Castor is a music project started in 2012 by an artist who wishes to remain anonymous! The artist explains how his startup with Castor was a pretty ‘everyday’ story.
Read on to learn more about the mysterious artist behind ‘Castor’ as he reveals to ‘Rhythm of Love’ all about his project and his musical aspirations.
EASTERN MIRROR: What made you start ‘Castor’? Tell us about your project?
Castor: I got into making electronic music after a relative of mine let me listen to a bass track he had made while I was at his place. It was pretty simple and only around 5 seconds, if I remember correctly, but back then I found it really cool and immediately wanted to try making something myself. So I took home the DAW that he had and made my first “track” the same day.
About the project itself, I started back around September of 2012. I had zero knowledge about music production and I had no goal or direction whatsoever. I was just doing it. The name actually came a little later. I admit it’s quite a common and generic stage name. I was looking for something clean and something which represents my fascination with the universe and space exploration as a whole. Hence, ‘Castor’.EASTERN MIRROR: Why do you wish to remain anonymous when you are doing something which you love and some could only dream of?
Castor: I, in no way, have a full music career yet but I’m doing what I love doing and I just want to keep it about the music and maybe an image associated with it. I think it’s more peaceful and I also have more freedom this way.
EASTERN MIRROR: How would you describe your sound/music?
Castor: Well, on the technical side, I prefer using simple sounds to make my music. Like those of Aphex Twin, Porter Robinson, and Postiljonen. Very synth-y. On the poetic side, I try to capture a sense of nostalgia and wonder in my music, or at least in some of my tracks. Other times I just go by what I think sounds good.I also prefer not to mess around with the sounds too much.Trying to make them sound “pristine”. Little imperfections are what give it character. I feel it’s more natural and human that way.
EASTERN MIRROR: Talk us through your creative process.
Castor: It’s great when inspiration strikes and propels me to start making something but that doesn’t always happen. So I try not to sit around and wait for it to come. I always try to be fiddling around, looking for chords, and trying new techniques, and in the process, get ideas for new tracks.It’s never set in stone. I could be making one thing but then change it completely the next minute.
EASTERN MIRROR: What is your take on the present generation musicians of the state? Do you think singing competitions are providing better platform/opportunities to aspiring artists? Share your opinion.
Castor: Musicians in Nagaland are more ubiquitous than ever before. Nagas have always had the spirit of music in them. There’s a musical instrument in every house you go to and that’s great. My grand-father used to make his own guitars and perform with them. That’s a level of bad-assery I’ll probably never reach. There are some really promising musicians among us. Musicians in the state, irrespective of genre, are rising up and are getting more exposure and opportunities now which is wonderful. But with that comes a responsibility as well. We have to make sure we deliver the best stuff possible. As we enter this time of change, we have to be wary of a lot of the bull s**t that’s out there which, sadly, can be more popular than the rest and it’s dangerous once people see that as how good music should be because it’s really hard to come back from that.
Yea, absolutely. The competitions make the people participating realize that it isn’t Sunday school anymore and that they have to elevate their game. It also provides good exposure plus, the handsome prizes offered to the winner(s) are quite adequate if they want to take it forward. But with the voting system such as it is, the most deserving contestants are hardly the ones that end up winning. I mean, I’ve seen it first-hand and it’s far from what it should be.People need to change their attitudes about the competitions as well. There was this one time during Kids for Fame finale where a group of people were yelling profanity for everyone to hear. Clearly distraught over the fact that their relative didn’t win. It was quite funny and embarrassing. Also, the competitions themselves can only take them so far. It’d be great to see them go further. Which, some have.
EASTERN MIRROR: What’s next for Castor?
Castor: For Castor, as a project, my main focus at the moment is on making more music and learning more about music and production as a whole, but I’ve been preparing to play live as well. I’d love to start playing shows, especially in Nagaland. But I don’t really have proper live equipment, so that’s one hurdle. Like I mentioned, Castor is a music project and not all-encompassing in terms of whom I am as a musician. I’d love to try new things but for now, I’ll just live in the moment.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who’ve supported and encouraged me. They know who they are. You’re a large part of the reason why I continue to do this and why I made it this far. Stay awesome.
