Meet Castella: National Recording Artist – Singer Songwriter & former HR Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with Castella and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Castella, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I’d honestly say, I’ve played it safe for the majority of my life… going to college right after high school, graduating, getting married, having kids, getting a stable job in local government. The first big risk I took was applying to be a Director of Human Resources, which was an “at-will” position, meaning I could be dismissed at any time for no reason at all… I always avoided “at-will” positions. I took the risk. My worst nightmare came true when I was dismissed from that position one day, with no warning and no opportunity to fix whatever troubled my then boss. But at the same time, over the course of the previous year, I had taken a different risk in my life and that was creating music and living my dreams of being a singer songwriter. I had been so busy playing it safe, I didn’t even realize I had it in me! After the job suddenly ended,  I was faced with yet another risk opportunity … play it safe and hop back in the HR rat race, or pursue my true passion… I took the risk on me as an Artist!  I am so proud my music is being so well received! It was a risk I had to take, I know it’s cliche’, but you only live once and my dreams were placed before me with no distractions, I just had to jump… it was a risk worth taking – I bet on myself!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My Art. I am a singer songwriter. I write. I hum. I arrange. I collaborate. I listen. I absorb. I am choosing Artist as my career, as I am retired from the public sector as a HR Director. I’ve experienced a major shift in my life and my pursuits. So much so, that even in interviews to attempt going after another HR job, I would somehow end up talking about my music – instant fail! I also rocked electric blue nail polish once… instant fail again!! So, it’s safe to say, I’m an Artist now – no doubt. I am most proud of learning a lot about the record business. Not only do I create the foundation for the music, but I also have to do the back end side of the music which includes registering the music properly etc., distribution and also marketing my brand. I have my own record label, Castella Music!  I believe my experience as an HR professional and Analyst, has helped me work my way through the business. Of course, I’ve had help from friend and mentor Darryl Swann who is always there to help me navigate my way. Willie Bradley has also helped me a lot.  Many lessons learned… if I don’t try, I’ll never know… My Uncle Herb told me once, if you never get on the bench, they will never know you want to play the game. So I am in prime position to keep pursuing music, every facet of it. I listen to every person who takes time and interest in me. I acknowledge pretty much every person who acknowledges me. I try to be personal. That’s my brand… I’m just a girl, a woman going after my dreams. If I can do it, you can do it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So my friend is visiting for the week! We’d first of all, stay in Long Beach… Downtown. Our first days would be spent exploring Shoreline Village, we’d have to get caramel apples for sure, and explore the Pike area – so many good food choices, I think we’d have a hard time selecting something, but Parker’s Lighthouse or Gladstones or PF Changs are all yummy, just to name a few. But one of my favorite restaurants is in Lakewood, where I reside now, Stonefire Grill! We would also take a trip to Los Angeles – Hollywood! Check out the sites, Walk of Fame, find a famous star. I’d also have to take them to the South Bay, take in the beautiful sites, the ocean, the beaches and get some wonderful seafood. We would of course have to find some live music, which I would definitely take them to Spaghettini in Orange County where hopefully, that evening I would be performing!! And of course, really good food there. We would also have to visit the Orange County beaches and get more good food. I also love the Del Amo Mall (back to the South Bay), which is a fun place to shop. Gotta get some retail therapy and souvenirs!! But every evening would be spent in my beloved Long Beach in our penthouse hotel room overlooking my beautiful hometown!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Mom is always default for me! She’s been with me from inception on my journey through life. My husband and kids have been devoted supporters of me through everything! On my journey with the music specifically, I’ll start with my friend Dr. Gabriel Crenshaw who invited me to sing on his project, which led me to meeting my friend and mentor, Darryl Swann. Darryl Swann saw/heard something special in my voice, in my personality and encouraged me to create a 3 song project, just to tap into the creative part of my brain. If not for his urging, I never would have thought to pursue writing lyrics and melodies or recording an album!! Wow! It was amazing. I’ve had two producers who have brought my music to life, Corey Stampley and Jeff Canady – they are amazing creatives that I have the great fortune of working with. My fellow singer, Charlotte A. Pope is a friend and constant inspiration and support. My journey to radio was a unique one – my dear friend Gale Ballard (RIP) went to a show featuring Willie Bradley and I ended up reaching out to him. Willie Bradley, who is a National Recording Artist himself, became my consultant and introduced me to my radio promoter Jason Gorov. I’ll stop there… I could go on and on!! After making my way into radio, I’ve picked up so many amazing friends and supporters!! Big shout to my Smooth Jazz Community and my Indie Soul and R&B Community.

Website: www.castellamusic.com

Instagram: castellamusic

Twitter: castellamusic

Facebook: mscastellamusic

Youtube: castellamusic

Image Credits
Photos by Cailyn Thompson (One photo – long black dress – Duke Givens)