Marco Castillo & Brazilian Beats

It's a long way from Rio de Janeiro to Winnipeg. But Brazilian musician Marco Castillo made the move six years ago and he's never looked back.

Castillo's second album, Trip to Brazil, recorded and produced in Winnipeg by Castillo himself, just won the World Recording of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards. He's celebrating by throwing a concert at the Park Theatre on October 21.

The album is a sumptuous collection of sambas in different styles, mostly his original tunes. He also includes sambas by Brazilian composers like Gilberto Gil, Joao Bosco and Djavan. As the matter of fact, Castillo is determined to introduce listeners to more of the great composers of Brazil. So at his upcoming show he'll play music by lots of new names to us, like Hermeto Pascoal, for example, who Castillo calls a genius.

"They are part of my background," he explains."I feel very influenced by this music. All these composers, they are brilliant.

"The idea is to bring a new perspective about Brazil. Because when people think about Brazilian music, they think of (Antonio Carlos) Tom Jobim or Carnaval -- with all that crazy upbeat music, which is a fun thing -- but you have so much great music down there and I really want to show this."
Marco Castillo decided to bring his family to Winnipeg in 2006 partly because of the level of violence in Brazil. "We have too much in Rio de Janeiro," he says. "It's crazy to live there. I lost friends, I lost family because of the violence. Of course we have violence here, but nothing compared with a city of 12 million people."

Being in Winnipeg actually affords Castillo more opportunities to perform and record. "In Rio -- it's a big city -- you feel like you are a number. You have lots of friends but you have nobody.

"Since I came to Winnipeg, the music community is very supportive and right away I started to make good friends like Rodrigo Muñoz and lots of musicians. I love being here," he says. Castillo also appreciates the chance to take time to develop his own original music and to develop his language to include other Latin, African and European influences. He calls himself a "world jazz Latin" musician.

"And of course the diversity of the culture in Winnipeg is wonderful. I had no idea back in Brazil that in a city like Winnipeg I would find so much Latin music, French music and so many cultures. It's fascinating."

And audiences love what he's brought to the city, too." It's unbelievable how music can touch people's feelings," he says. "They love the rhythms, they love the poetry, they love everything about Brazil. I feel very proud. I feel like I have a big responsibility to keep showing the audience this great music."

"And I really don't care about the winter," he laughs. "It's just a detail."

Marco Castillo performs with an all-star lineup of musicians Sunday, October 21 at the Park Theatre. - CBC Manitoba Scene

THE LANCE
Canstar Community News - ONLINE EDITION
From Copacabana Beach to the Prairies
Local musician set to appear at prestigious Viña del Mar festival in Chile in February

You can take the boy out of Brazil, but you can’t take Brazil out of the boy.

Marco Castillo — a singer-songwriter and producer who moved to Winnipeg from Rio de Janeiro eight years ago and currently lives in River Park South — has been announced as one of the finalists at the prestigious 2015 Viña del Mar music festival in Chile. The festival will run from Feb. 15 to 28, 2015.

Organizers at Folklorama, who Castillo is heavily-involved with in a creative capacity, say the international song contest, which has been held annually since 1960, is one of the most important musical festivals in Latin America and is broadcast to more than 100,000,000 viewers. Castillo’s original composition, Forró no Canadá, from his 2014 album Zabelê, is one of six finalists in the folkloric category of the competition and was short-listed from more than 1,100 songs submitted in that category.

The 51-year-old, who hails from a musical background and is also the band leader with the Brazilian Beats Band, said music has always been in his blood and helps to keep him youthful — not least because of all the hard work involved behind the scenes.

"I do what I love to do. Yesterday I was up at 7 a.m. and the first thing I did was drink two glasses of warm water before breakfast. Some people have no idea how hard an independent musician works," Castillo said.

Looking out the front window of his southeast Winnipeg home at the frozen landscape, Castillo seemed a million miles away from his native Brazil. But it’s the language of music that keeps him connected to his South American roots and continues to endear him to audiences across the continent.

"For me, when I moved to Canada in 2006, a big challenge was learning English. I came from the most beautiful city in the world, where winter doesn’t seem like winter at all," said Castillo, who also teaches private music lessons in his basement studio.

