FEATURE:
Spotlight
Sophie Castillo
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A major talent that…
people need to check out and support is Sophie Castillo. I will come to some recent press around Castillo. A great interview where she explained how she wants to bring Latin music to the U.K. The London-based artist has a really interesting heritage and upbringing. So many different strands, components and sounds go into her music. I will start out with a 2022 interview with Raydar Magazine and their salute of a simply magnificent young artist. Someone, clearly, who is going to go a very long way in music:
“Sophie Castillo is a radiant voice emerging in West London’s music scene. The prodigious young indie singer is impressively making her way through the alt-pop scene, formally introducing herself with the release of “Love Me That Way.” As a first-generation immigrant, she often taps on her Colombian and Cuban heritage to produce a sound with a Latin twist she makes her own.
This past year, the rising songstress unveiled singles like “When The Sun Goes Down” and “In My Mind,” further cementing herself as a starlet to keep an eye on. Her music often delves into topics such as love, self, and the spiritual as she navigates the world using music as a pivot for self-expression. With a promising career ahead of her, Sophie is carefully building out her catalog with intention behind each record. “There’s a lot of music where I’ve heard the lyrics, and it just hits deep. I would love to have that role and do that for other people,” she shares.
We had the pleasure of chatting with Sophie Castillo about her South American upbringing, new music, self-love, and much more! Check it out below.
Can you share how you got your start in music?
I’ve been singing since I was a kid and I used to do musical theatre when I was really young. I never really had the voice, but I still loved it so I did that up until I was thirteen and then when I turned fifteen is when I started writing music properly. I used to sing more pop-rock music; I released maybe one song when I was eighteen and then I took a bit of a break to figure out what my sound was going to be. Then I dropped my first singing at the beginning of lockdown and it’s been good since then.
What about the industry initially attracted you to it?
It’s always been a natural thing to me since I’ve always sung and loved music. Growing up in a Latin household, we were always playing music at home and I’ve been saying I wanted to be an artist since I was a child. It’s been a main dream of mine for quite some time.
Can you express how your upbringing in West London, as well as Colombian and Cuban heritage, influences your music?
Being South American, my mom was always playing music at home. My mom is Colombian and my dad is Cuban so I got to hear music from both sides. That influenced me because as I got older and learned more about my heritage, I became more appreciative. I started wanted to incorporate that in my music by using more Spanish and diving into more genres. I definitely want to do a proper fusion of Latin and English music.
I feel like when you have immigrant parents and your first generation in say like the UK, you grow up in such a British environment and don’t know a lot of Latinas. You don’t really express that side of yourself because you’re so worried about fitting in like all teenagers are. As you get older, you start thinking more about your identity and where you come from. It’s a beautiful experience that I think we all go through eventually.
When writing songs, do you typically write about real-life experiences or experiences of those who are close to you?
So I have this weird thing where I’ll write this song and I don’t understand how it relates to me. Then maybe a few months or a few years later, it’ll be relevant to what’s going on. I don’t know if that’s me being psychic or manifesting it, but that used to happen to me a lot when I was younger. It really just blurts out onto the page and to be fair, a lot of the time I’m writing about real-life experiences that I don’t know how to say in person or don’t feel comfortable expressing it.
What are you looking forward to as your career and fan base continues to grow?
I’m looking to forward to my fan base growing! That I’m looking forward to specifically, but I’m really excited to share my music with more people. I feel like it would be really nice to bond with people over things that both of us are thinking of and I just said it in a song. There’s a lot of music where I’ve heard the lyrics, and it just hits deep.
I would love to have that role and do that for other people as well because it’s helped me a lot. I just really enjoy making music and I’m excited to hopefully have a life where I can do that full-time and live in a perpetual state of creativity. We’re speaking it into existence now!
An experimental artist who marries Indie and Latin sounds, Sophie Castillo is definitely an artist who is a rarity in Britain. Not enough awareness and spotlighting of Latin artists here. This is something she wants to change. I want to include this interview from Quake Magazine. Not only do we get some great answers from Sophie Castillo. The photoshoot is pretty eye-catching and original too. All helping to underline how this is a special and unique artist who people need to listen to:
"How did your journey with music begin?
