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Alaina Castillo

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Alaina Castillo
Castillo in 2022
Castillo in 2022
Background information
Born (1999-11-16) November 16, 1999 (age 25)
Houston, Texas, US
Genres
Occupations
Years active2018–present
LabelsChosen People

Alaina Castillo (born November 16, 1999) is an American musician. Born in Houston, Texas, Castillo began to post ASMR-inspired covers of songs on her YouTube channel during her freshman year of high school, and released her first original song in 2018. She has since released six extended plays, and has performed at the 2021 Latin American Music Awards and Coachella 2022. She was the first musician to be featured in the US iteration of RADAR, an artist development program headed by Spotify, and the staff of Billboard called Castillo a "Latin Artist to Watch" in 2021.

Early life and education

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Alaina Castillo was born on November 16, 1999[3] in Houston, Texas, US to a Mexican father and an American mother.[1] Castillo recalled her first musical experience as joining her mother's church choir, leading to her listening primarily to Christian music.[1][4] However, by middle school, Castillo knew that she did not want to pursue choral singing, and began branching out her music taste to R&B.[1][5] Castillo attended Clear Falls High School, during which she attempted to teach herself Spanish, her father's native language, by practicing with friends and family.[1] She later began studying biology at the University of Texas at Austin with plans to become a neurosurgeon, but dropped out to pursue her music career.[1][6]

Career

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2018–2019: Early YouTube career and Antisocial Butterfly

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As a high school freshman, Castillo began posting song covers to YouTube.[7] Noticing that ASMR videos were becoming popular on the platform, she decided to publish ASMR-inspired covers; Castillo described these videos as "lullaby acapella singing, sing you to sleep vibes".[8][9] These videos received millions of views, yet knowing that she did not want to become cast as an "ASMR artist", Castillo also released original music.[1][8]

She released her first original song, "Let Me Know" in late 2018; this piqued the interest of the management group Fine Group Entertainment, who helped her connect with the producer Romans.[1] The two began working together, with Castillo releasing her debut EP, Antisocial Butterfly in November 2019 through Romans' label Chosen People.[10][11] The EP was supported by three singles: her debut single "I Don't Think I Love You Anymore",[12] her first Spanish-language single "No Importa",[13] and "Mentiras".[11]

2020–2021: The Voicenotes and Parallel Universe Pt 1

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On March 6, 2020, Alaina Castillo released the single "Ocean Waves".[14] On March 9, 2020, the streaming service Spotify announced that Castillo would be the first artist to be featured in the US iteration of RADAR, their artist development program; Ned Monahan, Spotify's head of global hits, called Castillo a "really interesting artist to start with", citing her appeal to both pop and Latin audiences.[15] This program entailed dedicated marketing support by the company, including a mini-documentary and a set of Spotify Singles recordings.[1] Later that year, on April 24, Castillo released The Voicenotes, her second EP. Inspired by fragments of song ideas recorded onto her phone, the EP was supported by the lead single "Just a Boy".[16][17] Castillo also released a Spanish-language version of the EP, titled Mensajes de Voz;[18] "Triste Como Yo", included on the EP, was also released as a single.[19] Castillo also released three additional singles in 2020: "Tonight",[8] "¡Párate!",[11] and the Christmas song "Wishlist".[20]

The staff of Billboard included Castillo in their list of the "22 Latin Artists to Watch in 2021", highlighting her bilingualism and nothing she has the "potential to grow in many spaces".[21] On April 16, 2021, Castillo performed the song "Bésame Mucho" at the 2021 Latin American Music Awards.[22] Her fourth EP, Parallel Universe Pt 1, was released on May 14, 2021.[23][24] Castillo performed "STFU (I Got U)", a single from the album, on Late Night with Seth Meyers on May 17, 2021.[25] She also contributed the song "Lips" to the soundtrack of The L Word: Generation Q.[11]

2022–present: Fantasies and Malos Hábitos

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Castillo was included in the lineup for Coachella 2022, which ran in late April of that year;[26] she was also the co-opening act for Coldplay on May 8, 2022 during their Music of the Spheres World Tour, alongside H.E.R.[27] Her fifth EP, Fantasies, was released in late 2022, led by the singles "Sad Girls Always Finish First", "Call Me When Ur Lonely", and "Party in My Head (Ur Not Invited)".[11][28]

