Life & Work with Avi Castellanos of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Avi Castellanos.

Avi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
‘ve been passionate about music for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC, and started writing songs and playing music at a young age. Music has always been one of my biggest forms of catharsis and a way for me to express myself and process things I’ve experienced throughout my life.

I went on to study songwriting at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where I graduated in 2023, and also studied music production and technology at Berklee’s campus in Valencia, Spain. During that time, I really started developing my sound as a singer, songwriter, producer, and composer, drawing inspiration from alternative pop, electronic music, indie rock, and film scores.

After graduating, I moved to Los Angeles to continue building my career as an independent artist. Since then, I’ve been releasing music, performing around LA, collaborating with other musicians, and continuing my education through UCLA Extension, taking classes in music publishing, A&R, and sync licensing. I’ve also been exploring opportunities in film and television music, which is another area I’m really passionate about.

My music tends to be cinematic, atmospheric, and introspective, often exploring themes of mental health, grief, relationships, and self-discovery. I’ve released several projects, including my album Caged Man, and most recently my six-track EP California Dystopia, which explores my experience moving to LA, romanticizing love, and confronting the reality behind those expectations. The EP also marks a shift toward a more cinematic, dark EDM and electronic sound.

One thing I really love about making music is the world-building aspect of it. I don’t like limiting myself to one genre and enjoy experimenting with different sounds and creating a unique atmosphere around each project. Whether it’s alternative pop, electronic music, or ambient instrumentals, I want listeners to feel immersed in the music. Ultimately, my goal is to continue creating authentic work that connects with people while building a sustainable career as both a recording artist and composer.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been an up-and-down journey, especially when it comes to my mental health and navigating life as an independent artist. There have been a lot of moments of self-doubt, uncertainty, and trying to figure out where I fit in, both personally and creatively. I think pursuing music can be challenging in itself, especially in a city like Los Angeles where there’s so much talent and pressure to constantly be creating and putting yourself out there.

I’ve also experienced a lot of grief and personal loss in recent years, especially losing my father, which has had a huge impact on me and my songwriting. Music has really been one of the biggest ways I’ve been able to process those emotions and heal. A lot of my songs come from difficult experiences, and I’ve learned that sometimes those moments can lead to some of the most meaningful work.

I also think navigating life in my 20s in LA as a gay man comes with its own challenges, especially when it comes to relationships, identity, and finding a sense of belonging. But at the same time, those experiences have allowed me to see things from different perspectives and have really influenced the stories I want to tell through my music.

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think I’ve learned to embrace the ups and downs a little more. I’m still figuring things out, and I’ve realized that growth and healing aren’t always linear. If anything, those experiences have helped me become more honest with myself and the music I create.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a singer, songwriter, producer, and composer, and one thing I really love about making music is being able to explore different genres while still maintaining a sound that feels like my own. My music tends to be very cinematic, atmospheric, and introspective, blending elements of alternative pop, electronic music, indie rock, and orchestral arrangements. I love creating music that feels grand and almost like a film score, but still has a modern pop sound to it. Some of my biggest influences are Lana Del Rey, The Weeknd, Gregory Alan Isakov, and London Grammar.

I think what sets my music apart is the world-building aspect of it. I really enjoy creating an atmosphere around each song or project, where the production, lyrics, and visuals all come together to tell a story. I want my music to be something people can really sit down and listen to, connect with emotionally, and find their own meaning in, but also something they can just vibe to and get lost in.

I’m probably most proud of how much I’ve grown creatively and how I’ve been able to experiment with different sounds without feeling like I need to stick to one genre. My latest EP, California Dystopia, is a good example of that, blending darker electronic and EDM production with cinematic elements and personal songwriting. Ultimately, I want to keep pushing myself creatively while making music that feels authentic, immersive, and emotionally honest.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
One book that’s really helped me is Letting Go by David R. Hawkins, which explores how to observe and detach from your emotions rather than letting them control you. It’s helped me a lot personally, especially with learning how to process difficult feelings and experiences. I think it’s also made me a better songwriter because I’ve learned to approach my emotions from a different perspective and turn those experiences into something creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/avicastellanosmusic
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avicmusic_/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avicastellanos/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AviCastellanos_
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0xhXAPCvFsVolQYgM6ouNw?si=JfETjUleSeOlakFm7vSjyQ

Image Credits
Richard Lomibao – photography