Jason Castro interview to promote free Discover Mills Mall concert October 23, 6 p.m.
Jason Castro just woke up and he sounded a bit groggy yesterday. Nonetheless, he was pleasant and spoke full sentences.
He was in Michigan ready to do his third mall appearance after ones in Miinneapolis and Chicago. He is set to be at the Discover Mills Mall in Gwinnett County October 23 at 6 p.m. for a free concert and meet and greet. (I plan to be there to take pictures.)
Atlantic Records, his label, he said, came up with the idea of a Tiffany-like mall tour to promote his album. Said album, unfortunately, was pushed back two months from early November until early January. But folks who show up at the mall can pre-order the album and buy the single, “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again.”
“It’s something I’ve poured my life into,” he said. “I dont want to rush it out just to get it done.”
Despite his laid-back persona, he admits that “I’ve been known to be a perfectionist. I like to do it right. Ask my mom!” He said he’s never done songs with a band before and he’s still trying to get the mixes right. “The intensity of the vocal vs. the intensity of the track don’t always match up,” he said.
He chose the breezy pop song “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again” as a first single because it matches his personality. “It’s kind of the image I portray,” he said. “A fun song, no worries!”
Oddly, when I asked him if he felt more comfortable doing interviews now vs. “Idol” time, he became flummoxed. “Possibly. Probably. I never thought about it! [pause. nervous giggle.] I have to think about it.”
He has one duet on his album with labelmate Serena Ryder, who he was already a big fan of. He didn’t do anything with any other “Idol” contestants. Overall, he said, the album will include a mix of upbeat tunes and ballads, nothing too dark. “It’s all very familiar, nothing too crazy,” he said.
Castro said he’d already been doing little private shows for radio station winners. “This is a cool way to get out to see more people and let everyone know where it’s at, make it easy for people to hang out, hear some of the new music.”
The mall mini-show will be about six songs, including his signature take on “Hallelujah,” of course. (”It’s still the favorite song in my set.”) Then he’ll hang out, take pictures and sign autographs. From video I’ve seen of the first two shows, he’s getting a solid turnout. Here’s a video of him doing “Love Uncompromised” in Minnesota Monday evening.
And I asked him whether he ever plans to cut off those dreadlocks he’s worn for five years. “There willl come to a point when I cut them off,” he siad. “But they’ve been good to me. They’re convenient, maintenance free. You can’t ask for a better hairdo.” Normally, he said, “I like to change a lot. But I have this fear if I cut off my hair, I won’t know how it’s going to grow out.”
- In other news, Daughtry is set to play the CMA Awards November 11 with Vince Gill.
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46 comments Add your comment
JTesla
October 15th, 2009
2:19 pm
Thanks Rodney, it comes across as a good interview. At least he knows how to promote himself (unlike some people) and he does it while keeping his humble style.
“and spoke full sentences” Rodney knows how to get the fans riled up better than anyone. I’m sure those two fans are firing off hate mail right now.
fangurl
October 15th, 2009
2:42 pm
Rodney, thanks for the interview and the video clip. I’ve seen a few videos of Jason’s recent performances, and I’m amazed at how much he’s grown, both as a performer and as an interview. He’s still humble, but much better at interviews. I’m impressed with his songwriting skills, too. I’m looking forward to seeing him at Discover Mills. I hope he draws a good crowd here, too, as he is doing in all the other cities. Do you know if any of the radio stations will be hosting a private show here?
Deirdre
October 15th, 2009
2:50 pm
Thanks for the interview, Rodney. Jason seems like a nice guy and he was never good at interviews during the show. He seems to have improved.
Rickster
October 15th, 2009
3:39 pm
“Spoke in complete sentences”? What lofty expectations!
Nana
October 15th, 2009
3:44 pm
HooRay, I upped one on Rodney since I broke the news about Daughtry being on the CMA with Vince Gill before he did. I give myself a pat on the back!!!!
I’m so jealous of one of our regulars, but I hope she and hubby have a great time on their trip.