In 2023, Castillo released her sixth EP, Malos Hábitos, supported by the singles "Éxtasis"[29] and "Luna de Miel".[30]

Discography

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Extended plays

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List of EPs, with selected details
Title Details
Antisocial Butterfly
  • Released: November 15, 2019[31]
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
The Voicenotes
  • Released: April 24, 2020[31]
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Mensajes de Voz
  • Released: May 22, 2020[31]
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Parallel Universe Pt 1
  • Released: May 14, 2021[32]
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Fantasies
  • Released: October 14, 2022[31]
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Malos Hábitos
  • Released: July 28, 2023[31]
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Singles

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Title Year Album Video director(s) Ref.
"I Don't Think I Love You Anymore" 2019 Antisocial Butterfly Felicia Manning [31][33]
"No Importa" Jose-Emilio Sagaro [11][34]
"Mentiras" — [11]
"Valentine's Day" 2020 Non-album single — [31]
"Ocean Waves" Non-album single Laura Matikainen [31][35]
"Just a Boy" The Voicenotes Jake Johnston [31][36]
"No Vuelvas a Mirar Atrás" Mensajes de Voz — [31]
"Tonight" Non-album single —
"¡Párate!" Non-album single Johnny Chew [31][37]
"Wishlist" Non-album single [31][38]
"STFU (I Got U)" 2021 Parallel Universe Pt 1 The Reggies [31][39]
"Indica" [31][40]
"Pocket Locket" Munachi Osegbu [31][41]
"Wish You Were Here" Non-album single — [31]
"Lips (Original Music from The L Word: Generation Q)" Non-album single —
"Sad Girls Always Finish First" 2022 Fantasies —
"Call Me When Ur Lonely" Jake Johnston [31][42]
"Party in My Head (Ur Not Invited)" — [31]
"Éxtasis" 2023 Malos Hábitos J. A. Moreno [31][43]
"Luna de Miel" Narsés [31][44]
"Hookah Envenena" [31][45]
"Running Water" Non-album single — [31]
"Crush" 2024 Non-album single —
"Starz" Non-album single —
"Pretty Little Thing" Non-album single —
"Last Night" 2025 Non-album single —

