Swami Castro Perspective on Entre Sábanas Vacías

Hi, I'm Swami Castro. I'm 32 years old, and I love to create and communicate. Apart from making music, I'm also a photographer, videographer, and industrial designer. I enjoy thinking in an artistic way and providing simple solutions to problems.

When I think about music, I envision it as a pathway for changing the world.

When I was 18 years old, I wrote this song. I had ended a relationship in which I was deeply involved, but I didn't realize that she was with me just for the sake of it, without truly wanting to invest as much as I did. Gradually, I started feeling used and became aware of her actions. Until I finally found the courage to end that relationship. This song speaks about the time we waste with people who don't reciprocate our feelings and don't give us what we give them.

My earliest musical memories are of spiritual chants. I remember when I was a child, going with my parents to a farm where many other boys and girls would gather. We shared a sense of community and played together. We were all vegetarians, and the reason we came together was our shared spirituality.

Every day, while we were there, we would sing praises to God called "Bajhans" in a language I didn't understand (Punjabi), but I sang along with my friends with all my heart and soul.

Art has always been a part of my life, whether it's theater, dance, music in various forms, photography, video, lighting, and more. However, the day I decided to take my music career seriously was in early 2022. After three years of being with my then-band, I felt frustrated by the slow progress and commitment of my fellow musicians. I began to wonder what would happen if I gave it my all, so I simply took the plunge and started writing songs.

In 2022, I wrote nine songs, recorded them as demos, and then selected and professionally recorded four of them.

This year, "2023," I dedicated to releasing these four tracks. The first one was released on April 23rd, the second on July 2nd, the third is scheduled for September 3rd, and the fourth one for November 18th.

The main genre could be described as rock, but it incorporates electronic and dancehall influences, as well as elements of pop and punk. It's an energetic song filled with emotion.

In the past three years, I have given myself the opportunity to update my sound. My music used to have a strong influence from the early 2000s, but I have been actively listening to current trends within the same genre (Rock + Alternative Rock + Pop Punk + Punk Rock), aiming to stay at the forefront. I have been incorporating more contemporary and modern sounds to broaden my appeal to a younger and more current audience.

I truly enjoy using my imagination when writing my songs. As I begin the creative process, I allow myself to be filled with a particular emotion that will characterize the song, and I use that as a foundation for structuring it. In my music, I like to explore themes of self-improvement, hope, love, heartbreak, and the concept of being capable.

If I could go on tour right now, I would absolutely love to share the stage with Blink 182, Juanes, Bacilos, Avril Lavigne, Paramore, Knox, Don Tetto, Division Minuscula, Pxndx, Rayos Laser, Machine Gun Kelly, Foo Fighters, The Warning, and Knox.

For me, they are not just influential figures whom I respect and feel are always present in my music, but they are also artists I enjoy listening to, as they help me feel more alive and present.

I would describe the music of my favorite artists as filled with atmospheric textures and distortions. Their music is characterized by meaningful lyrics that shine through their quality, while their musicality lingers in the mind with catchy and simple rhythms. These artists possess fresh and powerful voices, each with a unique and distinctive color that makes them instantly recognizable to me from the very first line of any song, even if it's one I haven't heard before.

The best way to describe what I'm doing is: Danceable rock. Not because of tropical sounds, but because of its fresh and youthful vibes, its synthesizers, and rhythmic lines.

At the same time, the lyrics are clear and deliver a direct message, making it easy to dedicate and communicate, without becoming predictable or boring.

One key characteristic of my songs is that the rhythm will always stick in your head, even if you don't have time to memorize the lyrics. You'll find the melody looping in your mind for hours.

The staging and the conversations between songs are crucial elements for me. That's why my show includes a journey through memories and experiences, along with jokes and calls to action.

I strongly identify with the way Blink 182, Queen, or Twenty One Pilots used to perform. I recently experienced Blink 182's show, so I would choose Queen to further enhance my live performance and gain tools to connect even more with the audience. Additionally, I would love to incorporate elements from Twenty One Pilots' show because they interact with the crowd, and despite having few members, they fill any stage, regardless of its size.

