Press Release – The Heart Palette

High School Senior, Kristen Castro, Releases CD and Music Video 

Los Angeles, CA – April 30, 2012 – Two-time GRAMMY Camp Attendee, Kristen Castro, has released her first CD, “The Heart Palette.” Castro wrote the songs, in addition to singing and playing the guitar, the banjo and the mandolin. The CD is available for purchase at http://kristencastro.com/ as well as through CD Baby and iTunes.

The self-produced music video for the title song Step, My Darlin’ takes viewers on a journey through changes and everyday experiences in the young musician’s life. The scenes include major accomplishments such as attending the GRAMMY Foundation®’s GRAMMY Camp® in Los Angeles and GRAMMY Camp in New York as well as creating the album itself. Here is the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyZ2xSxQeRg&feature=youtu.be.

Castro started playing guitar when she was ten years-old. Her musical interests have varied over the years – from metal to Latin to country. After GRAMMY Camp 2010, Castro performed on stage with Keith Urban http://bit.ly/KristenKeith and called it “a life-changing experience.” Playing a new style of music in front of a sold-out concert, Kristen described the experience as awesome and knew at that moment she was meant to have a career in music and perform on stage.

“When I was younger, I was always curious about everything I heard, and my musical curiosity became an unexpected passion. Everyone has a drive in life, and playing music became mine. There’s something beautiful that can be found in everyday experiences and challenges. That’s where my inspiration for ‘The Heart Palette’ came from,” said 18 year-old Castro.

Castro’s talent and dedication have been recognized by some of the most experienced musicians in the industry. Her mentor, professional drummer Sergio Gonzalez, co-produced the “The Heart Palette” and can be heard playing drums and percussion on the CD as well. Gonzalez has toured with Jennifer Lopez and recorded with artists like Gavin Degraw.

“It is an absolute joy to work with Kristen. We worked hard in the recording studio but had fun at the same time which you can see in the music video,” said Gonzalez. “With how talented she is today, I know she will be a force in the music industry for years to come.”

Producer, recording engineer, and musician, Matt Bissonette co-produced “The Heart Palette.” Bissonette’s bass and background vocals can be heard on all of the tracks. He has toured with Ringo Starr and performed with Joe Satriani.

“Kristen is one of the most uniquely talented musicians I have worked with. She plays the guitar like a 35-year-old man. When I look through the studio and see a young girl, I am pleasantly happy to say that the future of music is in capable hands,” said Bissonette.

Graduating from high school this June, Castro has a tremendous support system with her family. Her parents founded MAT Universal in order to take an active role in their daughter’s music career.

About Kristen Castro 

Kristen Castro is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Simi Valley, California. She plays a variety of genres including pop, indie, and country. At age 10, Kristen started playing music and has always developed new ways to bring different styles together. She has partnered with Taylor Guitars and Timber Tones Plectrums. In addition, Castro is supported by The GRAMMY Foundation and the Les Paul Foundation. For information on Kristen Castro, please email President of MAT Universal, Raquel Castro, at raquel@matuniversal.com.

About The GRAMMY Foundation 

The GRAMMY Foundation® was established in 1989 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture — from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined musical breakthroughs of future generations of music professionals. The Foundation accomplishes this mission through programs and activities that engage the music industry and cultural community as well as the general public. The Foundation works in partnership year-round with its founder, The Recording Academy®, to bring national attention to important issues such as the value and impact of music and arts education and the urgency of preserving our rich cultural heritage. Campbell’s Labels For Education program is proud to be the official education partner of the GRAMMY in the Schools® programs. For more information, please visit www.grammyintheschools.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, please like “GRAMMY in the Schools” on Facebook at www.facebook.com/grammyintheschools.