Conviction and passion are a few words that describe Don Castor and his music. The talented pop/R&B singer/songwriter is making his name known out of Los Angeles, California. After having released three full length projects (Quest, Pieces, & Journey) and several music videos, his efforts are now focused on expanding his musical vision and reaching people on a deeper level through music and art. Don Castor strives to create content that entertains and inspires all people. His album “Broken” is an expansion of his artistic vision and finds a balance between art that entertains and inspires the entire planet.
Kicking into gear with the blissfully light on its feet yet fast-paced soundscape, “My Side”, showcases Don Castor’s skills in both musicianship and production shining brightly from the offset. This soul-soaked, organic offering directs you through a downpour of soul and emotion, leaving you feeling as if you’re the quiet stillness amidst a beautifully manic world. “How We Live” is busy yet gentle all at once, the united wave of the experience, the details and layers that make it up are each incredibly crisp and impressively crafted. The album “Broken” continues to envelop you in all the right ways. A touch of softly confident R&B/Soul guides you through the rhythmic warmth of “Feels So Good”. Beautifully gentle and seductive R&B vocals whisper the melody and these intimate lyrics as if the whole thing was written purely for you. A timeless love song that celebrates personal relationships in a classically cool and smooth way.
“Do You” features poetic and entrancing paired vocals weave an easy melody in between moments of a contemporary R&B beat, a brilliant use of contrast that gives the track a real sense of dynamic and progression. Inspiring ideas float through amidst these beautifully enchanting soundscape. “Do You” is an easy one to love and a definite early highlight. “Dirt” features Don Castors smooth and inspiring vocals as a quick but enjoyable interlude through “Broken”. “Love Without Walls” is profoundly uplifting, a stunning performance and a notably engaging, piano ballad. Keeping you on your toes just enough so to hold attention, a hit of reggae and funk pour through for “Bored”. Eclecticism and a certain genre-free creative approach are evident and infectious. A well-placed moment of passion that’s difficult not to dance to.
Changing up the entire theme of the album, “A Place I Call Home” pours through the speakers and is absolutely chilling. It’s powerful, raw and completely vulnerable through expert lyricism and breathtaking piano. “I’m The Man” follows on and crafts a slowly rising soundscape around you that seems partly Prince-like and flawlessly composed. A subtle hint of experimentation weaves its way into the mix, captivating and calming you. A confident and unique piece of music, easily inspiring once it’s crossed your path. “Never Give Up” keeps things soulful, fusing RnB and pop, and the contrast between the twinkling outer edges and the grit of that leading riff helps move things along in a seductively rhythmic manner. Then you get the equally seductive embrace of a classic and stylish “Ride The Wave”, a stunning raspy vocal brings character and quiet confidence to Don Castor’s subtle swagger and flawless, mellow rhythm. The track goes on to envelop the listener as the pace increases. Don Castor works his poetic and provocative magic upon you. “Respiro” is a beautiful culturally bright track. The intimate, up front nature of Don’s voice is stunning, and despite the complex and impressive nature of the instrumentation, it takes nothing away from the natural qualities of that voice.
“A Different Corner” is a stand-out towards the end of this latest album. The pace and the hypnotic vocal rhythm draw you in from the offset and continue to surround you in a beautifully expressive manner throughout. Impeccable production, incredibly skillful and absolutely worthy of any and all praise sent through. “Give It Back” adds a moment of soul at the perfect moment, a vocalist with a clear and natural connection to the performance. The song takes a minimalist pathway with that subtle but certain swagger and softness combined. Title track/ interlude “Broken” features an inspirational and real monologue from Niketa Calame-Harris. Her words will drag anyone out of their darkest and day motivate you to keep trying. “Me” continues the thoughtful exploration at the heart of Don’s work. He isn’t afraid to appear vulnerable in his openness, and that’s something well worth appreciating as a listener. “Another Wave” furthers this and again the piano and the vocals work beautifully together, entrancing you with the story-line and that ongoing honesty.
There is categorically not a single moment wasted on this album. Don Castor selected the best of the best, and then made sure to perform, record and produce those chosen tracks to the utmost highest quality. Immensely good music, timeless and masterfully crafted, absolutely worth the time it takes to listen to all 17 tracks. Stay tuned for more!
Check out “Broken” here and read more with Don Castor in our exclusive interview below!
If someone could only listen to one track off of “Broken” to get a sense of who you are as an artist, which track would you suggest and why?
That’s a difficult question. I really see “Broken” as a body of work that encompasses overcoming a challenging period in my life. If I were forced to choose I’d have to say “Feels So Good” or “Do You” both song embody living my fullest life on my own terms.
What are some challenges you faced when creating this album? How did you overcome those challenges?
I faced so many challenges. The project itself is a summary of several years of challenges. It’s about finding the beauty & humanity in bot being perfect & honoring my growth. During the recording process there were several variables that halted production. Even after the completing the project, I nearly scraped it due to some legal issues. But it’s all made me realize that challenges are a part of life. What’s important is that I face them head on & never bow down to fear.
What are your main aspirations as an artist going forward?
I’ll continue to inspire more and more people everywhere through music & arts with my message of love & living to the fullest.
What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as an independent artist over time?
Never give up. Have a strong vision & believe in myself no matter what. Always be open to criticism & seeing another perspective, but don’t ever lose the core of who I am in other to appease others.
Discover more on Don Castor through his social media below!