"When I was young, I lived two blocks from Copacabana Beach and I would study in the morning and then spend time every weekday on the beach."

In terms of his musical style, Castillo has bridged numerous genres throughout the generations, ranging from playing the likes of Jeff Beck, Deep Purple and Rush with his school band as a teen to establishing his current groove, which is interchangeably described as samba, jazz, funk, pop and world music.

"I’m very privileged to be able to express myself through music. I consider it a gift and it’s one of the most precious and intriguing things we have. It’s fascinating how music alters the conscious mind and from a scientific perspective, how music affects the brain," Castillo said.

"And in terms of the Viña del Mar festival, I think it’s going to be a really interesting since my father, Tony, played the festival in the ’70s. With so many people watching, it’s going to be exciting and a bit nerve-racking, but it’s normal to be a little nervous, as it is part of the deal. But I’m confident and I’ll do my best and see how it goes."

For more information, go online at www.folklorama.ca/performers/detail/36
simon.fuller@canstarnews.com
Facebook.com/TheLanceWPG
Twitter: @lanceWPG - Canstar The Lance

What makes Brazilian music so special and popular?
In simple terms charisma and passion, but what happens is the musical roots in Brazil are very closely connected with so many different issues-- like the social and political environment. The culture of happiness. Brazilians are happy people despite any problems. The strong rhythm heritage from Africa makes the music strong and powerful and at the same time all the great composers are brilliant and passionate. During the military regime for example the music was one of the few people's hopes.

How did you get started in music?
My father is a musician and he left a poor northwest city in Ceará Brazil to live his dream He recorded about 28 Lp's traveled all around the world. When I was about 10, living on Guatemala, I start to pick up a guitar I got. Some old friends had a garage band and I was always near listening them after learn a couple chords of Santana's "Oye como vá" and "Samba pati".

Why did you come to Canada?
I was curious about the snow...No seriously I had family who came years ago and they sold me the idea. I was looking for change, and I was really unsatisfied with so many things in my country.

How was it adjusting to life here?
Well, Latin culture is very different in some many ways, but I'm really adaptable and open mind and I was determined to learn and be successful in this journey. The low temperatures are crazy eh? but I really prefer -45 then +45.

Where do Winnipeggers go to listen to Brazilian music?
There is a great opportunity for Winnipegers go to listen a authentic Brazilian music played by a Brazilian musician Saturday May 7 8PM at the WECC for the "Trip to Brazil " CD release.
I hope to see you there.
Here's a sneak preview of Marco Castillo's new CD Trip To Brazilthis. This is "Bala Com Bala". - CBC Manitoba Music Scene

When Marco Castillo moved to Winnipeg in 2006 he could hardly speak english. This weekend he converses easily with host Bruce Ladan on SCENE.

When Castillo arrived here, there wasn't much Brazilian music to be found, aside from some bossa nova groups about town. But it didn't take long for him to get connected.

"People were very supportive and very curious. I ended up making a lot of friends in the Latin community," he recalled. "My mother is from Guatemala so I lived there too but people were surprised when I could speak Spanish."

This all helped Castillo connect with the Latin community. He noticed right away that there was a lot of support for the arts in general in Winnipeg.

"In Brazil we have so many great poets and lyricists including Antônio Carlos Jobim who wrote the lyrics to The Girl from Ipanema," he said. "Now in my music I have so many different influences."

Even though he hasn't returned to Brazil since moving here, when he picks up his guitar, he is transported home.

"Music has this magic that can take you immediately to somewhere else," he said.

Marco Castillo launches his new cd on Saturday March 15 at the Park Theatre. Just before that gig, you can hear him in conversation with CBC host Bruce Ladan on SCENE On Air. The show airs every Saturday from 5 - 6 p.m. on CBC Radio One, 89.3 FM/990 AM/97.9 FM in Brandon. - CBC News Manitoba

Marco Castillo's music is as warm and inviting as his personality.

"I love Winnipeg," he says, "and despite the cold it is such a nice place to live; the people are so welcoming and there are so many options for restaurants, parks, and entertainment."

