NAMM 2008: Five minutes with… Albert Castillo

NAMM 2008: Five minutes with… Albert Castillo

23 January, 2008 | 12.08PM

• Section: Music News Topics: Technology
• Written by: francispreve

Albert Castillo’s ten-year career in remixing has run the gamut of collaborations; as the programming half of the remix duo Al B. Rich, as well as the group Mynt, to his latest project with Beatportal blogger Lewis Dene, aka Solitaire.

Nowadays, Albert’s solo remixes also dominate the mainstream club charts.

This week alone, Albert has three remixes in the Billboard Top 40, including Mick Jagger’s latest single, ‘Charmed Life’.

In addition to remix work, Solitaire is currently putting the final touches on several new original tracks.

While passing through the Dave Smith Instruments booth, he took the time to chat with Beatportal. 

What brings you to NAMM this year?

I’m a musician at heart, and keeping up with the newest gear is one of my great passions.

NAMM is also a great place to hang with my friends on the technology side of the industry.

What’s your favorite synth right now?

I just put a Waldorf Blofeld on order because I was blown away by the sound, and after seeing the Dave Smith Prophet ‘08 and Poly Evolver, I’m definitely going to pick up one or the other within the next month.

What workstation software are you using to craft your tracks?

Steinberg Cubase, Ableton Live and Pro Tools, because each has its own strengths.

I use all three to develop and mix my tracks.

You’re starting to DJ this year. What rig are you using?

The M-Audio Xponent and Torq combination is the heart of my DJ rig.

Since I’m coming at this from a producer’s perspective, I really appreciate the way M-Audio’s gear integrates the classic DJ approach with modern technology.

Anything you’d like to say to your Beatport fans?

The newest Solitaire single will be called ‘Fantasy feat. Shena’ and should be out this spring. Be on the lookout for that one.

And thanks for all your support.

I’ve been a Beatport user since its inception and it really is the future of club music.

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• Check out Solitaire on Beatport