Carlos Castro
Behind the Soundboard & the Art of Sound
Episode 200
Carlos Castro is an award-winning music mixing and recording engineer/producer based in Los Angeles, California, with a remarkable 30-year career in the music industry. His expertise has earned him 13 Latin Grammy nominations, two BASF awards, and numerous platinum and gold records, cementing his reputation as a leading force in sound engineering. With a passion for high-fidelity sound recording, Carlos is the owner and operator of Watersound Studios in Studio City, California, where he continues to create groundbreaking music projects.
Carlos’s journey in music began at a young age. Born in Mexico City into a family of writers and opera singers, he became fascinated with sound recording at the age of nine, when a portable cassette recorder ignited his curiosity. That curiosity led to a brief but memorable incident in which he recorded the sound of a microwave oven, sparking a lifelong love for music and audio. As a teenager, Carlos worked as a DJ in Mexico, later becoming a finalist in a national DJ competition. His passion for sound grew as he studied piano and began exploring music production.
Carlos’s professional career took flight after he worked at B&K Studios in Mexico City, where he honed his engineering skills. Inspired by albums like Michael Jackson’s Thriller and George Benson’s Give Me the Night, both of which were engineered by the legendary Bruce Swedien, Carlos sought out opportunities to work with the best in the business. At the age of 19, he attended Full Sail Center for the Recording Arts in Florida, and soon after, he impressed Swedien with his innovative spirit and was invited to work at West Viking Recorders in California.
During his three years with Swedien, Carlos contributed to major projects such as the Free Willy soundtrack and Michael Jackson’s Super Bowl halftime show. After the Northridge earthquake, he continued to develop his career by working at several major Los Angeles studios before moving on to engineer for iconic Latin music artists like Luis Miguel, Shaila Dúrcal, and Alicia Villarreal. His first major project, Amarte Es Un Placer by Luis Miguel, was a turning point in his career.
Carlos’s journey culminated in the creation of Watersound Studios, which took three years to build from the ground up. The studio reflects Carlos’s engineering soul, with state-of-the-art equipment and a commitment to producing exceptional sound. His career has seen him collaborate with some of the biggest names in music, including Shawn Colvin, Selena Gómez, Demi Lovato, Luis Miguel, Molotov, and many more. His work has been featured in numerous film and television projects, including Desperate Housewives, Hellcats, and the films High Chicago, Perfect Wave, and Alleged.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Carlos has worked on projects across cultures and continents, bringing his versatile expertise to both analog tape and digital workstation recording. Whether collaborating with major artists or working on a film score, Carlos continues to push the boundaries of sound, leaving his mark on the global music industry.
Carlos Castro Takeaways
Inspiration Through Chance Encounters
Carlos Castro’s life took a dramatic turn when a chance encounter with Bruce Sweden, a renowned music engineer, changed everything. After sending a meticulously crafted package to Bruce, which included a unique story about his passion for sound, Bruce decided to give Carlos a chance, despite previously vowing never to take on interns again. This pivotal moment not only altered the trajectory of Carlos’s career but also shifted his social status, leading to newfound respect from his peers. It underscores the significance of seizing opportunities and the unpredictable nature of career paths.
The Power of Cultural Diversity
Carlos emphasizes the rich cultural tapestry of the San Gabriel Valley, highlighting its diverse influences as what makes the area vibrant and exciting. He draws parallels between his upbringing in Mexico City and his current life in the Valley, reflecting on how both places celebrate a variety of music and artistic expressions. This diversity has not only shaped his identity but has also enriched his work in the music industry, allowing him to connect with various artists and genres. Carlos’s belief is that embracing cultural differences fosters creativity and collaboration.
Music as a Universal Language
Throughout the interview, Carlos discusses music as a powerful medium that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries. He shares his journey from a young boy fascinated with sound to becoming a successful music producer and engineer. His experiences have taught him that music can evoke emotions and memories, serving as a bridge between people from different backgrounds. Carlos believes that the essence of music lies in its ability to connect hearts and minds, making it a universal language that resonates with everyone.
The Importance of Mentorship
Carlos credits his success to the guidance and mentorship he received throughout his career, particularly from Bruce Sweden. He highlights how having a mentor can provide invaluable insights and opportunities that shape one’s professional journey. This experience has inspired Carlos to pay it forward by mentoring aspiring musicians and engineers, emphasizing the responsibility of successful individuals to support the next generation. His commitment to mentorship underscores the importance of sharing knowledge and fostering growth within the community.
Carlos Castro Quotes
“So I sent this package, came out beautiful, but it was a coin toss.”
“He changed my life right then and there.”
“I was like the piranha that was, you know, set on the side and all of a sudden I become, you know, the big man on campus.”
“We believe our diversity is what makes the SGB great.”
“I think it’s good enough just to enjoy it, right, just to appreciate it and enjoy it.”
“Success is not something that you can replicate, it’s something that is created and it’s unique to each individual.”
“I think that you lead by example at the end of the day.”
“I like to say, you know, from a metaphysical point of view, that it’s not meant to be yours, so you just put it down.”
“Music and sound that has always existed.”
“The bottom line is, it’s an interconnection with music and sound.”
“It’s a melting pot of different cultures, you know? And to me, that’s what makes it so exciting.”
“Traveling stays with you, even though it’s not in the forefront of your mind, but it’s in the subconscious.”
“Whenever anybody asks me for advice, do it is whatever advice is, whatever you feel that it’s right for you to do.”
“I appreciate the fact that the owners care about the quality of ingredients that they use, that everything is fresh.”
“That completely changed, you know, turned the tide completely.”
“She had a thirst for knowledge, a thirst for travel and a thirst to be with people.”
“You’re better off just going back to Mexico.”
“I knew I only had a chance to make a great impression with Bruce.”
“That drive led him to work under Grammy-winning Bruce Sweden.”
“That is the mark of a great engineer who knows how that music can translate even to a small computed speaker.”
“To me, vinyl, I have a very special affection towards vinyl because it’s like a Rosetta Stone.”
“All of these places have changed so much now and that it really broadened my scope of the world and how connected we are to each other.”
“Everything crumbles underneath that.”
“Music is timeless, right?”
“That was a dream that came true.”
“I think that it’s the worst thing that you can tell a person these days.”
“I just want to be part of the process and in working with different people from all walks of life.”
Show Notes
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Music Credits
Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library
Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Carlos Castro
Breakfast Delight at Russell’s
Carlos appreciates Russell’s in Pasadena for its exceptional breakfast offerings, particularly the fresh eggs, making it his go-to spot for a morning meal.
Treasure Hunting at the Rose Bowl Swap Meet
Carlos enjoys exploring the Rose Bowl Swap Meet, where he finds a diverse array of antiques and unique items, emphasizing the energy and history that objects hold.
Homestyle Comfort at Cook’s Tortas
Carlos values Cook’s Tortas for its commitment to quality, fresh ingredients, and the warmth of the family-run establishment, which reminds him of the flavors from his upbringing.