Castillo and his band Brazilian Beats are one of the standout entertainment options at this year's TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. You can see them live Friday June 13 as a part of the free opening weekend in Old Market Square.

Whether he's playing solo, leading a band, or volunteering, Castillo has been involved with JazzFest since 2007, less than a year after arriving in Winnipeg from Brazil.

"In 2006, after living for decades in Rio de Janeiro, a city with 14 million people if you count the whole region, I was looking for a small city," Castillo says, "and I had family from Guatemala living [in Winnipeg] who offered initial support."

He immediately got right down to business, playing every show and with every artist he could, spreading the sounds of Brazilian jazz.

"In 2007 I got the opportunity to volunteer because of my experience as a musician and backstage, so I was helping during the day and at night I ran all over to the shows."

As he was about to learn, there was already a buzz about Marco Castillo.

"I remember walking into the King's Head and introducing myself to Steve Kirby, and he said right away, "I heard a lot of good things about you!" Castillo recalls.

"I thought to myself, Wow, he is the head at the Jazz Program at U of M! And he is saying that? Looks like I'm doing well!"

The following spring he released his debut album Brazilian Season, topped the college radio charts, and made the move from volunteer to performer.

"[That summer] I had my debut at JazzFest with my band "Brazilian Beats" and I have played every year since," he says. "And now they have a Latin night!"

His 2012 followup album, the samba laden Trip To Brazil fared even better, winning a Western Canadian Music Award for World Recording of the Year. The ever-humble Castillo credited his former bandmates.

"I was spoiled because I played with great drummers back in Brazil, and for Brazilian music you need to have a really accurate sense of rhythm,” Castillo explains. “There are so many aspects that makes Brazilian Jazz unique, not only the accent on the rhythms, that it's hard to define in words."

For Castillo, the words usually follow the music's lead.

While working on a song for what would become his third album, he kept repeating the melody on his guitar, "and zabele, zabele, zabele just came out," he sang. Zabele is a bird native to northern Brazil. "And zabele, zable, zabele," he sings without pause between the words, "becomes beleza beleza - beauty in Portuguese. I had my song."

Zabele was released in March 2014; it’s warm mix of Brazilian jazz and world music, a wonderful break from the coldest winter in a century. - The Uniter

Marco Castillo, músico de origen brasileño, residente en Winnipeg, Manitoba, de visita en la represa del Castro Cibernético. Bienvenido!!!.

Y en música del último CD de nuestro invitadoMarco Castillo, titulado Zabelê, vamos a escuchar primero el tema Forró no Canadá! Y para terminar nuestro programa escucharemos del mismo CD la canción tema, titulada Zabelê. - RCI Radio Canada International

Marco Castillo
Zabelê (Independent)

Marco Castillo's musical mission is simple -- since moving to Winnipeg in 2006, the native of Rio de Janeiro has ceaselessly sought to bring the music of Brazil to a broader audience.
There's certainly no better man to do it. Son of a musician and bandleader, guitarist Castillo has immersed himself in the local scene over the past eight years. The just-released Zabelê is his third self-produced album and it's a rich document of the man's musical ability and heritage. The material here ranges from breezy, Jobim-style sambas (Samba Carioca) to full-on baile funk (the joyous Samba Funk & Futebol) to a pair of jazz-inflected, almost New Age guitar instrumentals.
While all the supporting players on Zabelê are local, the compositions are Castillo's and the vibe and feel are distinct and near-authentic. You could say "mission accomplished." 3 1/2 stars

Download this: Forrò no Canad°, Samba Funk & Futebol
-- JK - Winnipeg FreePress

MARCO CASTILLO BRAZILIAN TRIO
Trip To Brazil (Independent)
ANY music fan who traipses around the jazz music-themed nights in this city will surely be familiar with the exceptional South American guitar stylings of Marco Castillo. There is no sophomore slump for this talented player, as his second full-length album, the super listenable Trip To Brazil, finds Castillo easily hitting his stride in the studio.
Castillo's enthusiasm for his music is evident on every track and whether he is playing gut or steel string, electric or acoustic guitars, he shows both taste and assurance in his work. His capable mates (local heavies Scott Senior, Gilles Fournier and George Colligan) are more than the canvas he uses to paint on, they also add strength and meaning to these mostly jolly and upbeat tracks.
The production, engineering and mixing are spot-on and Castillo can easily add these skills to his growing CV. Standouts include Bala Com Bala, O Ronco da Cuica and the Gilbert Gil-esque Valeu. 'Ö'Ö'Ö
-- Monk - Winnipeg FreePress

