Soul food

This weekend, the romantic lights of Jimmy Mak’s will play host to the charming and able Damon Castillo Band. Castillo’s simple and insightful way of writing entire songs about those things the rest of us see every day—but never actually notice—will completely captivate you. Music enthusiasts of all kinds will appreciate the authenticity of the band’s vibrant presentation. The well-orchestrated horns, keys and guitar punctuate the music in surprising and relevant ways, leaving you unsure whether to get up and dance or stay reverently seated, enjoying and digesting the truths behind the verse.

The old saying, “it stirs your soul,” has a real home with this ensemble from San Luis Obispo, Calif. Each piece is theatrical in its ability to tell a story, not only through lyrical substance, but also through seamlessly timed pauses, builds and braided sounds. One moment pleasantly frames the next. Castillo, brother of musician Dominic Castillo and self-proclaimed “taskmaster” of the band, sees the world through a poet’s eyes, crafting rich metaphors and meaning around even the most unassuming of life’s nuances. After unveiling the beauty and humor in unexpected places, Castillo wraps it up in neat little packages for the rest of us to enjoy.

The Daily Vanguard recently caught up with the self-effacing maestro of melody to discuss all things music.

Daily Vanguard: What has been the single biggest driving force behind your pursuits in the music industry?
Damon Castillo: In “Claim to Fame” I sing, “I get high off chords and melody.” There’s no other driving force for me than that. I really think that if you are in the “music industry” for any other reason besides music, you are probably crazy or stupid—or both.

DV: It seems a lot of your real life slips into your music. Do you agree? Is it a necessary form of release or a tool to enhance the authenticity of the music?
DC: I firmly maintain that all my songs are just stories that I make up! But if anything biographical sneaks into them, it wouldn’t be from a need to feel release. Songs take me closer to a feeling—they don’t liberate me from them. Writing is really my favorite thing. There’s no bigger thrill than chasing a song.

DV: Which is better inspiration for a song, love or loss?
DC: Lost love! It’s a one-two punch to your heart.

DV: Is there anything about working in the music industry that has surprised you?
DC: No big surprises. However, it might be surprising for non-musicians to hear how little time a working musician has for music. With all the ancillary demands that come with the job, it’s always a joy to just sit down and write a song or play my guitar.

DV: Damon Castillo Band has worked with a very impressive roster of artists. Is there anyone you are dying to work with? How about someone you would like to perform for?
DC: I’m a big fan of Harry Connick Jr. I’ve been listening to his album Oh, My NOLA a lot lately. Prince is another hero of mine. Elvis Costello, too. Stevie Wonder. I’m not sure that I would have the courage to play around one of them, let alone play with them! I’m ready to duet with Feist or Norah Jones. If you read this, please call me.

DV: I’ve read that your latest album, Laurel Lane, was inspired by the studio your music was recorded in, which sounds like an honorary and essential member of the band. What impact do you think a personal venue like that can have on an artist’s work? Do you think physical environment plays a part in the creative process?
DC: Very much so. Whether it’s the Rolling Stones in the south of France, Björk in Spain, or Phoenix renting out a swanky hotel suite for a month to write their last album, a lot of musicians have used location to inform their work. Lately, I’ve been feeling the urge for a different environment. I’ve been thinking about recording some tunes up in Portland.

DV: What’s next?
DC: This week we’re premiering our latest video for “One Life Stand.” It answers the question so many people have been asking, “How devilishly handsome does Damon look with a mustache?”