Del Castillo

DEL CASTILLO began as a latin flamenco-style project between two brothers, Rick and Mark del Castillo in the fall of 2000. Up until that time, both had been playing guitar and recording on separate projects but had never worked together. After an initial period of writing instrumentals, their good friend, Alex "El Lobo" Ruiz began to write some wonderfully soulful lyrics and collaborate with them to create some vibrant, energetic songs. Another longtime friend, Mike Zeoli, added some incredible drum tracks and the project began to pick up steam. After receiving tremendously positive responses from listeners, what started out as a "studio" project became a real band. The group needed a solid grooving-in-the-pocket bass player and turned to another close friend, Albert "El Beto Bert" Besteiro. Soon after, Rick "The Rev" Holeman was asked to add his blessed expertise on percussion which put the "icing on the cake" and complete the band's sound. With the line-up complete, DEL CASTILLO began writing material fusing many styles and influences, all while retaining a solid latin element. The band released their debut CD "BROTHERS OF THE CASTLE" in 2001, which met with rave reviews from critics and music fans alike. "Absolutely some of the best Spanish guitar that I have ever heard!" quoted AustinExperience.com, which sums up the explosive reactions. As the once "project band" solidified into a family of musicians, the band crafted their follow-up release, "VIDA", which took the band to the next level. Austin, Texas' respected paper, The Austin Chronicle, said "if Vida is proof, their road to fame will be as short as an I-35 entrance ramp". And recognition, if not fame, came calling in the form of an invitation to appear on the soundtrack of director Robert Rodriguez "ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO" and the honor of winning "Best Austin Band of the Year" at the 2002-2003 Austin Music Awards. DEL CASTILLO's signature non-traditional sound has been igniting clubs, radio stations, festivals, and stages all over Texas since August of 2001 and proves to be only a small sample of things to come. The uncontrollable buzz they are creating is also beginning to spread throughout America and the rest of the world via radio, word-of-mouth, and the internet. DEL CASTILLO draws from an infinite well of sonic landscapes, gracefully fusing old world “gitano” and new world flamenco with rock & blues. Listen at Last.fm Even without friends in high places -- namely, close buds Los Lonely Boys, Texas music godfather Willie Nelson and renowned Austin director Robert Rodriguez (who use them on the soundtrack to Once Upon a Time in Mexico and Spy Kids 3D : Game Over, and performed with them on the Kill Bill 2 soundtrack as Chingon) -- Del Castillo would be earning recognition for their heady, aphrodisiac elixir of twin Spanish guitars, intricate percussion and whirling-dervish, Mayan prince look-alike vocalist Alex Ruiz. The six-member flamenco-rock hybrid band, anchored by guitarists Rick and Mark Del Castillo, has won several top honors at the Austin Music Awards, and with its new album, Brotherhood (containing their first English tracks), is poised to collect more accolades -- and fans.