MARCO CASTILLO BRAZILIAN TRIO
Trip To Brazil (Independent)
ANY music fan who traipses around the jazz music-themed nights in this city will surely be familiar with the exceptional South American guitar stylings of Marco Castillo. There is no sophomore slump for this talented player, as his second full-length album, the super listenable Trip To Brazil, finds Castillo easily hitting his stride in the studio.
Castillo's enthusiasm for his music is evident on every track and whether he is playing gut or steel string, electric or acoustic guitars, he shows both taste and assurance in his work. His capable mates (local heavies Scott Senior, Gilles Fournier and George Colligan) are more than the canvas he uses to paint on, they also add strength and meaning to these mostly jolly and upbeat tracks.
The production, engineering and mixing are spot-on and Castillo can easily add these skills to his growing CV. Standouts include Bala Com Bala, O Ronco da Cuica and the Gilbert Gil-esque Valeu. 'Ö'Ö'Ö
-- Monk - Winnipeg FreePress

Folklorama is pleased to announce Folklorama Talent musician and producer Marco Castillo is a finalist for the 2015 Viña del Mar music festival in Chile.

Held annually since 1960, this international song contest is one of the most important music festivals in Latin America, broadcast to over 100,000,000 viewers. Castillo’s original song Forró no Canada from his recently released CD Zabelê, was one of six finalists in the Folkloric category of the competition.

“I am thrilled to be representing my home country of Brazil, as well as Folklorama, at this prestigious competition,” says Castillo, who has lived in Winnipeg since 2006 and has been a member of Folklorama since 2010. “As a songwriter who has worked hard for many years to preserve and celebrate my culture, being a finalist is an immense honour.”

“We are so pleased to celebrate Marco Castillo’s incredible achievement,” says Debra Zoerb, executive director of Folklorama. “The calibre of his work has always been world-class, and he and his Brazilian Beats Band shine during the Folklorama Festival, and at events in the community year-round.”

Zoerb adds that it is rare for Canadians, let alone Manitobans, to place so well in a Latin American music festival. Folklorama Talent members have earned tops spots in Viña del Mar in recent years, with Sierra Noble winning best song in the International/Pop category for her song Try Anything in 2011; and Ça Claque was a Folkloric category finalist in 2012 with their song Automne.

“Folklorama Talent’s Agency Producer Christian Hidalgo-Mazzei works closely with our performers year-round, seeking out opportunities to expand their work into larger markets,” adds Zoerb.

Zabelê is the third CD released by Marco Castillo, a renowned singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who came to Winnipeg from Rio de Janeiro. Recorded in 2014 and featuring original songs, Castillo’s latest release brings a mix of Brazilian rhythms, instrumental sambas, and the funky-pop song Samba Funk & Football.

The Viña del Mar festival takes place from Feb. 15 to 28, 2015 in Viña del Mar, Chile. The festival has launched the careers of many international artists, including Julio Iglesias and Shakira.

To read more about Marco Castillo, please visit the Folklorama website and http://www.marcocastillo.ca/. - Mytoba.ca

Come on by the Winnipeg Free Press News Café after lunch today to see some top-notch Folklorama talent.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Even though the city’s annual festival of multi-culturalism wrapped up nearly four months ago, it has three business divisions that operate year-round – Folklorama Talent, Folklorama Teachings and Folklorama Travel.
Folklorama Talent’s agency producer Christian Hidalgo-Mazzei will talk about its activities for the other 50 weeks of the year while Brazil’s Marco Castillo will sing a couple of songs. The event will be livestreamed here at 1:30 p.m. - Winnipeg Free Press

BRASIL
"Forró no Canadá"
Autor: Marco Castillo
Compositor: Marco Castillo
Intérprete: Marco Castillo
La música de Marco Castillo podría definirse como samba-jazz funk. Mezcla de los ritmos tradicionales y los sonidos contemporáneos de Brasil con voces de jazz y grooves. Siguiendo los pasos de su padre, un artista que grabo decenas de álbumes y que recorrió el mundo con el famoso "Trío Irakitan", el talento de Marco se fue desarrollando al lado de los mejores exponentes musicales de Brasil. -

A edição 2015 do tradicional Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar, que acontece anualmente no Chile desde 1960, vai contar com um participante brasileiro. Trata-se do guitarrista Marco Castillo, 51, que concorre a um prêmio com sua música Forró no Canadá, fruto de seu mais recente trabalho, Zabelê.

