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

Alright, Vinny thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

When it comes to fostering inclusivity in the workplace, I believe it’s crucial to embody traits like approachability, collaboration, and a focus on delivering tangible outcomes.

In my experience, I found it best to create the environment you need in order to be creative. And then simply create! With that in mind, I’ve established a commercial recording studio myself, overcoming any possible limitations of a home-based setup, making myself more accessible to the industry. Building this studio wasn’t just about benefiting myself; it created an inclusive workspace for others who all come with their own sets of skills to bring forward and collaborate with.

Another key aspect is fostering a team dynamic where everyone understands their roles. I’ve witnessed situations where music producers struggle due to not having an inclusive workspace. This motivated me to build a commercial studio outside my home to enhance commercial success for myself and others.

Reflecting on my journey, I spent years in various professional recording studios across New York City. During this time, I observed a factory-like approach to music recording, lacking the personal touch vital for artist development. This personalized touch is often missing in today’s music industry, especially within recording studios that lack a private setting. At TheLabStudiosNYC, I prioritize creating an inclusive environment that nurtures this personal touch.

While engineering sessions hold significance, my passion lies in producing and collaborating to craft impactful records from scratch. As a producer, I’m dedicated to creating everything an artist needs for a successful record. Owning my studio allows me to provide studio time, engineering, mixing, and mastering services, facilitating a comprehensive creative process.

In essence, establishing a one-stop-shop with a cohesive team is instrumental in fostering a more inclusive workplace.

Vinny, 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?

Music has always been a part of my life, stemming from a family deeply rooted in the industry. My upbringing was surrounded by the sounds of soul music, soft rock, classical melodies, and various instruments, thanks to my older brother, mom, aunts, and grandparents—all involved in the music industry at different levels, achieving varying degrees of success.

My passion for music led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at Five Towns College. There, I honed my skills and gained a solid foundation in music, drawing from my exposure to instruments and diverse gear throughout my upbringing.

I offer a spectrum of products and services starting with music production, catering to recording artists, TV placements, sync opportunities, and any sound-related needs. Additionally, I provide recording, mixing, and mastering services, which are significant industries in their own right. Connecting all these elements, I guide artists through the crucial business aspects of releasing their music—a facet often overlooked.

The challenge for many artists lies in comprehending the business side of music release. My extensive education, coupled with years of hands-on experience and trial and error, has enabled me to craft a detailed roadmap for artists, offering insights into handling the business side of their records.

What sets my studio apart is our emphasis on artist development and the provision of comprehensive guidance. Unlike traditional studios, we bridge the gap by offering consultations and advice. Drawing from my background in business administration from Fordham University and nearly two decades of experience in various administrative roles, including teaching mathematics, science, and computer studies for 17 years, I blend my business acumen with my artist development, engineering & music production.

My multifaceted skill set allows me not only to write, record, mix, and master music but also to provide a structured roadmap for professional music releases and publishing set up to collection—a unique proposition in the industry.

Furthermore, I’ve delved into visual production, crafting everything from short skits to full-length music videos. These additional services complement our studio offerings, utilizing highly skilled professionals within the same field.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My journey into music started as a childhood hobby—an exploration fueled by exposure to various instruments and early experiences in professional studios alongside my older brother. However, I initially pursued education, finding fulfillment in teaching for a substantial 17-year span. Alongside teaching math, science, gym, computer skills, including programs like Photoshop, I nurtured my passion for music production, gradually establishing an small home recording studio dedicated to crafting and engineering music for clients.

During my teaching career, I experienced modest success as a music producer. This success served as a catalyst, igniting a realization that there was untapped potential waiting to be explored. However, balancing the demands of teaching while pursuing music limited my ability to fully dive into the music industry.

Regrettably, there were missed opportunities, such as touring with major companies worldwide—from the UK and the US to Korea and Mumbai. Eventually, I made the decision to leave the teaching field, focusing on building my home studio into a foundation for sustaining myself by engineering for clients and producing tracks for artists and organizations.

Transitioning from the structured education system to the entrepreneurial realm was a challenge. In education, there’s a comfort in a predictable routine, whereas being an independent entrepreneur means navigating uncertainties. This shift fueled my determination to scale up the studio, pushing me to explore innovative promotion, marketing strategies, and outreach, particularly through social media/Google and word of mouth.

Understanding the unpredictability of generating income as an independent entity, compared to the stability of a 9-to-5 job, has been a pivotal learning curve. It’s a different kind of freedom—distinct from both the freedom within a traditional job role and the autonomy of a corporate CEO.

This fear and exhilaration of venturing into the unknown continue to drive my passion for music and business, propelling me to constantly evolve and adapt in this ever-changing landscape.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey revolves around a singular aspiration: to become a published music producer, leaving behind a legacy of music that resonates with my family and future generations. While I’ve accumulated numerous credits in the music industry, my ultimate focus is on creating music that transcends time—a musical heritage that my family will cherish and perpetuate.

The enduring power of music to withstand the trials of time motivates me to continually refine my craft, striving for recognition that extends far beyond my current achievements. When we depart, we leave behind memories, photographs, and possessions. My aim is to also leave behind the profound gift of sound—my sound—that will echo through the ages long after I’m gone.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.TheLabStudiosNYC.com
• Instagram: Itsvinnyfromtheblock | TheLabStudiosNYC
• Facebook: CousinVinny
• Linkedin: Itsvinnyfromtheblock
• Twitter: Itsvinnyfromtheblock
• Youtube: TheLabStudiosNYC

Image Credits
I reserve and hold all usage rights for all photos included