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H-Town Rock
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Tody Castillo is no stranger to the Houston music scene. He’s been performing around town for the past 10 years, both with bands and solo. Last year was a milestone for him: his self-titled debut album was the best-selling album at Cactus Music & Video in 2005 — even beating out international stars like Coldplay. Houstonist caught up with him for some coffee at Café Brasil (where he plays live tonight).
You’ve been compared to Ryan Adams and Jeff Tweedy, among others. Were they influences for you?
Back in the mid-'90s, seeing Wilco as an opening act was one of the first live experiences that totally changed my style of playing. They came on stage and ripped it up! Another big influence on me was Elvis Costello, but I got into his music later in his career. Brutal Youth is the album that I will always identify with the most. As for the other comparisons, I can see some truth in all of them.
People have categorized you as “alt.country.” what are your thoughts on that?
They hear the pedal steel all over the record, and I guess some songs have a slight twang, especially “I’m Gonna Change.” Growing up on a ranch outside of San Antonio, I was raised on country, but also pop artists like Paul Simon. If you were going to put me in a particular place in your CD collection, put me in Rock/Pop.
What are your thoughts on the Houston music scene?
There’s a real uprising of songwriters and original music now. In the '90s, it was all about party bands and their vibes, which is great — it made people dance. But now, we have real songwriters like Mando Saenz and Arthur Yoria. It’s still tough, since Houston isn’t a (music) industry town — the urgency doesn’t seem to be here like it may be in Austin. But it’s nice to be a big fish in a small pond.
Are you closer to any particular song on the record?
Right after I finished recording, I was most pleased with “God Only Knows” — lyrically, especially. I also like the production and arrangement. Plus, having Eddie Hobizal on the grand piano made my day.
Where do you find the inspiration to write?
Girls. Well, relationships in general give me a lot of writing material. Some writers use politics, but I don’t get charged enough politically to write about it; maybe one day I will. I’m learning to write more personal stories like Steve Earle. Some of the stories are mine, others are from people I know and others are totally fiction. I won’t tell you which is which.
You’re one of many artists now using MySpace to promote their music. How has that experience been?
It’s weird. It seems more like a pick-up joint, but overall it’s a good tool. If people hear my songs on MySpace and come to a show or go buy a record, then it’s done its job. It’s like a gateway to my actual website. I’ve noticed that Tom guy has lots of friends.
What are your thoughts on radio?
It’s sad to see this machine shove music into people’s mouths. When I was little, I depended on the radio because I didn’t have the coin to go down and buy every record that I thought sounded cool. But if you’re truly a music lover, you’re going to find what’s good. I don’t wish bad things on the music industry, but I wish they would not reward mediocrity.
Can we expect a new CD this year?
Not this year; we’ll be focusing on touring. We’re hoping to put out an EP, maybe live or outtakes from the first record. We’re scheduling some more shows outside of the state, too.
Catch Tody at these upcoming shows:
Tonight: Café Brasil, 2604 Dunlavy St., 9 p.m.
Feb. 11 – Helios (w/ Arthur Yoria and Andy Zipf), 411 Westheimer Road
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