O carioca contou ao AcheiUSA que se inscreveu para participar do festival aconselhado por um amigo, mas que não esperava ser realmente chamado pela organização do evento. “Quando me ligaram, pensei que fosse de telemarketing”, contou Castillo, que vive há oito anos em Winnipeg, no Canadá. “Quase não acreditei quando o pessoal da Chilevision [TV chilena que organiza e promove o festival] me disse que eu estava sendo convidado a me apresentar no festival, concorrendo a um prêmio com o que mais gosto de fazer, que é música. Fiquei até arrepiado.”

Castilho conta que vê como algo único a oportunidade de representar o Brasil (“estarei lá representando o meu país com o maior orgulho”) e de promover o seu trabalho. “É uma honra e uma ótima ocasião para expor meu trabalho a um público mais amplo, já que o alcance do festival, que é televisionado para toda a América Latina, além de EUA e países da Europa, é imenso”, disse o músico. A apresentação de Castilho, que canta, além de tocar guitarra, acontecerá em um dos cinco dias de duração do Festival de Viña del Mar, entre os dias 22 e 27 de fevereiro.

Música no sangue
Fã confesso de músicos como o multi-instrumentista Hermeto Pascoal, a quem considera “um cara além de nosso tempo”, e de nomes como Toninho Horta, João Bosco e Yamandu Costa, Castillo tem a música no sangue: seu pai, Antonio “Toni” Santos Cunha, é integrante do Trio Irakitan, referência importante quando o assunto é MPB brasileira e parceiro de ícones da música mundial, como o norte-americano Nat King Cole.

O representante do Brasil em Vinã del Mar se define como carioca, mas vive na cidade de Winnipeg, para onde se mudou com mulher e filha há oito anos. “Vim atrás de uma vida melhor e da possibilidade de viver do que amo, que é a música. Aqui existe uma cultura diferente da nossa, brasileira, e a arte é mais valorizada. Mas é claro que por vezes bate saudade do nosso país”, resumiu.

O possível êxito em um dos festivais mais relevantes do continente latino-americano deve aproximar ainda mais Castillo dos brasileiros que vivem na América do Norte. Entre os locais em que o músico sonha em se apresentar está o sul da Flórida. “Sei que Miami tem um público com fortes raízes latinas e seria um prazer me apresentar por aí, região da qual gosto muito e onde ainda não tive a chance de fazer um show”, afirmou. Quem quiser saber mais sobre o trabalho do guitarrista pode visitar seu site, em brazilculture.wix.com/marcocastillo. - AcheiUSA

A edição 2015 do tradicional Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar, que acontece anualmente no Chile desde 1960, vai contar com um participante brasileiro. Trata-se do guitarrista Marco Castillo, 51, que concorre a um prêmio com sua música Forró no Canadá, fruto de seu mais recente trabalho, Zabelê.

O carioca contou ao AcheiUSA que se inscreveu para participar do festival aconselhado por um amigo, mas que não esperava ser realmente chamado pela organização do evento. “Quando me ligaram, pensei que fosse de telemarketing”, contou Castillo, que vive há oito anos em Winnipeg, no Canadá. “Quase não acreditei quando o pessoal da Chilevision [TV chilena que organiza e promove o festival] me disse que eu estava sendo convidado a me apresentar no festival, concorrendo a um prêmio com o que mais gosto de fazer, que é música. Fiquei até arrepiado.”

