Formula Indie Sessions – Interview with Castilho

Castilho is the moniker of Pedro Castilho, synth player and backing vocalist of psychedelic rock band.

Having emerged late 2017 with softer more melancholic sounding debut single ‘Come Back’ to critical acclaim in his native Portugal, he has released his second song ‘Moving Fast, Moving Slow’ late 2018 and his third track ‘Lucky Ones’ in the summer of 2019.

‘The Wind Blows’, fourth single, from 2020, won the Novos Talentos Fnac award and opened the doors for his first show at Lisbon’s Coliseu dos Recreios.

These singles, along with two upbeat numbers in ‘Numbers’ and ‘Looking for Ways’, form the foundation for his debut album, Today we’ll be the lucky ones, released by the American Pitch & Prose and the Portuguese pontiaq. The nine-song collection is a shape-shifting synth pop gem, featuring richly textured synths and guitars, breezy vocals, tasteful dashes of psychedelia and an upbeat disposition courtesy of frontman Pedro Castilho.

Since then, Castilho has been presenting his album outside Portugal, across fifteen European countries, having played at some iconic venues, such as Melkweg in Amsterdam and released Sabor do Vento, a collaborative song with Jasmim, via Cuca Monga, one of the most relevant labels in Portugal.

At the moment his readying his sophomore work, set to be released later this year with a single in advance called Tripé, which is out since June.

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

I remember staying up late one night until 4am to watch on the TV a live concert of on my favorite bands when I was a kid.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

I think it started during my teenage years, although I was not really confident of my own skills at that time.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

I started to compose some songs for myself when my band Savanna was kinda stuck creating our sophomore work and as the demos didn’t fit in the band I began to create a sonic idea and identity which ended up in Castilho.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

I would say it is a delicate and heartful soft indie pop rock.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

Everyone can make music when there is something to say.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

A piano and/or a guitar, essentially. Then, my laptop with a DAW, so I can record the idea to add eventually synth pads/leads and beats.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

Lau Ro

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

I think not in a super conscious way, all my personal experiences are reflected on the music I make and consequently on my artistic vision, because I believe my work is an extension of who I am.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

The ones I am trying to express, although I know sometimes that can be subjective, which is the most interesting and challenging thing about music and every form of art.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

What is genuine stands out.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

Difficult to name one, but maybe Glastonbury.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

I could mention many, but having to choose one, I would say Damon Albarn (this answer could be different even today), because I appreciate his work and versatility and I would be curious to see how it would be our workflow and creative process together.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)