Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Myles Castello

The language of music is universal and the emotions it evokes can be endless. Budding singer-songwriter Myles Castello knows that first-hand; growing up in Scarborough, a multi-cultural neighborhood in Toronto, he gathered a wide range of musical influences to create his own unique sound. From hip-hip to blues to Latin-inspired, Myles’ music is catchy and mesmerizing.

We caught up with Myles and chatted about his music, his new EP, and experimenting with his sound.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Myles: I’ve always loved music. I started off in sports. I went to a sports school and everything. Then I began making beats, learning guitar, and started writing songs. That’s when it developed.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson that athletics has taught you that you’ve been able to apply to your music career?
Myles: Definitely the discipline. I’m a team player. I like to stick to a plan. I treat it like a workout plan. I practice the same things at the same time every day. I try to write and produce every day.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Myles: That’s a hard one. In terms of music, I can name different artists. But it’s also the music teachers who helped build the foundation. They taught me at a time when everything was so fresh to me. It pulled me in the right direction. I had a lot of different music teachers from my guitar, piano, and vocal coaches that smoothed out the edges while I was growing and learning. I still am.

PC: You’ve been a part of this industry for a few years now. What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?
Myles: I think the biggest thing is to focus on the music. Nowadays, it’s easy to get caught up with other avenues. As an artist, you have to do so many different things now like social media. I would say just to focus on the music.

PC: You’ve got a new EP out now. Tell us about Excess and the inspiration behind it.
Myles: At the time of writing, I was feeling overloaded and oversaturated. That’s what led to the title of the EP. The songs are all set around this idea of excessiveness.

PC: If you had to pick one song off of the EP that best encompasses who you are as an artist, what would it be and why?
Myles: I’d say “Sangria.” I feel like it sums up the EP pretty well and the whole concept behind it.

PC: With this being your first EP, what did you learn about yourself putting together this collection?
Myles: I did a lot of experimenting with this EP. I learned that there’s always room to keep growing. This EP was important for me to hone in on this specific sound. Going forward, I want to recreate this vibe and build on this sound.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Myles: I like Big Sean.

PC: First album you bought?
Myles: It was Chris Brown’s Exclusive.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Myles: Forest Hills Drive by J. Cole. There’s a song on there called “Love Yourz.” It’s a perspective thing for me. It’s not really so much the sound of it. That song alone is happiness for me.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Myles: I’m going to say Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Myles: It has to be some physical activity. I have to be active when I’m working on music.

To keep up with Myles, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream Excess today.

Photo Credit: Justin Abernethy