My name is Kristen Castro, and I’ve been obsessed with music since I was 10. I’m a Mexican-American producer, songwriter, and musician based in Nashville, TN and Los Angeles, CA. I’m really proud of having brand partners with Taylor Guitars, Ernie Ball, JHS, and LR Baggs. I’ve been mentored by musicians who’ve worked with Elton John, Madonna, Earth, Wind, & Fire, and Katy Perry.
For a long time, I never thought I was worthy enough to take up space in music, and I always thought I was lucky when I achieved something musically prestigious or difficult. I’m grateful for the accolades in my career thus far and to lead with kindness and confidence. A big dream of mine is uplifting the underdogs and quiet ones in the music industry.
What is your definition of tone, and how has it changed over the years?
Tone is how a musician expresses emotion through dynamic and sound. Over the years, mine has become softer, more intentional, and emotional. Insecurity and imposter syndrome once made me play with a kind of hesitation and quietness, but now I see that softness as strength. I rarely solo with a pick anymore. There’s something deeply vulnerable and human about fingers on strings. Even when recording, the softness in an instrument can speak just as loudly as volume.
Which guitars, amps, and pedals are you currently using and why?
Taylor Guitars Custom GS (Tasmanian Blackwood)
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- Sustain, darkness, and warmth, Open A tuning
St Vincent Music Man – Ernie Ball just sent me this custom
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- I love the mini humbuckers; they’re so versatile and bright
- It fits to a feminine body so nicely
Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb 100w 1×12
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- Sounds like the tube version and a fraction of the
- Easy to transport
Pedals:
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- Horrothia Type One (Best stereo chorus)
- Slötvå – Walrus Audio (warpy dreamy reverb)
- Pink Panther – JHS (discontinued analog delay, favorite delay)
- Hall of Fame 2 – TC Electronic (Church reverb)
- Plumes for Drive (Fuzzy solos)
- Protein for Cleaner (drive, drive boost)
What about strings?
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- Elixir Acoustic custom lights (11-52)
- D’Addario Electric light (9-46)
- Nuno Bettencourt Custom Electric strings (9-46)
Are there certain recording techniques you prefer in the studio?
I always record with a headphone off my right ear. I always double acoustic guitars and do countless takes to get an electric solo feel just right.
How do you keep your sound consistent onstage?
I always start by building a relationship with the engineers; they’re key to how my sound translates onstage. I come prepared, knowing which instruments feedback at certain frequencies. I advocate for myself to get the mix to feel comfortable because that makes me play better. All my pedalboards are equipped with LR Baggs Venue DIs, which keep my EQ, tone, and boost settings consistent. I can make quick tweaks during soundcheck or even mid-performance, which gives me control and confidence every time I play.
What does your practice consist of?
When I was starting out, my practice meant hours of repetition with technique drills and learning songs by ear. These days, playing for other artists means nonstop rehearsing their sets, internalizing tempos for acoustic sets and starting songs, and memorizing charts and lyrics. I listen to the set constantly, whether I’m driving or doing chores, so it lives in my body more. My routine also includes taking care of my physical health and protecting my hands through physical therapy, stretching, and intentional breaks. Practice now is just as much about staying grounded and healthy as it is about showing up prepared and present in music.
Favorite guitar riff or lick that inspired you to play guitar?
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- “Phantom of the Opera” – Iron Maiden
- “Master of Puppets” – Metallica
- “Dee” – Ozzy Osbourne (Randy Rhoads)
What is your advice for young women who hope to work in the music industry?
Always be honest with yourself and lead from heart-centered action. Imposter syndrome will show up, but trust in your abilities and your voice. Find a community or mentor who believes in you and can help guide your growth. Be kind. Be fierce. You belong in every room you step into.
Connect with Kristen Castro
SYMPHONY | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK
SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC | SOUNDCLOUD