My favorite song to date is "Entre Sabanas Vacias." It is my most recent single, and I feel that it is much more current and includes elements that I have always sought to incorporate into my compositions. It has a modern and fresh sound that surpasses any of my previous compositions to date.

If I could only listen to three artists for the rest of my life, I would choose Blink 182, Division Minuscula, and Juanes. I love them for different reasons.

Blink 182 was the band that opened up my musical universe and connected me with a rhythm that I resonated with. Division Minuscula transformed Blink 182's sound and brought that Californian rock vibe to Spanish rock music. Juanes is the artist from my country whom I admire the most, and I would definitely love to follow his journey and evolution until the end.

In my dream performance, I envision a unique connection with the audience. I imagine a stage by the seaside, with the sunset as the backdrop. Even though the crowd may not be massive, around 1000 people, each individual present would know the lyrics to my songs.

On stage, there would be no more than five artists, coming together to create music. Over the course of approximately 1.5 hours, we would delve into different emotional moments where the crowd would vibrate, jump, cry, and be moved. I want each song to be a sensory journey, transporting everyone to a state of complete surrender.

I imagine the power of the music resonating in the air as the audience embraces every note and every word. It's an explosion of shared emotions, a communion between artists and fans. In that moment, the outside world fades away, leaving only the magic of the music and the tangible energy in the air. That's my vision of a dream come true on stage.

Juanes, Blink 182, Don Tetto, Division Minuscula, Jose Madero, Avril Lavigne.

I was alone, and it was nighttime. I was walking through the walled city of Cartagena, Colombia when I decided to venture off the main commercial area and explore a narrow alleyway. There, I stumbled upon a bar with only a few people inside. I entered, ordered a beer, and as I observed and analyzed the place, the tropical sounds of "El Botón del Pantalón" started playing through the speakers. I realized it was the same song I had heard on an island called "Isla Múcura" in Colombia. I had been sitting on the beach, completely alone, gazing at the stars.

Every time people listen to one of my songs, I would love to create a sense of connection, to lift them away from reality and transport them to the world I was immersed in when I wrote that song. I want them to experience a complete journey through the sounds and the vocals, where they can feel every emotion and follow the story within the music. My ultimate goal is to create a transformative experience that takes listeners on a profound and captivating musical voyage.

I would love for people to know me by the following three words: Creative, Capable, and Artist. These words capture important aspects of my identity and the essence of what I strive to bring to my music and artistic endeavors. Being known as creative reflects my ability to think outside the box, innovate, and bring fresh ideas to my work. Capable highlights my competence, determination, and belief in my abilities to achieve my goals and succeed in my artistic pursuits. Lastly, being recognized as an artist signifies my dedication, passion, and commitment to my craft, and my desire to share my artistry with the world.

I believe that the best way for me to share my music is through live performances. I feel that my performances add a unique dimension and storytelling element to my music. The movement of my body and the passion I put into performing live resonates deeply with people, to the extent that they can become enamored with my songs. It's the energy and connection created in the live setting that allows the audience to fully experience and appreciate the emotions and messages within my music. Live performances provide a powerful platform for me to connect with my listeners on a profound level and create lasting memories through music.

I practice daily, constantly striving to improve my sound and write the music that's yet to come. I have a podcast that helps me connect with people and also facilitates my research into the market and gaining a deeper understanding of the musical characteristics that other artists incorporate into their music (which I consider studying as well). With my guitar, I aim to achieve an incredible sound without relying on other instruments. When the rest of my band members join in, it creates a majestic blend that elevates the music to another level.

In the beginning, I didn't listen to much music (over 10 years ago). I believed it would contaminate my compositions, so I focused solely on creating original songs and writing music. However, later on, as I started playing in bands, I realized that music is a language I needed to learn to speak. The best way I found to do that was through covering songs with my bands and immersing myself in that language. At this point, I find myself listening to a wide variety of music, regardless of the genre. I'm trying to understand the characteristics that make a particular song (whatever I'm analyzing at the moment) resonate with people. My goal has always been to connect with people, deliver my message, and leave an indelible mark in their memories.

So far, I have received comments from many people who have heard me sing and listened to my songs. However, there are two particularly memorable responses.

The first one came from my percussionist. While we were rehearsing, he was so moved by what we were creating that he shed a few tears. It was a powerful moment that demonstrated the emotional impact of our music.

