We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mark Del Castillo. Check out our conversation below.
Mark, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Just recently played the Aztec Theatre for the 30th Anniversary of the movie Desperado. Being able to be a part of the celebration and to perform the iconic songs from the movie is a very surreal feeling. I remember watching the movie in a small theater back home in Brownsville, Texas and being blown away! Now, to be representing the music and the movie is a very crazy proud feeling.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mark del Castillo and I’m a guitarist in both my band Del Castillo, and Robert Rodriguez’s Chingon Band. There is really no other show like the one that Chingon performs in that we are playing in sync to clips from the iconic Robert Rodriguez movies (alongside Robert himself), which are shown behind us, so you get a full rock show and a visual experience like no other. I also produce music for film and TV (Netflix, Disney, etc) and released five albums last year alone. This year, I will be releasing another album titled “El Viento” and it will be distributed by the RedCola label under the subgroup, Ekonomic Propaganda. I’m very proud of the music on this new album and am looking forward to it landing placements in future films and TV shows. Aside from music, I am a photographer, with my focus being on musicians, producers, and film actors as subjects. My work in both film, composing, and photography is available on my website, www.markdelcastillo.com.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I would have to say my father taught me my work ethic. He was constantly reminding me growing up that if I was asked to do something, to do it right the first time. I took that lesson and morphed it into my own mantra, which is “Approach every task as if it’s the moment that will define you”. Basically, do your best at everything you do. Put in the work.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering or struggle I believe is essential to growth. Once I started playing music and learning songs, I realized I could do anything I set my mind to. It all was dependent on how much focus and time I want to put into it. That was a huge realization that opened my world up. Suffering makes me appreciate the things I achieve and never lets me take anything for granted.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Not at all. I’m pretty shy and introverted and music has given me an outlet to express myself. When I’m not on stage, I’m pretty low key and keep to myself.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop doing anything that didn’t bring me happiness or was not necessary to someone else’s happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.markdelcastillo.com
- Instagram: @mark_delcastillo
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ mark-del-castillo-92143b309
- Facebook: @mark.delcastillo.35
- Youtube: @markdelcastilloofficial7722
Image Credits
Stan Martin – photographer for the live concert shots
Mark del Castillo – in studio shots of myself
