#IMMusicMondays: Ryan Castro on How His Music Represents Working People

Meet Ryan Castro. The musician responsible for fuelling Europe with modern Reggaeton music as he wraps up his headline European tour, having spread this infectious sound around the likes of Spain, Italy, and the UK over the last month.

Following this recent year of success and popularity encountered by the Reggaeton artist Ryan Castro, he has not stopped there but rather added to it by releasing his debut EP Reggaetonea. The record came out on August 5th and is heavily powered by the rich sounds of Columbia and his fellow Latin musical influences.

As a Columbian artist, he joins generations of musicians before him known for making music that simply makes you want to dance. This is exactly what Ryan Castro has achieved with this project. The 7 track EP crosses over multiple genres in true Reggaeton fashion, taking inspiration from not only Latin American dance music but also American Hip-Hop.

We caught up with Ryan before the release of Reggaetonea and discussed all things from his Columbian culture to the meaning behind his work and his recent rise in success…

First and foremost, as we catch you in the middle of your European Tour, whereabouts currently are you and how are you finding the tour so far?

I was recently in Venice, Italy but now we are here in Pisa, checking it out. I am here with my team having a great time.

How was your recent headline show at London’s Electric Brixton last Friday and what did you get up to during your time in London?

It was an amazing experience. I saw a lot of Latinos, especially Colombians in the crowd. Working and being so far from home, it felt great to see them attending my show. I need to come back and do more, as I was only there for a short time. But, I managed to jump onto a double-decker bus and check out Big Ben. I want to come back and explore more as I love what I saw. 

What can we expect from your upcoming debut record, Reggaetonea?

You can expect a lot of Reggaeton and beats to dance to and enjoy and have fun. Those OG’s that have listened to Reggaeton for a long time already will also like it as it will include classic Reggaeton, straight from Colombia with those typical sounds that originated from Puerto Rico. 

You have used the phrase ‘El Cantante del Ghetto’ translated in English as ‘The Ghetto singer‘ in your track ‘Jordan‘. What does this mean to you?

I was looking to represent all of those working people who have a dream back home that lack opportunities. We called places with low opportunities, the ghetto. In the place where I grew up, me and my friends called ourselves – EL GHETTO – and out of this crew, many found their path, some as barbers – doing art – clothes, and more, so that’s what inspired me. I don’t want to forget my roots and where I come from.

Tell us about your Columbian heritage and culture and the influence it’s had on you musically. 

My heritage and culture built who I am now. It teaches me values and how to respect others artists, their work, what they do, and the support they provide to our country by representing our culture abroad. I learned from the music and culture to be positive, work as a team and many other values I treasure now.

 What excites you most about the current Urban Latin music scene?

That we work in union, that we are now able to support and respect each other. Collaborate and spend time together with other artists working with love and respect. 

What do you make your music for? What do you want to make people feel when they listen to your music?

I would like them to feel happy and with the need to dance! Also, I want to share a positive message to people and hope showing that regardless of where you come from your passion and work will take you anywhere. 

How does it feel to have gone from singing at bus stops to headlining your own European Tour?

It’s incredible and I feel blessed – honoured and happy. I never imagined this, but I have always worked hard so I can only feel grateful for what is happening. 

Tell us about Mujeriego. What inspired you to create this track and did you expect for it to become so popular? How did you feel when this happened?

Mujeriego is a track that gets everyone onto the dancefloor. It’s a track for everyone to enjoy and dance to its beat. I received many videos from children and older people dancing equally to its rhythm and I love that. The track was born in Medellin, Colombia but now it (has gone) everywhere like here in Europe, and I thank God for that. I think the flavour of the track makes it unique.

To date, collaborating with other artists seems to play a big part in the music you make. How did you find the collaborative process during the making of Reggaetonea? 

For me, the name is not as important as the relationship and the vibe that generates when you are in the studio with someone you connect with. I would love to collaborate with Bad Bunny and Karol G.

Where do you see your career going in the future?

I see myself traveling and bringing my music to all the corners of the world. I would like to do live shows everywhere and share my music in as many places as I can. I would like to be recognised as an example, show that working hard will take you to fulfil your dream.

Reggaetonea is out now on all streaming sites and you can find Ryan Castro on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.