The second memorable response came from my photographer. He truly believes in the power of my voice and has expressed it constantly. He says it has a unique quality and that my compositions are deep. His consistent support and appreciation for my music have given me confidence and motivation to continue on my musical journey.

These significant responses from people close to me have reminded me of the power that music can have to evoke emotions and connect with others. They are moments that I cherish and that drive me to continue pursuing my passion in music.

The way I measure my success as an artist at this moment is through the peace it brings me, the happiness I feel when sharing it, and the fulfillment I experience while creating it.

I am seeking to gradually transform rock music by incorporating Latin and experimental sounds, pushing the genre to mutate. However, I strive to do it in a clean and artistic manner. My goal is to make people literally dance to rock music.

The role and social responsibility of an artist towards society are immense. We serve as a platform for promoting everything that becomes part of mass consumption. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider our discourse and commit ourselves to causes that communicate meaningful messages. Many people find themselves reflected in artists and develop a strong sense of familiarity with their lyrics. This encourages them to explore the artists further and generates interest beyond the physical or superficial aspects.

In relation to politics, dietary choices, fashion, customs, and love life, people often look to artists as examples. We have a responsibility to act in accordance with our values and set a positive example for others. Our actions and choices can influence and inspire others, so it is essential to be mindful of how we present ourselves and the messages we convey.

Being aware of our social impact and embracing our role as artists means being mindful of the influence we have and using it responsibly to contribute to a more positive and inclusive society.

Right now, the song that represents success for me is "Edging" by Blink 182. It was the track with which the band announced their reunion and gave hope to many people who thought they would never see the original lineup together again (myself included). Mark Hoppus had just overcome cancer, and being able to see him back on stage after battling such a challenging illness was truly inspiring. For me, this song represents not only success but also hope and the resilience of the human spirit.

The most fearful moment in this musical journey can be found in the past year, at the beginning of summer, when I had an accident on my motorcycle while returning from visiting a venue where I was scheduled to perform a few weeks later. The crash was severe, and I ended up fracturing two bones in my left arm. The fear was not just about the physical injuries, but also the fear of letting down the opportunity to open for a very important band with whom I never imagined sharing the stage. I was terrified that this incident could jeopardize that opportunity.

I was scheduled for surgery the night before the show, and at that moment, I felt the true sense of fear. Having gone through previous surgeries, I knew that a tube would be inserted into my throat because, when under anesthesia, one cannot breathe on their own. I was terrified that it would harm my throat and vocal cords. Fortunately, everything went well, and less than 24 hours after the surgery, despite the lingering effects of anesthesia and pain medication, I took to that stage with my band and made history.

It was a moment of overcoming fear and embracing determination. The experience taught me the importance of resilience and the power of pushing through challenges to pursue my passion for music. It was a defining moment that showed me the strength and dedication I have as an artist.

The most embarrassing moment that comes to mind is when I was 12 years old and had the opportunity to participate in a festival. The festival included a competition to determine the best singer. At that time, I had recently bought an electric guitar and decided to enroll. Most people, if not all, were either performing with a band or using an original backing track. On the other hand, I chose to play "Knocking on Heaven's Door" (the Avril Lavigne version) and sat alone in the middle of a huge stage. The sound quality was incredibly mediocre, and I was singing in a language that the audience didn't understand (this happened in Colombia, where the first language is Spanish). My guitar playing was really poor, and I could feel the gaze of the audience pressing against my skin as I sat there. Despite the nerves, I managed to finish the song, but only a few people applauded.

That experience motivated me to pick up the guitar more often and to continue improving as a singer. It taught me the importance of perseverance and not being discouraged by setbacks. It pushed me to strive for better performances and to develop my skills as a musician. From that moment on, I dedicated myself to honing my craft, determined to never let embarrassment hold me back from pursuing my passion for music.

If it were within my power, I would create an academy for artists where everyone could learn the tools and gain the contacts necessary to succeed (putting the work time that they have). There is so much talent that goes untapped simply because artists don't know how to navigate the industry or understand the dynamics involved in building connections. I would enroll myself in that academy without hesitation because I know it would completely change the course of my career.