Jason Castro News
'American Idol's' Castro wows crowd at Pasco mall  
Published: October 29, 2009 PORT RICHEY - He finished in the top four of the 2008 "American Idol" competition and was the first Idol competitor to play an instrument onstage. And Wednesday evening Jason Castro performed for a crowd of more than 200 people . Castro's appearance at Gulf View Square mall was part of a concert tour, Akoo Presents Jason Castro Live, that consists of shows performed at radio stations and shopping malls across the nation and in Canada. "It's great being on tour," he said. "I get to play music every day." Castro particularly savors the opportunity to perform his own original music, like his new single "Let's Just Fall in Love Again," a cut from his debut Atlantic Records recording that will be released in January. He describes this tune as a "free-spirited, joyful song about falling in love again ... getting back that magic moment." "For those who saw me on 'American Idol,' this show is a follow-up to the relationship we started," said this 22-year-old Texas native. "On the show they saw my personality, taste and style as I performed. Now they see how that translates to my music." "And for those who have never seen me on the show," said Castro, "this is a chance to check out my music." Many of those in attendance expressed a familiarity with and enthusiasm for Castro's music. Debbie Fuson came from Lakeland to attend the show, and wore a Jason Castro Music T-shirt. "I started watching 'American Idol' because of him," she said. "He's so spirited and genuine, and you can tell he loves performing." Sisters Caroline Wingrove, Brooksville, Billie Fuller, Ridge Manor, and Marilyn Transue, Port Richey, were also in attendance at his Gulf View Square show, which featured original songs such as "Let's Just Fall in Love Again" and "That's What I'm Here For," and Castro's signature "American Idol" covers "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Hallelujah." The sisters expressed appreciation for everything from his trademark dreadlocks to his musical style. "I like his style of singing and his voice," Wingrove said. "I love his eyes and I like his singing," said Fuller. "He seems so sweet." "I like his dreadlocks and his eyes," Transue said. "He seems like a pleasant young man." "I strive for that in life, in everything I do," he said, "to be positive, and lift people's spirits." While onstage, Castro sent out birthday wishes to audience member McKenna Cohefero, who carried a sign that read, "I'm celebrating my 11th birthday with Jason Castro." "It's exciting to be here," McKenna said. "He's awesome." Transue agreed. "He will go far," she said.
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'Idol' alum Jason Castro to perform at Pasco mall tonight
By This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | The Tampa Tribune Published: October 28, 2009 TAMPA - Former "American Idol" contestant Jason Castro kicked off a national mall tour that takes the Texas-based tunesmith, across the country this fall. The "Jason Castro Live" tour began Oct. 12th at Minneapolis' Southdale Center and continues through mid-November. He performs tonight at Gulf View Square Mall in Port Richey. Castro, the third runner-up on American Idol in 2008, is putting on the free concerts to give fans a sneak peak at his new album available Nov. 17 featuring the single "Let's Just Fall in Love Again." We catch up with the crooner before he hit the road. Q: When does the album drop and what can listeners expect? A: The album comes out early next year. The single "Lets Just Fall in Love Again is already out. It's a playful song; and the perfect song to kick off the album; I wanted it to be about my personality. It's about getting back to the magic…let's enjoy what we have. I've been calling it a modern singer song writer album. Q: You have a record deal, you're on tour. How are you feeling? A: I couldn't be happier, this is my first record and if I could make one record then this is it. I am so happy with how the sound came out. Q: Did you always dream of this moment? A: I always wanted to play music, I never imaged the scale of things, and I was playing drums when I dreamed of being famous. Its mind blowing…as you go through the show [American Idol] you're just being a contestant…but looking back there was over 110,000 people going out for the show. Q: What is the biggest life change since appearing on "American Idol?" A: The biggest change is never being home. It's crazy, you get to see the whole country, and it's really a dream. I can't think of anything that's the same except my close friendships. Q: Mall tours haven't been popular for a decade. Why a mall tour now? A: The idea came from Atlantic and I thought it sounded kind of cool. If they say play at a mall, I'll play. We wanted to do something a little different. All the shows are free. Q: Are you used to your new life? A: It's still bizarre, it's weird to think that you're that guy, it makes sense, I was on TV, I kind of understand it. I don't think there is a turning back. Q: What does music mean to you? A: I was playing drums in a pretty serious band. I decided to quit and go back to schoo at Texas A&M…I wasn't okay, I was remember crying watching the Grammy's and not playing, it was miserable without music. I gave up the music and it came back bigger than ever. I'm fully happy, and definitely have no regrets, but right, you can tell when its not working.