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Exposito, Suzy (March 10, 2020). "How Alaina Castillo Held the Internet Captive by Strangely Addictive Lullabies". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 23, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  2. ^ Darus, Alex (February 18, 2021). "10 dark-pop artists who are proving that genres are best when blended". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on December 23, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  3. ^ Castillo, Alaina [@alaina_castillo] (November 17, 2024). "thank u for the birthday wishes yesterday. 🤍 may 25 bring moreee creativity & music & chaos & love. my gift to youuuu is a new song dropping this week for all of the hopeless romantics 🎀🤍". Archived from the original on February 6, 2025. Retrieved February 6, 2025 – via Instagram.
  4. ^ "Get To Know… Alaina Castillo". DIY. June 15, 2020. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  5. ^ "Discover 'Twilight'-Obsessed Pop Idol Alaina Castillo". Hunger. June 16, 2021. Archived from the original on February 6, 2025. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  6. ^ Young, Martyn (June 4, 2021). "Alaina Castillo: "You need something there to hype you up"". DIY. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  7. ^ Guerra, Joey (April 11, 2021). "Houston singer Alaina Castillo is ready to take flight". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  8. ^ a b c Phillips, Aimee (August 18, 2020). "The Rise and Rise of Alaina Castillo". Notion. Archived from the original on February 6, 2025. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  9. ^ Power, Ed (January 18, 2021). "From Billie Eilish to Phoebe Bridgers: How ASMR crossed over into pop". The Independent. Archived from the original on December 26, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  10. ^ Guerra, Joey (December 2, 2019). "Houston's Alaina Castillo soars on 'butterfly'". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on June 23, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g Wilson, Rich. "Alaina Castillo Biography". AllMusic. Archived from the original on February 6, 2025. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  12. ^ Roiz, Jessica (April 29, 2020). "17 Latina Artists to Discover During Quarantine". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  13. ^ "New Noise: Alaina Castillo". Wonderland. December 13, 2019. Archived from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  14. ^ Murray, Robin (March 6, 2020). "Alaina Castillo Succumbs To Her Feelings On 'Ocean Waves'". Clash. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  15. ^ Eggertsen, Chris (March 9, 2020). "Spotify Launches Global Emerging Artist Program RADAR With Alaina Castillo in the U.S." Billboard Pro. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  16. ^ Jenke, Tyler (February 16, 2021). "Song You Need to Know: Alaina Castillo, 'stfu (i got u)'". Rolling Stone Australia. Archived from the original on September 16, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  17. ^ Padin, Malvika (April 6, 2020). "Next Wave #952: Alaina Castillo". Clash. Archived from the original on February 6, 2025. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  18. ^ Villafranca, David (May 19, 2020). "Alaina Castillo, una prometedora artista de R&B y pop de ascendencia mexicana". Los Angeles Times (in Spanish). Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  19. ^ Roiz, Jessica (July 13, 2020). "Latin Teen Artists to Keep on Your Radar: Nicki Nicole, Eslabon Armado & More". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 7, 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  20. ^ Mier, Tomás (December 23, 2020). "Get Into the Holiday Spirit with These 2020 Christmas Originals". People. Archived from the original on March 18, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  21. ^ "22 Latin Artists to Watch in 2021". Billboard. January 27, 2021. Archived from the original on November 9, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  22. ^ Flores, Griselda (April 16, 2021). "Here Are All of the 2021 Latin AMAs Performances". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  23. ^ "First Stream Latin: New Music From Justin Quiles, Elena Rose, Lupillo Rivera & More". Billboard. May 14, 2021. Archived from the original on April 30, 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  24. ^ Murray, Robin (April 20, 2021). "Alaina Castillo Announces Debut Album 'Parallel Universe Part 1'". Clash. Archived from the original on May 18, 2021. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  25. ^ Roiz, Jessica (June 1, 2022). "All the Latin Artists on Late-Night TV in 2021 & 2022 (Updating)". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 28, 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  26. ^ Bloom, Madison; Minkser, Evan (January 12, 2022). "Coachella 2022 Full Lineup Announced". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on January 20, 2025. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  27. ^ Guerra, Joey (May 16, 2022). "The career of Houston's Alaina Castillo heats up in the wake of her Coldplay moment". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  28. ^ Alcántara, Amanda (March 7, 2023). "From YouTube to Stardom: Alaina Castillo Is Rising by Being Intimate With Her Music". PopSugar. Archived from the original on April 19, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  29. ^ Villa, Lucas (May 8, 2023). "New Music Picks: Emilia & Ludmilla, Alaina Castillo, Daymé Arocena and More". Latina. Archived from the original on October 5, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  30. ^ Rodríguez, Raquel (June 29, 2023). "'LUNA DE MIEL': Alaina Castillo abraza su lado más romántico con su nuevo sencillo". Xmag España (in Spanish). Archived from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  31. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v "Alaina Castillo - Singles and EPs Discography". Spotify. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  32. ^ "Alaina Castillo - Albums Discography". Spotify. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  33. ^ "Alaina Castillo - i don't think i love you anymore (Official Video) 🥀". YouTube. October 18, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  34. ^ "Alaina Castillo - no importa (Video Oficial) ☁️". YouTube. November 28, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  35. ^ "Alaina Castillo - ocean waves (Official Video)". YouTube. March 13, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  36. ^ "Alaina Castillo - just a boy (Official Video) 🌙". YouTube. April 21, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  37. ^ "Alaina Castillo - ¡párate! (Official Video / Video Oficial)". YouTube. October 28, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  38. ^ "Alaina Castillo - wishlist (Official Video) 🎄". YouTube. October 28, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  39. ^ "Alaina Castillo - stfu (i got u) [Official Video] 🤫😈". YouTube. February 11, 2021. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  40. ^ "Alaina Castillo - indica (Official Music Video)". YouTube. March 31, 2021. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  41. ^ "Alaina Castillo - pocket locket (Official Video)". YouTube. June 17, 2021. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  42. ^ "Alaina Castillo - call me when ur lonely (Official Video)". YouTube. July 15, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  43. ^ "Alaina Castillo - éxtasis". YouTube. May 4, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  44. ^ "Alaina Castillo - luna de miel". YouTube. June 23, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  45. ^ "Alaina Castillo - hookah envenena". YouTube. July 26, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
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