I started singing when I was really young and did musical theatre from age 5-13. I learnt a lot of technical things about music during my time doing musical theatre which helped a lot. But I realised that it wasn’t really my thing and I wanted to make my own music. I started recording my own songs at 15 and at that time I made pop rock music. Then at around 21 I started working on new music more inspired by my heritage.
Do you remember a specific moment or experience that made you realise ‘yeah this is what I want to do with my life’?
I’ve always wanted to be a singer to be honest, since I was really little I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do with my life. Being on stage or finishing a song always reinforces this feeling though, it really motivates me.
PHOTO CREDIT: Arhantika Rebello
What are your biggest influences and inspirations when it comes to creating music?
I think other music is definitely so inspiring. I try to listen to music everyday and my favourite artists (Rosalía, Kali Uchis, lana del rey, Desta French, etc) really inspire me musically. I’m also super inspired by things I see visually, colours, aesthetics and moods/feelings. I love making mood boards for each song I make to solidify the mood/aesthetic I’m going for.
Out of all the music you’ve released so far, what are you most proud of? Why?
I’m really proud of my latest single ‘Call Me By Your Name’. It was my first time experimenting with a Latin genre: ‘Bachata’ and I’m really happy I got to experiment with more Latin sounds. It’s also the first song of mine that I co-produced.
Where do you hope to see yourself end up with your music?
I hope that in the future I can make music full time and be touring the world and having lots of people listening to my music who I can connect to and make music for.
PHOTO CREDIT: Arhantika Rebello
What part do you feel music has to play in the world today?
I think music is super important today in the world. It helps people to connect with each other, to feel heard and understood and to know that people are going through similar experiences. It brings people together.
Does your heritage play a part in your music and musical identity? If so, how?
My heritage definitely plays a part in my music. I love taking inspiration from Latin music and themes, especially how romantic the lyrics are, some of the rhythms and I’m excited to experiment with more Latin sounds in the future
What advice do you have for other young up and coming artists?
I would recommend trying to learn a bit about music production. I’m trying to learn now and it is really hard but I think it’s super useful to give you more freedom with creating music”.
TUC Magazine recently conducted a very thorough and explorative interview with Sophie Castillo. Perhaps the longest she has been involved with, we get to discover a lot about an artist who is primed for staggering success very soon. I have selected a few portions of that interview to highlight. I would urge anyone unfamiliar with Sophie Castillo to listen to her music now:
“That’s so cool, I’m impressed. After watching your videos and listening to your songs, I could definitely see that there’s a huge Kali Uchis influence. Am I right? And who else gives you the inspiration to create music?
Absolutely, I have a deep admiration for artists like Kali Uchis, Lana Del Rey, Carol G, and Billie Eilish. They are some of my favorites, and their work profoundly influences me when I’m in the creative process. Kali, in particular, captivates me with the seamless fusion of English and Spanish in her music—it’s incredibly beautiful and well-executed. Lana Del Rey has held the top spot in my favorites since I was 13, and her poetic songwriting style has been a major source of inspiration for me. Learning from her lyrical and melodic approach has been a significant influence on my own creative journey from a very young age.
Alright, that’s great to hear. Are you the one crafting all the melodies for your songs?
I handle the entire songwriting process from start to finish—lyrics, melodies, and I also take on a co-producing role. For tracks like “Call Me By Your Name” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” I co-produced them. Typically, I initiate the songs at home, building demos and working on the initial production. Afterward, I collaborate with a producer to bring the songs to life. Even when working in the studio, I’m deeply involved in the production, offering input and ensuring my vision is reflected in the final product because being actively engaged in the creative process is something I thoroughly enjoy.
I feel like you’re going to be the next big latin artist. Could you tell us what were some challenges that you faced or that you are still facing in your career and life?
For me, a significant challenge was the lack of a musical background in my family, coupled with the absence of friends in the music industry during my upbringing. Going into it, I was completely clueless and had no idea where to start. Despite my strong desire to make music, I struggled with a lack of knowledge about the business side and a dearth of connections. I began from ground zero without any family or friend connections, making it particularly challenging. Facing the hurdle of not knowing what to research due to my unfamiliarity with the industry posed another difficulty.
