Meet James Gericho” Castillo | Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with James “Gericho” Castillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James “Gericho”, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
As cliche, as this sounds, I am inspired by the dichotomy of struggle and success. Without sharing a hint of struggle, one can never really experience the proper fulfillment of success- whatever form that may manifest.

The word struggle has such a negative connotation in society. I try to shed some positivity on the term by using it as a motivational, uplifting part of life, that grows us.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe in purposeful living; everything I do in life has one central purpose. My professional life is intertwined with what I love to do as a hobby (music). The type of knowledge and education I seek benefits fulfilling that purpose. That purpose is to improve the lives of children in my community.

Professionally, I became a social worker because I wanted to go into the type of public service that is embedded and hands-on with the community. I love uplifting, encouraging, mentoring, and coaching kids! Whatever causes involving children and child welfare arise, I am on the frontline, researching, forming my own opinion, and being strong and vocal about it. I don’t align myself with any political party because I don’t want to be swayed by the biases of either party.

My love for public service involving youth first came about in college when I took a juvenile delinquency at Long Beach State. I learned how the different systems in place can affect how a child grows up and if they are able to fulfill their maximum potential. I wanted to enter a career in law enforcement as a way to reroute troubled youth in different neighborhoods. It was always going to be stepping stone to something more like Social Work.

In a family of medical workers, there was a huge push from my parents to go into the profession in some capacity. Music, law enforcement and even social work wasn’t a sure profession in their eyes. I got my college degree in Sociology and Criminology, but even after I suggested to my folks that I wanted to get a Masters In Social Work, they manage to convince me to study nursing; insisting that once I get my nursing degree and have a secure job, I could pursue my MSW. I enrolled and tried for a few months before dropping out of the nursing program. I had to fail on purpose to prove that Social Work is my calling. Nevertheless, I am here. I love my job and Iam motivated to get up every morning to do work in my community. My family is very much proud of what I achieved so far.

The lesson I learned from this, is you have to stay true to your dreams, goals, mission, and your purpose. At the end of the day, you have to be proud of yourself. The road towards something you really want with all your heart is never easy.
You just have to be resilient and remind yourself of why you’re doing what you’re doing. The peanut butter- jelly combo of the trip to the mountain top is the journey.

Musically, I want to incorporate the musical side to draw people in to raise awareness on the causes I truly care about. I want to almost be like Bono. He does his humanitarian projects alongside his musical projects. Im not at that level of fame ad recognition, but I don’t think people realize the amount of power we have as individuals to impact change because we have a microphone and an audience on a nightly basis.

Brand-wise, I want the world to know that our brand and ventures are built on the inspiration to uplift, encourage and improve the lives of children. In reference to the dichotomy of struggle and success, I want to stand as an example of resilience and shed a positive and motivating connotation to the term struggle.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were giving my best friend from out of town a tour of my LA County area, I would have them watch an LAFC soccer game with me and experience the 3252 supporters section (die-hard fan section). The atmosphere the club and the fans have cultivated in the stadium is unmatched in the United States.

For drinks, you can’t really go wrong with South Bay’s very own Project Barley Brewery, either in Lomita, Torrance, or Redondo Beach. They have California award-winning craft beers on tap. Each location has its own character and vibe too. Whatever you’re in the mood for, they probably can get you a fix.

For food, one of my favorite taco trucks right now is Leo’s Tacos. They boast “the best Al Pastor tacos in town,” and they ain’t lying. Whether its a late-night snack, or dinner date, I would google the nearest Leo’s Taco truck in your area.

You can’t go wrong with the City of Long Beach for general hang-out spots and city. Long Beach is so diverse, with a culture where art, food, and people intesect to give you an experience like no other. There’s the Aquarium of the Pacific, the overlooking view point at Signal HIll, night life on Pine Ave or Belmont Shore, LGBTQ+ community on Broadway, we also have museums and an art district. Visit the Queen Mary, or go further to Catalina Island. There’s plenty to do for everyone’s itinerary.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As the old saying goes, it takes a village to achieve individual success. So where do I start?

Well let’s start with my family: My mom and dad who worked so hard to give our family the opportunity to live in the United States and pursue the “American Dream,” or whatever that entails for me and my younger brother in the future, My only sibling for always being there as a support system for all the big and small things: listening to me go on a quick 3-minute rant, to suggesting me for an interview with Shout Out LA.

My small group of close friends, who share the same mentality with me. We live by the same motto: “If I’m having a feast, you’re at the table feasting with me,” which pretty much means if any of us are doing well, we uplift the rest of the group-especially the person who is down on their luck. We live like there’s an abundance of anything. No need for greed or jealousy.

The music community in the LA South Bay area as they continue to nurture me as a musician and show me the ropes in the scene and industry. Thank you for supporting the heart and soul I put into my music.

My mentors in Social Work such as the non-profit organization Loving Others in Truth (LOT318) in Orange County. LOT318 helped me solidify my love for community-based public service, working with youth and families.

Website: gerichotheguardian.com

Instagram: @gerichomusic7

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescas007/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crownandbamboo/

Other: TikTok: @gerichomusic7