We spoke with Wild Heart Club, the latest project from singer-songwriter Kristen Castro, about releasing new singles off her upcoming debut LP, Arcade Back In Manitou, dropping on November 12, 2021. We ask her all about the LP, her sound, creative process, and tons more. Check it out below.

How excited are you about your debut LP?

My teenage self has been wanting this full length out for a long long time. So in other words, I AM FUCKING STOKED! I’m happy I finally found a music partner, Duncan Ferguson, who helped bring this project into fruition. Even though it took me walking away from country music, I’m really proud of what came about when I wasn’t trying to be something. 

When people listen to your music, what are you hoping they get out of it?

I don’t hope for anything in particular, I think it’s an honor in itself to have people listen. If they connect emotionally and want to keep listening then that means everything.

How would you describe the sound of your music?

Upbeat sad songs? Guitar based pop? It’s lofi meets hifi. Lots of 80s and 90s pop and rock influences, lots of guitar soundscapes. 

Who would you say are some of your musical influences?

The long lasting influences have been Warpaint, The Sounds, and Iron Maiden. I also love The Cranberries, Haim, Lord Huron, lots of Swedish Pop artists. Lately I’ve had Foy Vance and this one bluegrass playlist on repeat. 

Did you always know that music was something you wanted to pursue?

I always felt fascinated with guitar when I was younger.  I loved the feeling of being in a tracking room in a studio and feeling like the whole world disappeared, I kept wanting to feel that way. Guitar led to a lot of cool experiences that were a turning point for me. I remember playing this gnarly show when I was 16 with Keith Urban and these other kids – it wasn’t the crowd that was the awe factor but the way the stage pounded when the kick drum started; it felt like I was flying and that’s sort of when I knew I wanted to do music as a profession.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

I think I’d say only do it if it’s what you love and can’t live without. It’s not an easy path by any means. Stay loyal to yourself, connect with people / keep up relationships, play with people better than you, never stop being humble and learning. 

What is your favorite song to perform live?

I really love playing Rainbow. Something about it feels really fulfilling and new whether it’s acoustic or a full band set up. 

Can you describe your creative process when you’re writing new music?

It usually starts when I’m messing around on guitar or a lyric that comes to mind. I’m always writing down quotes mid conversation with people. I used to co-write with others but I just like to write alone now. I bounce back and forth between different guitar tunings and write and produce at the same time to keep from getting stuck.

What has been the best advice someone has given you about music?

I heard this story at a music event where Paul Williams was talking about his brother who passed away a few years ago. Mentor Williams was trying to make a profession out of songwriting but kept struggling and waiting for his break and it wasn’t happening. Feeling like he was at the end of his rope, he wrote “Drift Away” as a goodbye to music when he wanted to give up and that ended up becoming his biggest cut song. Creatives have a universal pain and when I hear stories of them not giving up it’s deeply moving and a reminder to always push forward.

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