NYC vocalist and producer David Castillo’s new album under his solo project Confines is an ode to life in all its manifestations. Released via Synthicide in December 2021, Work Up the Blood is the result of Castillo’s experiences and passions channeled into a project that sees him out on his own for the first time and passionately pursuing a new mode of expression.
“I’m just looking to fully inhabit myself and be self-actualized,” Castillo says. “In our world, there aren’t many times where you can express yourself exactly as you would like, and the opportunity to make art is a rare exception. I think artists often wrestle with overcoming their fear to be vulnerable or give what they truly have inside. I am figuring it out as I go, but I am coming up with my new ritual. Not overthinking it is key. If I want to sing, I will. If I want to add guitars, I will. If I want to write a 20-minute techno track, done. As long as it serves this new ritual I am developing, I will go there. Not giving a fuck is the best, and I am trying to do it more and more.”
“I created Confines as a way to create catharsis through musical self-determination,” he continues. “At the time, I felt things were unraveling and I needed a sense of control. I had always wanted to make electronic music, so after my band ended, I dove into synths and hardware. With the help of many generous friends and personal musical experimentation, I started to create the sounds that became Confines. It became the path to that self-determination I was craving.”
On the new EP, Castillo definitely succeeds in finding a new energy that radiates from every beat and hook.
“I only hope for people’s visceral reaction,” Castillo admits. “I know a lot less about the scenes, micro genres, and internal politics of electronic music, and I think that’s part of the reason it feels so liberating to me. I also think that Confines shouldn’t always be relegated to the dance floor. As I make longer works, I hope to express more palettes and emotions. Right now, I feel like my music has utility in four places: the club, the car, the dance floor, and the bedroom. Maybe I can reach further than that …”
Confines is Castillo’s most personal project to date and Work Up the Blood is its ultimate representation so far, starting from the title.
“I saw Jeff Daniels play Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway,” he recalls. “During the play, there was a heated scene where Atticus told another character they didn’t have the guts to stand up for what was right. Instead of saying the phrase ‘work up the guts,’ he said, ‘work up the blood.’ The phrase really stuck with me, and I wrote it down. When I kept saying it to myself, it started to make sense in the context of my work.”
“It became my mantra to have the courage to be exactly who I am musically and fulfill my promise to myself,” he continues. “Basically, to not be a coward and chicken out, but to use all your tools and say fuck it. Additionally, it also feels energetic and it’s an upbeat record. It feels similar to the phrase ‘get the blood flowing.’ Those moods together made it the perfect title.”
“I felt really happy with the end result and never knew I could make it there. I am proud of myself for that alone.”
In Confines, Castillo has created a space where he can exorcise his own demons while also providing a cathartic soundtrack for others to find their own release.
“I just hope people can find moments in their life where they can use the music as a soundtrack for whatever they need it for. A party, a drive, a hookup, etc. Whatever it is, just live big to it.”
Watch the video for “Oro Y Muerte” here:
For more from Confines, find them on Bandcamp.
Photo courtesy of Confines and A.F. Cortes