Castilho conta que vê como algo único a oportunidade de representar o Brasil (“estarei lá representando o meu país com o maior orgulho”) e de promover o seu trabalho. “É uma honra e uma ótima ocasião para expor meu trabalho a um público mais amplo, já que o alcance do festival, que é televisionado para toda a América Latina, além de EUA e países da Europa, é imenso”, disse o músico. A apresentação de Castilho, que canta, além de tocar guitarra, acontecerá em um dos cinco dias de duração do Festival de Viña del Mar, entre os dias 22 e 27 de fevereiro.

Música no sangue
Fã confesso de músicos como o multi-instrumentista Hermeto Pascoal, a quem considera “um cara além de nosso tempo”, e de nomes como Toninho Horta, João Bosco e Yamandu Costa, Castillo tem a música no sangue: seu pai, Antonio “Toni” Santos Cunha, é integrante do Trio Irakitan, referência importante quando o assunto é MPB brasileira e parceiro de ícones da música mundial, como o norte-americano Nat King Cole.

O representante do Brasil em Vinã del Mar se define como carioca, mas vive na cidade de Winnipeg, para onde se mudou com mulher e filha há oito anos. “Vim atrás de uma vida melhor e da possibilidade de viver do que amo, que é a música. Aqui existe uma cultura diferente da nossa, brasileira, e a arte é mais valorizada. Mas é claro que por vezes bate saudade do nosso país”, resumiu.

O possível êxito em um dos festivais mais relevantes do continente latino-americano deve aproximar ainda mais Castillo dos brasileiros que vivem na América do Norte. Entre os locais em que o músico sonha em se apresentar está o sul da Flórida. “Sei que Miami tem um público com fortes raízes latinas e seria um prazer me apresentar por aí, região da qual gosto muito e onde ainda não tive a chance de fazer um show”, afirmou. Quem quiser saber mais sobre o trabalho do guitarrista pode visitar seu site, em brazilculture.wix.com/marcocastillo. - AcheiUSA

O Carioca Marco Castillo vai participar do festival de Viña del Mar, no Chile em 2015 (Winnipeg, Manitoba, 03 de dezembro de 2014) – o Folklorama se orgulha de anunciar que o artista e produtor Marco Castillo, membro do Folklorama Talent é um dos finalistas na categoria folclórica da competição do Festival Internacional da Canção de Viña del Mar Festival, no Chile durante o mês de fevereiro.
Organizado anualmente desde 1960, este festival é um dos mais importantes da América Latina, sendo visto por mais de 100 milhões de espectadores mundo afora. A composição "Forró não Canadá" de seu mais recente CD, Zabele, é uma das músicas finalistas no gênero popular de competição internacional.
"Estou muito feliz de representar o meu país, bem como o Folklorama nesta famosa e prestigiada competição", disse Castillo, que desde 2006 vive em Winnipeg e tem sido membro do Folklorama desde 2010. "Como músico e compositor que tem trabalhado por muitos anos, divulgando a nossa cultura, ser finalista é uma grande honra. " Afirma Marco que é filho de Tony do consagrado Trio Irakitan.
"Estamos muito animados para comemorar essa incrível conquista de Marco Castillo", diz Debra Zoerb, Diretor Executivo da Folklorama. "A qualidade de seu trabalho é de nível mundial, e ele e sua banda, “Brazilian Beats” sempre brilham durante o festival Folklorama e muitos outros eventos durante todo o ano ".
Zoerb acrescenta que é raro para os Canadenses, ainda mais para Manitoba chegar tão bem em um festival de música na América Latina. Membros do Folklorama tem brilhado em Viña del Mar nos últimos anos, como a Sierra Noble que ganhou a competição internacional em 2011 com sua canção "Try Anything" e o grupo Ça Claque que foi finalista no ano de 2012 na competição com a canção "Automne".
"Christian Hidalgo-Mazzei, produtor musical do Folklorama Talent trabalha todo o ano com os nossos artistas em busca de oportunidades para expandir e alcançar mais mercado", acrescenta Zoerb.
Zabele é o terceiro álbum lançado por Marco Castillo, renomado cantor, compositor e multi-instrumentista que veio para Winnipeg a partir de Rio de Janeiro. Gravado em 2014 e com canções originais, a recente produção de Castillo oferece uma mistura de ritmos brasileiros, sambas instrumentais, e o tema "Samba, Funk & Futebol" num estilo mais funk-pop.
O Festival Internacional da Canção de Viña del Mar será realizado de 15-28 fevereiro de 2015, em Viña del Mar, Chile. Este festival tem sido o propulsor das carreiras de muitos artistas internacionais, incluindo Julio Iglesias e Shakira.
.
Para saber mais sobre Marco Castillo, por favor visite: http://www.marcocastillo.ca
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MarcoCastilloMusic
You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/macccarioca?ob=5
Twitter https://twitter.com/MCastilloGuitar
Para maior informação sobre o Folklorama contactar a:
Deborah Bowers
Directora de Marketing & Comunicaciones
Folklorama
(204) 982-6212
bowersd@folklorama.ca - Meu Palco

