Phillip Castle: “Whether it’s escape, hope, or pure energy on the dancefloor, I want people to feel more alive when they hear my music”

Toronto’s Phillip Castle is quietly becoming one of Trance's most compelling new voices. A classically trained pianist turned studio obsessive, he channels rich, emotive chords into high-energy, dancefloor-first records that have caught the ears of heavyweights like Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Paul van Dyk, and Markus Schulz.

After a breakout run in 2023—ten releases, surging playlists, and a Spotify audience that quadrupled—Castle has carried the momentum onto marquee imprints including Enhanced Progressive, Find Your Harmony, AVA, Black Hole, and FSOE Argento. His recent singles distill his calling card: euphoric melodies, modern drive, and a sleek, proglifting edge.

At the same time, Phillip has been paying it forward, opening up his studio knowledge to mentor young producers on creativity, sound design, and even mental well-being. And now, with his latest release “What You Do To Me” on Magik Muzik, Castle once again proves that trance is about more than just beats—it’s about heart, connection, and the moments that linger long after the music fades.

2023 may have been his breakout year, but 2024 raised the bar even higher. With 2025 already shaping up to surpass them both—highlighted by a recent guest mix on Above & Beyond’s Group Therapy—Castle’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

Q: You’re a classically trained pianist from Toronto. How did those early piano lessons and musical roots lead you into trance, and how much of that training still sneaks into your production today?
A: Learning classical piano gave me the foundation I still rely on every day in the studio. Both classical music and trance are built around beautiful chords and melodies, and that connection has always inspired me. Most of my tracks begin as sketches on the piano, because if the music feels powerful there, it will carry that same impact once I build it out with synths and production. Playing those parts by hand keeps the emotion intact, and that’s what gives my music its character.

Q: 2023 was a breakout year for you—10 releases, more playlists than ever, big DJ support, and your Spotify audience basically quadrupled. Looking back, what do you think clicked in your sound or approach?
A: 2023 was the year I really found my identity as a producer. I stopped second-guessing myself and focused on making the kind of music I love: energetic, emotional, and built for the dancefloor. I also committed to finishing and releasing more tracks instead of chasing perfection. That shift in mindset created momentum, and it completely changed the trajectory of my career.

Q: Your tracks have been championed by legends like Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Paul van Dyk, and Markus Schulz. Do you still remember the very first time you heard one of your records supported live?
A: I’ll never forget it. Ben (Somna) from AVA messaged me that Ferry Corsten had just dropped my track “The Sky” at ASOT 1000 in Poland. I must have replayed that video a hundred times (I still do sometimes!). The funny part is, I wasn’t completely happy with the mix and mastering, but I decided to put it out anyway. I’m so glad I did. Seeing Ferry play it live was completely surreal.

Q: You’ve released across some of the biggest trance imprints like Enhanced Progressive, Find Your Harmony, AVA, Black Hole, and FSOE Argento. How do you typically go about approaching labels with your music?
A: I focus on writing the strongest music I can, and then I’m never afraid to send it out. You never really know what will resonate with an A&R and no’s are always free. Some of my biggest “yes” moments have come from tracks I was unsure about. I’ve also been fortunate to work with some incredible A&Rs along the way. Adam (Farius) at Enhanced, for example, has given me invaluable feedback that has pushed many of my productions to a higher level.

Q: Fans often describe your tracks as the perfect mix—emotional melodies with that driving, high-energy trance pulse. Would you say that’s the “Phillip Castle recipe,” or do you see it differently?
A: I’d say that’s pretty accurate. For me, it’s all about balance. There needs to be melodies and chords that move you emotionally, but are anchored by the kind of energy and drive that works on a dancefloor. When those two elements connect, that’s when it really feels like a Phillip Castle track.

Q: Beyond the music, you’ve been giving back, offering 1-on-1 mentorship sessions to help producers not just with creativity and sound design, but also with the mental health side of things. Why do you feel that’s so important in today’s scene?
A: Because I lived it. The creative journey can be isolating, and the pressure, often self-imposed, is very real. Mentorship goes beyond plugins or arrangements; it is about helping artists build confidence, resilience, and balance in their creative lives. If I can share what I’ve learned and help someone avoid some of the struggles I went through, that is just as rewarding as helping them finish and release a track.

Q: A lot of fans see you as one of Trance's rising names. How do you personally see your mission as an artist? What do you want people to feel when they hear a Phillip Castle track?
A: My mission is to uplift. Whether it’s escape, hope, or pure energy on the dancefloor, I want people to feel more alive when they hear my music. If a track makes you close your eyes and get lost in the moment, or just dance a little harder, then I’ve done my job.

Q: Let’s dive into your brand-new release, “What You Do To Me,” which you did with RUNN. It’s a summer anthem packed with emotion; the vocals are so raw and vulnerable. How did that collaboration come about, and how did the vocals help shape the final record?
A: RUNN is someone I’ve admired for years. Her tone is incredible, and I have always wanted to work with her. When I finished the instrumental, I just had a gut feeling that it was the perfect track for her. And, from the first demo she sent over, I knew it was going to be something special. Her vocals lifted the track to a whole new level, and I reworked elements of the production so her performance would shine and seamlessly connect with the music.

Q: Every release marks a moment in an artist’s story. What does “What You Do To Me” represent for you right now?
A: This track represents me pushing my sound into a more pop-forward space while still staying true to trance. I’ve been recently making it a priority to collaborate directly with vocalists instead of using sample packs, and this record feels like a milestone in that evolution.

Q: We’re more than halfway through 2025. What’s next for Phillip Castle, both in the studio and behind the decks?
A: The rest of 2025 is all about music. I’ve got a string of collaborations with some incredible vocalists and producers, and I’m finishing tracks that will set the tone for 2026. Right now, my focus is on building momentum in the studio and creating records that really push my sound forward.

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