Harm: If you are reading this, I will give you a call sometime tomorrow.
Hope everyone has a great evening. Keep a song in your heart, a smile on your face and a tap in your toes. Be safe and careful on the roads and highways.
kelly&carriefan
October 15th, 2009
4:05 pm
I was totally onboard the interview until the hair question…I’m sorry, but all I can think at his “maintenance free” comment, is. EWWWWWWW!
Other than that, he seems like a nice guy.
Rickster
October 15th, 2009
4:16 pm
Your highness… please use your powers only for good.
Heather MacDonald
October 15th, 2009
4:19 pm
K&C Fan…. I always think of lice. It grosses me out completely.
Harriett
October 15th, 2009
4:43 pm
Time for my class. Talk to everyone tomorrow. Lice? Ewwww!
JTesla
October 15th, 2009
5:43 pm
Rodney, one thing I thought of is that you should have asked about his brother (of lesser Idol fame, but Idol none the less). How is he doing on Idol this year, are they going to do anything musically together? Jason probably can’t disclose much, but work with me here I actually thought of an polite thing to ask Jason Castro. I’m as shocked by that as everyone else.
I would also like to welcome to the blog the one Jason Castro fan who showed up today. Please stop by again sometime.
Mercedes S.
October 15th, 2009
6:30 pm
Thanks for interview and mall clip, Rodney. Could have done without that still though, the one where Castro’s multicolored dreads drape his chest like those nasty whole fur bits (foxes and minks, w tails and heads) women used to wear in the 40’s.
Nana
October 15th, 2009
7:06 pm
I just wonder when the last time his hair was washed. Yuck!!!!!
JTesla
October 15th, 2009
7:33 pm
Nana, 5 years ago or longer. Remember when some of it fell off on the show? Yeah, nice. Imagine him swinging his head around and a piece landing in your mouth? I’d force myself to vomit in hopes that my stomach acids would be strong enough to kill the bacteria.
If he shaves his head before January I’ll buy his album. Join the “Jason Castro shave your head” challenge today!
terry
October 15th, 2009
8:16 pm
WOW you have some very narrow minded people in your neck of the woods. VERY narrow minded.
Deirdre
October 15th, 2009
8:33 pm
terry…it has absolutely nothing to do with narrow-mindedness and everything to do with personal taste. Many people see dredlocks as breeding grounds for who knows what. Many people don’t. Being open-minded doesn’t mean that you have to accept EVERYTHING…it just means that you’re willing to listen or observe and then form your own opinion.
Open-mindedness does NOT mean that everybody likes what you like….which would make YOU close-minded.
terry
October 15th, 2009
8:48 pm
I stand corrected then, perhaps judgemental and bigoted is more accurate, my apologies.
JTesla
October 15th, 2009
9:04 pm
Way to be judgmental and bigoted there terry. Perhaps you should be a little more open minded towards those that have beliefs that are different from your own.
Nancy
October 15th, 2009
9:50 pm
My daughter had dreadlocks for 4 years. She washed them every day. They were clean, smelled nice, and certainly not infested with anything!!! Come on, people! The bug assumption is just plain ignorant! By “maintenance-free” I’m sure he meant no combing, cutting, blow-drying, gelling, etc…
I have seen Jason Castro perform live, and he is a very gifted singer and songwriter. He is also interacts with his audience in a very friendly, genuine, and intelligent manner, I’m looking forward to his CD ( which I have pre-ordered), and I expect that he will have a very successful career!
.
JTesla
October 15th, 2009
10:20 pm
Thanks Nancy! Come back when the CD ships and let us know how it is.
Che
October 15th, 2009
10:29 pm
Thanks Rodney for the interview. I love Jason. Love his voice and personality. I’ve been lurking here for quite some time but I don’t comment because people here are mean. They’re scary! Jason said he washes his dreadlocks often. They’re clean.
Harm
October 15th, 2009
10:33 pm
Happy Belated Birthday to Highlander!!!
