Today we’d like to introduce you to Eddie Castillo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Thanks so much for having me. My name is Eddie Castillo and my artist name is the age of aquarius. I’m a house music DJ and designer based in Venice Beach, California and my great passion in life has always been music. I was born and raised in San Diego and was exposed to the world of music from a pretty young age. I played various instruments growing up and although I didn’t stick with any one in particular, it was enough to capture my interest and fuel my creativity moving forward. My parents have always been very supportive of my passions, so I’d like to take a moment to thank them and let them know how grateful I am for all of their support along the way. Love you.
Music has always been an inspiration for me and I grew up listening to all types of genres. Everything from classic rock to Spanish melodies, indie, alternative, reggae, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, classical and everything in between. Music for me is about mood and good music is good music, no matter the language or style. It’s universal and transcends all borders. I’ve always loved sharing music with those around me and becoming a DJ was a natural progression. One thing you learn once you start DJ’n is every gig is unique and you always have to bring your “A” game to create a vibe and win over the crowd. It’s not just about having a good taste in music, it’s about playing the right tracks at the right time. Time and place, just like many things in life.
I purchased my first set of decks shortly after graduating from college and have been playing ever since. In the begging , I was just happy playing house parties with my friends on the weekends. Over time, my desire to play music at a higher level definitely grew. My professional background has been in marketing & advertising on the agency side and for many years I balanced working a career during the week and DJ’n whenever time permitted.
In August 2019, I decided to make a career change out of the marketing field and started my own business in order to pursue my passions in music, art, fashion and event production. I’m really happy I took the leap of faith in myself, because it’s hard to have one foot in and one foot out, if you will. Whenever I commit to something, I always give it my all in order to give myself the best chance to succeed.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have definitely been ups and downs, but I’m grateful for all of it. The blessings and lessons in life help you grow into the person you’re supposed to become. I left my agency in August 2019 to start my own business, fast-forward a few months later and the pandemic hit in early 2020. But I always try to see the positive in things and the extra time at home during quarantine allowed me to create mixes and really take the time to curate my sound and work on my craft. It allowed time for self-reflection and growth. So coming out of quarantine, I was able to develop a solid fan base and curate a sound that reflects who I am and what the age of aquarius is all about.
I’m very grateful for my experiences and this journey because it has provided many opportunities and has allowed me to play amazing venues and connect with truly amazing people. Some of the more memorable events I’ve had the honor of playing at have included Burning Man, Art Basel in Miami, Top of the World at Topanga Canyon Lookout — a graffitied ledge perched atop one of the highest points in the Santa Monica Mountains, Wisdome in LA and a Cercle-style set I performed at Looking Glass Arch in beautiful Moab, Utah. Memories for life and it just keeps getting better. I definitely look forward to the future with excitement.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Galactic house, retro-future style. These are five words that best describe the essence of my brand across music, art and fashion. I love playing tracks that have depth. Tracks that take you places.
My style of music combines vibrant house beats with various styles ranging from melodic to worldly, Afro to Latin, sexy to soulful, ethereal to deep — always with the aim of taking my audience on a journey. Música para volar.
I have enjoyed DJ’n very much and look forward to continuing my journey into music production. I will also be releasing my line of limited-edition, custom jackets very soon, so stay tuned friends.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Replace competition with collaboration and create magic.
Together we rise.
These last two years have definitely thrown a lot at us, both individually and collectively as a society. Turbulent times, however, do not diminish our power, they call on us to discover it and use it like never before.
Walking your own path can sometimes make you confused with moments of discouragement, but always remember — you wouldn’t have had the dream in the first place if you didn’t have what it takes to see it through. They say most people give up right before their visions manifest and it’s never about lack of talent, but rather a lack of following through.
So whatever it is, do it. Reverse your habits. Align your behaviors. Get it done. Get all of it done. Then watch as your desires begin to manifest as a result. Once you shift into a new habit, you become a new person and you’re gifted with a whole new level of life.
Time to level up.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theageofaquarius__/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theageofaqrs/
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/theageofaquarius
