from, there exists a platform for you to turn your love for music into a livelihood. All it takes is curiosity and unrelenting dedication. My mission is to encourage others to recognize that opportunity is boundless, and with determination, you can carve your own place in the world of music.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/space9_music
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/space9_music

Image Credits
Main Photo – @trevorhroberts Other – @trevorhroberts -@jaywennington