Harm
October 15th, 2009
10:36 pm
Che, all of us are not mean and scary, I promise!
JTesla
October 15th, 2009
10:47 pm
I want to be scary! Tis the season you know.
flbravesgirl
October 15th, 2009
11:07 pm
Che, I assure you that the regulars here are good people, even JT the King of Snark. When they poke fun at a contestant or alumni it’s not done maliciously. They love AI, after all, or they wouldn’t be here.
Now I doubt I’ll be buying any of Jason’s music but he’s a nice kid & I hope he’s successful.
Deirdre
October 16th, 2009
6:56 am
Morning!
flbravesgirl has given JT a new name. “King of Snark” I love it! Thanks and, fbg, I’m happy to see you popping in occasionally.
Che…a sense of humor helps a LOT on here. We only get “mean” when someone starts calling us names. Now…did you just call us “mean”?????
I will admit that we have a pretty low tolerance for people who are obsessed with one Idol or another. An insistence that your favorite Idol is PERFECT tends to bring out the worst in us. We may go just a wee bit overboard at assessing their imperfections. We’re fans of the show here, not a fan site for anyone specific, so opinions are welcome but not necessarily agreed with.
Nana
October 16th, 2009
7:01 am
Good Morning Everybody.
Today’s Quote: ” If your opinion doesn’t agree with other’s, doesn’t mean that your are different from them. It merely means your opinion is.”
I will concede that Jason may wash his dredlocks, but I wonder just how clean the inside of the locks get if he leaves them in. I understand that the outside of them may be very clean, but just not so sure of the inside. Someone give me a step by step of washing dredlocks without taking them down and then redoing them,. No malice here, just trying to understand the cleaniness of dredlocks.
Che, we are really nice people. If you have been reading the blog for sometime now, you sholud know that. We just all agree to disagree at times.
melina
October 16th, 2009
7:28 am
I don’t understand all this talk about his dreads – I have a friend with dreads and he washes his hair like everyone else plus we are here to comment about Jason’s music which I think it’s fantastic. Love his beautiful voice and his charming personality. Jason is what this music industry needed – someone who is humble and just beautiful inside and out! Very proud of Jason and all his hard work – he has many fans just waiting for that album!
Harriett
October 16th, 2009
8:24 am
Good morning. Melina, we take a holistic approach, not limiting discussion to the music!
Deirdre
October 16th, 2009
8:28 am
Rodney…mj is reporting that Archie’s parents have filed for divorce. You could get through the whole weekend on that news!
Seriously, my best to Archie…that’s rough for any kid.
JTesla
October 16th, 2009
9:08 am
Agreed Deirdre, that is rough for anyone (even if they are no longer a kid).
I wasn’t imagining things was I, one of Jasons dreads fell out on air right? Something is not adding up there.
Harriett
October 16th, 2009
9:12 am
The news about Archie’s parents is not a surprise, given his father’s proclivities toward “working” girls.
Rickster
October 16th, 2009
9:19 am
Morning, all.
Very sorry to hear about Archie’s folks. But it wasn’t too surprising once his dad’s massage parlor excursion came to light. I’m more surprised that it hasn’t happened sooner.
Lara
October 16th, 2009
10:00 am
Happy Friday, y’all!!!
Man, that was a good interview, Rodney. You know you have to ask about the dreds, they are a big part of what made Jason Castro stand out – wether you like it or not. I have friends with dreds, they tend to keep them very clean, because they can hold onto smells, like cigarette smoke…
It is sad about Archie’s parents, but it was bound to come. Hope he is able to handle it ok.
I hope everyone has a great weekend! I am going to recover from my trip to Disney World!
Mercedes S.
October 16th, 2009
10:04 am
Che – I love this blog because the people here have a great sense of humor AND they are caring and compassionate… you mustn’t have lurked very long.
Kara was on the View yesterday, dancing with Gloria Gaynor and singing along to “I Will Survive”. She was a better host than irritating blonde.
