We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristen Castro. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristen below.

Hi Kristen, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I’ve spent the last 4 years finding my creative identity and my most meaningful project has been making my latest album, Capricorn Baby. I recorded the songs in my sister’s apartment in Amsterdam and pieces were tracked in Nashville and Los Angeles. Some of the songs were mixed on trains in Italy and London, it’s something that’s been worked on all over the world. This project is more than releasing an album, it’s mourning the girl I used to be, letting go of what I thought I deserved, and finding out who I am in wholesomeness. In my 20s, people’s judgements and misconceptions of me felt like a cage that squashed my joy. I slowly found that what made me different didn’t fit into one box. It was my responsibility to open the doors that people tried to close and carve out my own path.

When I went to Mexico last year, I found the last puzzle piece I needed to fully see myself. Putting my feet on the ground in Mexico City and Oaxaca put me in touch with a past I didn’t know I needed. I was with 3 generations of women in my family connecting to my roots and ancestors. We went to see ancient landmarks and local artisans and discovered a cultural richness of talents and complexity. It shattered every thought and feeling I’ve ever had of not being good enough. Visiting Frida Kahlo’s Blue House helped me see that it’s okay if artists don’t fit in, there are so many spaces waiting to be filled. Releasing this project is a bridge for myself and others seeking to be seen and dive into artistic totality. It’s taken two years to finish but I’m proud of the work I poured into finally being able to release it later this year.

Kristen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Who I Am:
My name is Kristen Castro and I’m a Mexican-American Indie Pop artist, producer and session player. I picked up guitar when I was 10 years old and have since cultivated sponsorships with Ernie Ball, Taylor Guitars, JHS Pedals, and LR Baggs. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in music when I played with Keith Urban in front of 10,000 people at 15 years old. The rush was infectious, the crowd electric, and the drums made me feel like I was flying. I was mentored by musicians who shaped my work ethic and professionalism: Sergio Gonzalez (drums for Jlo, Keb Mo), Matt Bissonette (bass for Elton John, Ringo Starr), Paul Pesco (guitar for Madonna, Hall & Oates). I moved from Los Angeles to Nashville shortly after high school. In love with all things country music, I joined an Americana Country trio and was a member for 6 years. We played at a GRAMMY event featuring Goo Goo Dolls and Bonnie Raitt, gathered a million views on Audiotree, and were featured in CMT / Billboard.

After leaving the band and country music in 2019 I explored putting out various artist pop projects that never felt exactly like what I wanted to be or say. I started rebuilding community and finding a new purpose in shattering music industry narratives and stereotypes by putting uniqueness and authenticity in its place. In 2023, I escaped to Amsterdam to live with my sister for 3 months and made an album that finally felt like me. That year I was encouraged by my close friend Devon Eisenbarger (guitar for Katy Perry, Chappell Roan) to pursue being a live performer and see where that would take me. In 2024 I started playing guitar and background vocals for Peytan Porter and Allison Ponthier. I music directed Peytan’s sets opening for Tim McGraw, CMA Fest, and her Opry debut, alongside co-producing her latest live release – Grown (Live from Piomingo). With Allison, I played with her as a duo for her sets opening for Maren Morris and The Japanese House, and most recently playing at Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna in Mexico.

What I Do For Artists:
As a player and music director, I translate artist’s music to duo and full band arrangements for music venues. Live performances are inevitably susceptible to issues, so it’s my job to quickly find a solution in a matter of seconds to minutes. I aim to create a safe environment of trust, transparency, empowerment, and confidence for every artist I play with. I am an advocate for artists and musicians who feel doubt, fear, or uncertainty. As a performer I play in multiple types of tunings that give me the ability to sound like more than one person is playing. It’s a skillset that’s taken many years to develop.

I Am Most Proud Of:
I love helping creatives feel seen in whatever capacity they need to be met and grow. I feel in my purpose when I’m able to lift someone up in kindness, belief in their art, encouragement to try new things, and lend support in navigating the unknown.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

After moving from Nashville and leaving a band of 6 years, I fell into an identity crisis. I wanted to quit music altogether. In 2024, I stepped into working for artists and their live shows. I pivoted from pursuing my own artist path to rebuilding confidence as a live player and music director in Pop and Country music. Unsure of how to navigate being an artist again I got insights into how established and upcoming artists operate. I was put in challenging scenarios and given unique musical opportunities that helped me learn invaluable skills. If I had just pursued my own artist path I would’ve missed key moments that shaped me into the professional I am today. I’m grateful that I was able to pivot into my musicianship and learn lessons to lean into my artistry again.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Over the years I’ve had to unlearn imposter syndrome – the tendency to believe my success is undeserved and that someday people will realize I’m a fraud. Every time I jumped over a hurdle of hardship I was always surprised and confused how I did it. Whether it be playing for Keith Urban at 15, doing session work in high level studios, playing at a GRAMMY show at 20, or learning and memorizing sets for artists the night before a show, I always succeeded. I solely believed it to be luck. That after all this time I’ve only ever been lucky. I never felt deserving or worthy enough to take up space. For the first time in my life, I learned to ask guidance from myself whenever I face hardships. That my musical talents and abilities will always be my way to overcome challenging moments. I finally see that I was always worthy and enough to share and be who I am.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristencastromusic
• Other: [email protected]

  @kristencastromusic

Image Credits

Anna Haas
Caroline Ocegueda
Anna Scott
Reed Silverstein
Sandra Jam