As a Latin artist in the UK, finding other Latin producers presented its own set of challenges. It wasn’t just about locating reggaeton producers; I needed to collaborate with those who could handle a variety of sounds, including multi-instrumentalists and producers working in different genres. This was particularly challenging in the initial stages, but with time and networking efforts, I eventually found some great collaborators whom I enjoy working with.
Attending events and actively networking became crucial in overcoming these challenges. Initially, it took time to build connections, but I persevered by making an effort to connect with everyone I met. Fortunately, the overall experience has been positive, and people, whether Latin or British, have been incredibly open-minded and welcoming.
I perceived it as your most liberated piece of music. Is that accurate? I’ve noticed it’s available across various platforms. Could you share the story behind it?
I wrote that song in a peculiar way—it happened on Christmas Day, more than a year ago. One of my family members had gifted me a small MIDI keyboard for Christmas, and inspired by the gift, I decided to create something special. I had this idea in my mind for quite some time; I wanted to delve into Bachata, a genre not explored much by UK Latin artists at the time. I envisioned being the first to give it a try and infuse my own style into it. So, on Christmas Day, I wrote the song—it felt like a wonderful present, not just for the occasion, but also a gift to myself in the form of the song.
Later, I took the composition to a friend who assisted me in refining the guitar parts, cleaning up the bass, adding percussion, and giving it a more authentic Bachata sound. He, too, is Latin and did an excellent job in bringing my vision to life. The entire process led to the song’s release in March—I believe it was around the second of 2022. I paid attention to the numbers and felt that there was an abundance of positive and fortunate occurrences around the release. The song became a manifestation of luck and good vibes, making the whole experience quite special.
Do you also play instruments?
I dabble in playing the guitar, although I admit I’ve fallen out of practice. In my younger days, I used to play much more. Occasionally, I pick it up to write songs, particularly for acoustic compositions. However, I wouldn’t consider myself a guitar pro, and I get a bit nervous about performing with it. Singing and playing the guitar simultaneously is quite challenging for me—it requires a level of coordination that I find difficult to achieve. It’s a skill that demands a lot of practice and coordination.
And what are your short-term goals to finish this year on a good note?
This has been a long-standing goal of mine, and now it’s finally coming to fruition. I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be collaborating on a song with Desta French, another talented UK Latin artist whom I’ve admired for years. We’ll be finishing the track this year and releasing it in the coming year, marking a significant accomplishment for me. Additionally, I have a new song set to release on November 22nd, making it my final release of the year. It’s a particularly special song, and I’m genuinely excited to achieve this goal.
Looking ahead to next year, I’m eager to dive into more live performances, potentially taking the stage abroad or joining someone on tour. Another major goal is to work on an EP, a project I’ve just begun. Crafting a substantial body of work filled with love is something I’m passionate about and ready to embark on. There are some exciting projects in the pipeline, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
In five years, I envision being in a significantly different situation. My dream is to have a vast global audience connecting with my music, fostering meaningful conversations. I aspire to attain global success with my music and, more importantly, create a lasting legacy for the UK Latin community and music scene. It’s not just about personal fame; I want to go beyond that. The UK has yet to see a globally renowned British Latin artist, and I aim to fill that void, leaving behind a legacy for future generations of British Latin artists.
I want to establish communities, platforms, and spaces that make it easier for upcoming artists to gain recognition. Many people aren’t aware of the vibrant UK Latin scene, so I hope to change that perception and, by the time the next generation arrives, have created spaces for them to thrive. My goal is for people to recognize the UK as a hub for exceptional Latin music and eagerly anticipate the work of the next wave of UK Latin artists.
In the coming years, I also hope to collaborate with some of my favorite artists, such as Kali Uchis, Lana Del Rey, Rosalía, and others. These ambitions drive my vision for the future”.
PHOTO CREDIT: Rachel Billings
I am going to wrap up with NME. Highlighting her mission to bring Latin music to the mainstream, here is someone marrying her Colombian roots to Indie-Pop sounds. It is intoxicating and intriguing blend that singles her out for special things. With TikTok success under her belt, this London artist is ready to play some really huge stages. She is such a wonderful artist! I think she will feature across quite a few festivals in the summer:
“Which Latin artists soundtracked your childhood?
