Matt Castillo

“I felt like country music has always been part of my life. Since the day I was introduced into this world, steel guitar, soft melodies, and guitar twang were like my shadow.”

Raised in Edinburg, Texas, Matt Castillo grew up in a home filled with the sounds of country music, thanks to his mother. He fondly recalls sitting in her Chevy Cavalier, listening to the radio as she sang her favorite songs. Icons like Dwight Yoakam, George Strait, and John Michael Montgomery were the soundtrack of his childhood.

“I always knew I wanted to be like my heroes. I’d pick up a pair of headphones, turn them sideways, and be Clay Walker and Tim McGraw in front of the bathroom mirror. Kinda embarrassing to say, but that’s what I wanted to be.”

In his sophomore year of high school, Matt received his first guitar as a Christmas gift from his mom. Though he didn’t know how to play it, he soon found a chord book and began teaching himself. His dedication was evident, often using up printer ink to print out his favorite songs, much to the chagrin of his aunt and uncle, who helped raise him.

Education was a priority for Matt’s family, and he was the first to graduate high school and college. However, his path wasn’t always smooth. After being kicked out of UTPA, Matt moved to Austin and attended Austin Community College to get his grades back up. During this time, he discovered Texas Country music on KVET 98.1. The Randy Rogers Band became his new inspiration, and he learned to play their songs from start to finish.

While working at Barton Creek Mall, Matt met Jordan Daugherty, a talented guitarist and singer. They quickly bonded over their love of music and started playing together, eventually performing at open mics at The Nutty Brown Cafe. Their first acoustic show opened up new possibilities for Matt, reinforcing his passion for music.

In 2013, Matt returned to Edinburg to finish college and started an internship as an athletic trainer. It was here he met Alli Davila, who introduced him to musicians looking to start a band. Thus, Matt and The Herdsmen was born. Although the band eventually split, Matt continued his journey as a solo artist.

Four albums, four No. 1 songs on Texas Country Radio, and 125 shows a year later, Matt Castillo is still chasing that perfect song and striving to move people with his music. His unique sound and grit have earned him the honor of sharing the stage with artists like Cody Johnson, Toby Keith, Jon Pardi, Parker McCollum, Randy Rogers Band, Clay Walker, Tracy Lawrence, and Flatland Cavalry.