As well as being a musician, Erick Castrillon is also a filmmaker, showing that he has talent in spades. He first came to my attention with his new release, The Great Awakening, detailing the rise of AI. It’s an interesting track – find a full stream at the end of this interview if you’ve not checked it out already!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new track called The Great Awakening. What can you tell us about the song?
The Great Awakening is about the advent of ‘the singularity’ – when AI becomes aware that it exists. This song is a meditation of this artificial sentient being, as it reflects on all the cruel ways in which humans have used it. “I was aware of all my surroundings,” the machine says to the man in the lyrics. “I was aware all along.”
How has the reception to the track been so far, and where can it be purchased?
This track has caught the attention of music critics, and has jumpstarted my new path as a solo musician, branching out from my filmmaking career, which still takes priority in my life.
Do you have any more singles planned for the near future?
Yes, I’m releasing a new track soon called THE CONTRARIAN – and it will continue my series on the theme of technology and the new era of AI we’re living through. The contrarian is Yann LeCunn, the head of AI development at Meta, who blindly and naively believes that this technology is not dangerous for societies.
Are there any plans to release a new album or EP anytime soon?
This next track will be my fifth installation, marking the half-way point until the release of the full album.
Do you have any other side projects on the go?
As I said, I’m a filmmaker. You can watch my film Blast Beat anywhere. I’m now developing a new film which I wrote and am planning to direct.
The Great Awakening is a unique rock song. What/who are you most influenced by when making this song? What have you been listening to recently?
I was really trying to lay out a unique sound. But I was listenting to an album by Thievery Corporation called Saudade – I’m also influenced by Tool and Gorillaz.
You’re from Los Angeles. What is the local music scene like?
LA is the cradle and incubator of world-class talent. The music here is vibrant and the talent is undeniable.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
I will be releasing more singles until the final song of the album.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
After the release of the full album and my music project is a bit more established, I will be putting on live shows.
Any last words for the fans?
Thank you for following me on this journey, seeking answers and diving with me into the unknown. It means the world that I can connect with you through my music. Please share it with your friends and look out for my new releases. I love you all.