“My family is big on salsa specifically. Groups like Grupo Niche, Fruko Y Sus Tesos, and then the iconic people like Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony. Then there was Bachata, and Reggaeton was a bit later in my life. My family were always forcing me to dance when I was a teenager, at family parties that we had. I was so shy! It was such a Latina childhood experience.
“When I was 18 years old, I tried to take more inspiration from Latin music and kind of failed, because I was a bit unsure how to approach it. I didn’t know any Latin producers or musicians and I didn’t have any prior connections to the music industry or anything like that.”
How did things change for you?
“I got GarageBand. I always wanted a Mac, but they’re so expensive – I got the pay as you go version just to get GarageBand specifically. And then I started making my own beats on there. That way I had more control, so I could add Spanish in there if I wanted.
“The first demo I made, I then sent it to a producer. That was my first single and then the second, and the third. I slowly but surely started adding more and more Spanish. When I met a Latin producer that I wanted to work with, we did ‘Call Me Your Name’ and went more indie-Latin.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Rachel Billings
Do you still take the same approach?
“I like to give the producer a solid idea of what kind of production I want. I’m really focusing on being a co-producer, because I can bring a lot of production ideas. I love production. I just need to learn the software!”
How did you meet this producer you’re now working with?
“His name’s Lennyn. We actually met at a gig, he’s the bass player for this UK indie-Latin artist that I love [called] Desta French. I went to her show, we chatted to him and did a session with him. I went back afterwards to do more, and then we made ‘Call Me By Your Name’. He had a really clear idea of what I wanted it to be, he really helped bring it to life.”
Did you feel any pressure after ‘Call Me By Your Name’ went viral?
“There were situations that were delaying [future] songs from coming out. I couldn’t let it dip, I had to give the people something. It does add a little bit of pressure, because I wanted to make sure that I keep making music that people like. I don’t want it to just be one song, I want people to love all of them. I was lucky that the streams on all my other songs went up too; really healthy numbers.”
@sophiecastillomusic Got to perform Call Me By Your Name at Soho House last night 🥹 and during Latin Heritage Month! Such a special moment, had such a wonderful time 🫶🌹 #indielatinxartist #indielatinpop #bachata #independentartist #femalemusicians #uklatina #britishlatina #latinasoftiktok #uklatinmusic #newmusic #originalmusic #originalsong #latinindiepop #uklatinos #latinmusic #musicalatina #cantante #latina ♬ original sound - Sophie Castillo
Is there a particular style or genre you’re hoping to move towards?
“I’m quite a cinematic person. I want to let my mind run free and not be limited. I’m fully independent at the moment, I haven’t got management anymore. I feel like I’ve put the love back into music. I had a period of time where making music was so stressful, because of exterior circumstances.
“The stuff I’m working on now is very cinematic, ethereal and the drama is there. It’s like watching a film. For the next single, imagine that there’s a door in the ocean and you go through the door. My producer had the same image for some reason, it was like a weird message that we both received. For another one, I’m doing a music video for it. It’s like From Dusk Till Dawn, where Salma Hayek’s dancing on the table – that kind of vibe.”
What are your plans for the year?
“I’m working on an EP at the moment. It’s all about love, betrayal, passion, drama, the experience of being a Latin woman. Femininity, divine feminine energy – super ethereal stuff. Every song is different, drawing inspiration from loads of different Latin genres.
“A lot of my audience are in the USA. I’m trying to see how I can do some shows over there because a lot of people keep asking me to perform! Maybe I could at least do a small gig in California or New York or Miami”.
Go and follow Sophie Castillo. There is so much excitement building around her. I don’t think that we embrace and are aware of many styles of music. Things still too homogenised and unmoving. From K and J-Pop to Latin music, there are opportunities to recognise its importance and brilliance. Break away from what is perceived as commercial and go-to and broaden the music horizon. It is clear that we need to be more broad-minded when it comes to tastes. Sophie Castillo is going to have a very busy career. A huge name to watch as we move through 2024, show some love for…
THIS amazing person.
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Follow Sophie Castillo