O músico…. - Blog - direito autoral

La conversación que Marco Castillo tuvo ese día con Debra Zoerb, directora ejecutiva de Folklorama de Winnipeg le causó un inmenso placer. Ella le anunció que era uno de los finalistas para participar en la Quincuagésima sexta edición del conocido y prestigioso Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar, Chile. Un placer todavía más inmenso para este músico de origen brasileño, que su padre Antônio Santos Cunha, más conocido como Tony, del Trío Irakitan de Brasil, también participó años atrás en el Festival de Viña del Mar……
……..Marco acababa de sacar al mercado su tercer CD titulado Zabele y la canción original con la que este canadiense de adopción iba a representar a Brasil, su país natal, y por ende a Folklorama en el Festival de Viña del Mar se llama “Forró no Canada”. - Radio Canada International

Local singer-songwriter took part in Festival de Viña del Mar 2015

Things have been heating up for Marco Castillo recently — in more ways than one.


The singer-songwriter took part in the prestigious Festival de Viña del Mar 2015 in Chile in February. On his return, the 51-year-old River Park South resident told The Lance he had a trip to remember at the televised event, which showcased performers from around the world.


The festival is massively popular in Latin America and is broadcast to more than 100 million viewers. Castillo was among the six finalists in the folkloric category of the competition and was short-listed from more than 1,100 songs in that category.


"I was amazed by the whole production. The arena was packed with 20,000 people," said Castillo, who hails from Brazil and moved to Winnipeg nine years ago.


"I did well. I think I did my job. There is choreography with each act and a huge screen that shows graphics to each song. It was an awesome experience. It was an amazing spectacle, everyone was so professional and there was a great camaraderie among the performers," Castillo said.


Despite Castillo’s awe, there was one little hitch that had him sweating just before the first of his two appearances onstage.


"Because it was a live production, I was waiting in the wings for about 90 minutes before I went onstage. Just before I was about to go on, the artist who was on before me handed me the earpiece and said it wasn’t working because all she could hear was static. The technician said I’d be fine, but he did change it at the very last minute. However, this made me very nervous," Castillo said.


"The second night I was more relaxed and I performed better, but the judges actually gave me a lower mark. My friend filmed this and the audience booed when they gave me the mark. But I wasn’t mad, as I was just happy to be performing at such a huge festival and getting the exposure. The crowd was very receptive. Once onstage, everything goes by so fast, but it’s an amazing feeling. You feel like a star. I think it’s every artist’s dream to perform at that level."


After his Chilean adventure, Castillo spent a week in his native Brazil and, along with a bass player (an old university friend), drummer and percussionist, played a gig at the famous Beco das Garrafas club in Rio.


"It’s where the bossa nova started in the ’60s. I was honoured to have played at the club," he said.


Returning to his homeland also reunited Castillo with the searing Brazilian heat. The day he left Winnipeg for Chile it was -37C.


"It’s so humid, you can’t do anything. You can’t even think," he said.


Inspired by his travels, Castillo is currently writing new songs, "psychologically preparing" to go back into the studio and preparing for the summer festival circuit. He is also looking to tutor more budding musicians — of all ages and skill levels — on a one-on-one basis.


Castillo released the album Zabelê in 2014. For more information, go online at www.marcocastillo.ca

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

Facebook.com/TheLanceWPG
Twitter: @lanceWPG - Winnipeg Free Press