Exclusive interview: Jason Castro talks American Idol, Adam Lambert, Kris Allen, new CD
Last Updated (Saturday, 24 October 2009 06:44) Dreadlocked ‘Idol’ finalist to perform at Paddock Mall
"American Idol” finalist Jason Castro, known for his brown dreadlocks and quick smile, is keeping busy. “I get my schedule at the top of the week and kind of go,” he said Monday during a phone interview. His morning usually starts with a radio interview, followed by a few appearances throughout the day. Lunch often is on the run, as Atlantic Records representatives shuttle him from place to place. Sometimes, Castro said, he has to fly to another city for more radio shows before flying back for that night’s concert. “I’m kind of all over the place right now,” said the Texas-based singer, whose frantic schedule finds him in Ocala on Tuesday. Castro’s current pace is a contrast to his “Idol” days, when everything was neatly contained. On the “Idol” summer tour, Castro said, he spent most of the day confined to the arena before the show. During the show itself, contestants are cloistered together until sent home after commentary from the judges. Toward the end of the 2008 season, judge Simon Cowell told the breezy singer he needed to focus. “I think it’s time that you start taking this a little bit more seriously,” Cowell told him. Castro made it to the top four, though, garnering heaps of fans along the way. David Cook went on to win the competition over David Archuleta. After Castro was voted off the show, he lay low, focusing on writing and creating his debut album. “I’ve been working on my album for the last year, hidden away from everybody,” he said. “I thought it’d be a good time to reconnect with fans before the new album comes out.” His yet-to-be-titled CD will be released next year. In the meantime, the singer has embarked on a Tiffany-esque mall tour that will stop at Ocala’s Paddock Mall on Tuesday. The tour ends Nov. 15 in California. The concert is scheduled inside near Belk. But if Castro draws crowds up to 400 at the stops before the Ocala show, the Paddock Mall might move it to the parking lot, said Elgin Carelock, director of marketing for the mall. That same parking lot hosted hundreds of fans in January 2007 when “Idol” finalist Kellie Pickler performed. Castro’s performance adds to the stream of other “Idol” Ocala appearances in recent years. “American Idol” alums Bo Bice, Justin Guarini, Melissa McGhee, Anthony Federov and Robbie Carrico have performed at Silver Springs. Phil Stacey played at Ocala’s First Baptist Church in 2008, while chart-topper Jordin Sparks headlined Kidfetti earlier this year. In April, Atlantic Records signed Castro, the first “Idol” finalist to join the label. The CD is full of “intimate moments,” Castro said, as well as some upbeat rock tracks. Castro sings about his life, love and easy living. His first single, “Let’s Just Fall in Love Again,” oozes the same laid-back, sunny attitude that rankled “Idol” judges and endeared him to fans. “It’s kind of a fun, carefree song,” he said. “I wanted to bring out the personality they saw on the show.” Castro toured with the other “Idol” contestants last summer, but touring alone is understandably different, he said. “I’ve got something to promote now,” Castro said. “I’m not just doing a show.” Castro said he’s excited to get back on stage - with his band, his music and maybe his ukulele. “There’s something magic about [performing] that I discovered when I was younger. It’s indescribable the feeling you get,” he said. “I guess my favorite part is different every night.” On Tuesday, he is scheduled to perform a 30-minute set from the album and his “Idol” days, including his acclaimed rendition of “Hallelujah.” “Expect new music,” he said. “Expect my music.” Contact Jackie Alexander at 867-4140 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . source Last Updated (Thursday, 22 October 2009 03:51) 'American Idol' Alum Jason Castro's Debut Bumped To Next Year
By Jim Cantiello
Looks like Jason Castro fans are going to have to wait a little bit longer to hear original music from the season-seven "American Idol" finalist. His debut album, originally slated to hit stores November 17, has been bumped to "early next year," according to a message posted on Castro's site Tuesday. Castro, currently on a mall tour to drum up excitement for the self-titled release, insisted the delay is no cause for alarm. "I've poured my life into this album for the past several months — writing over 50 songs, recording a bunch of them and working to get each one just right," he wrote. "We're really close but are making some final tweaks so it can be exactly the album that I imagined it would be!" Although Atlantic Records just released Jason's first single, "Let's Just Fall in Love Again," to radio this past week, Castro debuted the song in a webcast in August and offered it as a download for fans who pre-ordered the album, and iTunes has been selling the track since September 1. (His devoted fanbase pushed the track to #37 on the iTunes song chart.) No word yet on whether Atlantic and Castro will release a second single closer to the album's new, yet-undetermined release date. The dreadlocked fan favorite isn't the only "Idol" to face shifting release dates recently. In early September, Katharine McPhee's new label, Verve Forecast Records, decided to move her sophomore release, Broken, from this past Tuesday to January 5 because of "scheduling" issues. Even with Castro's CD bump, November 17 remains an overcrowded day for new music. "American Idol" winner Kris Allen, Leona Lewis, OneRepublic, Shakira, John Mayer and 50 Cent are all scheduled to release albums that day. Jason fans disappointed with the delay have one thing to be happy about. Castro ended the message with a little surprise: "For those who already pre-ordered the album — a big THANK YOU! I'm going to be sending you a bonus track that we just couldn't fit on the album."
Last Updated (Thursday, 29 October 2009 01:03) |