Nana
October 16th, 2009
10:50 am
My best to Archie and his parents. I had never had to experienced a divorce personally nor with my parents, but it has got to be hard on all involved.
Jason Castro seems to be a very charming and likable young man to his family, friends and fans. I’m just not one of them. Sorry if I offend any of his fans by saying that. I don’t mean to hurt your feelings or make you angry. This is only MY personal opinion and I wish him well with his career.
Rickster
October 16th, 2009
1:00 pm
Fox News.com is running some Kat McPhee before / after blonde pictures. I think she looked much better as a brunette.
Of course… that’s just my personal preference. Yours work for you.
Faye
October 16th, 2009
1:07 pm
Love the single and the new video and all of the new songs he’s been performing.
I saw him on the AI tour and at his show in Dallas on Dec 13th last year. I really enjoy his personality but his music is what is so appealing to me.
Now I’m only mentioning the rest of this because of so many “ewwww” comments.
“Maintenace free” doesn’t mean he doesn’t wash his hair – he’s talking about hair product and getting his hair cut. This same question has been brought up a hundred times in interviews and after a few dozen conversations he’s probably gotten tired of going through his hair care regimen. He has always said he uses shampoo when he showers. I met him in Dallas and I know people who have met him during the AI tour and the radio tour. No one has ever complained about him having poor hygiene.
JTesla
October 16th, 2009
1:12 pm
Thanks Rickster, but what are you doing looking at Fox News.com don’t you know they are evil? So I’ve been told
Blonde or brunette, it doesn’t matter when the lights are off. Generally I prefer non-blondes, but in those blonde pictures of McPhee she looks more fun and care free.
Rickster
October 16th, 2009
1:20 pm
JT: I’m “scouting the enemy” to see if I can get an idea of what dastardly plans they may have afoot.
kelly&carriefan
October 16th, 2009
1:29 pm
Jt & Rickster…y’all are funnny. Blonde, brunette, redhead….Kelly keeps me on my toes!
Thank goodness Carrie makes it easy.
Rodney Ho
October 16th, 2009
1:37 pm
New blog entry for the weekend. Take a guess what the lead item is!
peanutwiggins
October 16th, 2009
1:50 pm
Rodney – I don’t know whether to hug you or slap you. The “although he spoke in full sentences” was rude and uncalled for. Jason is polite, friendly, intelligent (Texas A & M scholarship – hello?), and a breath of fresh air in an industry that is often perverse and repugnant. I am thankful that you interviewed him and brought to light his music and talent. I am looking forward to his visit to Atlanta and his CD.
Missy
October 17th, 2009
7:01 am
JTelsa
No, a dread did not fall out on the show. He did tell a story when he was on AI about one time when a dread fell out, but it did not fall out on the show.
To all who think Jason has dirty, buggy hair:
Jason does wash his hair almost every day. Like others said, he meant he didn’t have to style it, etc. He said something to the effect that it is a wash and wear style.
Jason has beautiful teeth. I don’t know how you think that someone who has such beautiful, clean white teeth would also have dirty, buggy hair. Jason obviously takes very good care of his teeth. It doesn’t make sense that he would let his hair be dirty and gross. Dirty, gross people are normally dirty and gross all over.
Connie
October 18th, 2009
4:57 pm
Wow, all the talk about the dreads drives me crazy! Jason is so much more than his hair. Please go watch the I am Second video of him. You really will get a sense of who he is. I personally loved him from day one. He brings something fresh to today’s music, and I look forward to getting the album. I’ll be at Discovery Mills on the 23rd, and am anxious to hear him perform again.
CathyA
October 18th, 2009
8:26 pm
Ditto what Missy said. Jason DOES wash his hair everyday and it smells really wonderfully clean so he didn’t meant wash it.
Jason is actually extremely smart getting into college with a petroleum engineering scholarship–he is humble and has deep faith.
He is great live and if you go to the show, he will sign autographs and take pictures.
unanimous
November 18th, 2009
3:59 pm
OMG, iwas there tht nite i was in the front row,GO JASON!!