Eva Castillo Interview             Coffee East March 15th , 2008

Eva Castillo is a star in the making. Her career has taken off since winning a singer-songwriter competition while she was a student at the University of Maryland in 2003. For four years she has produced unique high energy acoustic pop, driven by deep funk inspired rhythms. Her music features simple and poignant guitar work accompanying a deceptively big voice flowing from her delicate frame. She has not only established herself quickly on the DC/Baltimore music scene, but she is quickly gaining notice around the country in cities such as Chicago, NYC, Nashville, Boston, San Diego and Los Angeles. In just 2 years of playing live shows, Eva has managed to share the stage with an eclectic mix of successful artists, including Bob Weir, Ryan Shaw, Tift Merritt, Moe, Les Claypool, Keller Williams and Soulive. Saturday she plays Coffee East with Annapolis groove rockers Bittersweet.

MM: The Basics. Where are you from?

EC: Grew up in Virginia Beach. I'm a navy brat. Been in Maryland since i attended UMD-College Park. Been here ever since!

MM: What will be the configuration of your band Saturday?

EC: I'm acutally playing solo. Me, myself and my guitar.

MM: If somebody asked you on a train to describe the music you play, how would you describe it?

EC: I guess,acoustic, pop, folk, with a touch of soul.

MM: You have opened for a lot of major artists. Do you have any favorite stories about any of them?

Which made you the most nervous?

EC: Well I wrote one of them a song about how i want to have their children. I had a chance to sing it to him. Haa. Probably, the most insane thing I've ever done!

MM: You are a Maryland alum, I believe? What do you think about the Men’s team this year? and the womens? 

EC: I was there when we won the national Championship. Whooo hoo!!! Go Terps!!! But lately I havent really been paying too much attention, unless the game is on. Then I still get pretty pumped up. BOOOO DUKE!!!

MM: Are you going to be recording soon? What do you like about going into the studio?

EC: I acutally just finished recording my second album! HOpefully I'll have it available for the Coffee East show. What I loved about this studio is that it was my bassist's basement! Felt right at home!!

MM: What is the local music scene like? What is frustrating about it? What is cool about it?

EC: I feel like  a majority of the scene is jam based. I have more of a pop acoustic act and I feel like even I'm still finding my niche. But I love playing out and meeting other acts that are similar to my style and those that are completely different. We all seem to have a great appreciation for each others style and dedication to our craft. 

MM: What songwriters inspire you? What is the most difficult part of sharing something personal with audiences from the stage?

EC: Hmmmm....I'd say Stevie, Sia (take a listen to her. She's incredible) Patty Griffin. the Beatles of course. But mainly what draws me to wanting to create music is just the sound. I dont even need to hear the words.It can be in a completely different language and it will still have a strong affect on me. Melody through vocals and instrumentation really make me want to see what i can contribute.

FILL IN THE BLANK

1) My favorite type of food is….cheeseburgers. that one was easy. Ooo... and steak. Basically all red meat.

2) If I was an American Idol judge I would be most like…… I'd say a mix between Paula and Randy. Or as I'd say Paundy. Truthful but not too harsh. Although, i love me some Simon.

3) Sometimes on stage I think about....what song I will sing next, is my zipper up, make sure to mention that I have cd's to sell, promoting myspace, cheeseburgers.

4) Music in 2025 will probably sound like… Well commercial pop sound seems to be extremely board driven. but i think alot of acoustic acts will stay pure, through the years. Sometimes keeping it simple creates something beautiful.

5) The most difficult part of being a female musician is…. when the venue/festival workers assume I'm just a groupie tring to get backstage. There's no better feeling in the world then replying "I am the band!"