“I think I miss the authenticity. It seems like so many people are just seeking validation and internet fame instead of focusing on the craft and originality. I'm afraid that people will just plug a few things into the AI machine and then think they did something original. My hope is that the young musicians who are true artists will shine and thrive.”

Chris Castaneda: Texas Guitar Throwdown

Born and raised in Waco, Texas, guitarist and songwriter Chris Castaneda began his musical journey at just twelve years old. Entirely self-taught, he quickly discovered a natural gift for music. By thirteen, he had taught his younger brother to play drums, showed his father how to play bass, and formed what would become the family power trio Pride and Joy—a band that has anchored his career for more than twenty-five years and continues to perform today. With four albums of all-original material and countless performances across Texas and throughout the United States, Pride and Joy has earned a reputation as underground legends in the blues world. Their dynamic chemistry and authentic sound have cemented their status as a long-standing force on the Texas music scene.                                                         (Chris Castaneda / Photo by Al Duarte)

Whether performing with Pride and Joy, The Castaneda Project, or on stage with fellow musicians, Castaneda, now Houston-based, delivers a live show that is passionate, dynamic, and unmistakably his own. His performances have been described as nothing short of “electrified.” Get Ready on Saturday, January 31 for a Texas Guitar Throwdown starring Lone Star State guitar aces Jay Hooks and Chris Castaneda at Shoeshine Charley's Big Top Lounge, 3714 Main St., Houston Texas.

Interview by Michael Limnios                            Special Thanks: Doug Deutsch

What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you?

I think the blues is one of the most innate human experiences. Not everyone is blessed to see love in their lifetime, but everyone has had the blues. Like Albert King said, "You born crying!" The blues has taught me kindness, in that you never know what someone else is going thru, so you should be kind and patient with everyone. The blues is also a healer because you can revel in the fact that you are not alone in your sadness. And because of that, the blues will bring joy back to you again. It's truly amazing and transcendent.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

My songbook is definitely a mix. I'm a fan of the b sides more than the popular tunes when it comes to covers. Any tune I play, I definitely try to make it my own. Mostly because I never learn it correctly! Lol. I'm more concerned with trying to catch and translate the feeling of the song than the correct notes and whatnot. Technique is important, but soul and feel is the main goal for me. Who's cares if I play it correctly when they can't feel it?

Why do you think that Texas Blues scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

Texas Blues has it all! A little funk, a little r&b, a little country, etc. Its always a bit rougher and tougher in Texas. I think that has a lot to do with the appeal of the Texas blues scene. There's no place like Texas. It's the place to be!

“The blues will never go away because it's a traditional music. It's rooted in sorrow and pain, along with hope and healing. There will always be a crowd for that. And artists like Eric Gales and Kingfish have really made the blues very popular again. Those guys are crushing it with sold out tours everywhere. The blues is in great hands.” (Photo: Chris Castaneda)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I think I miss the authenticity. It seems like so many people are just seeking validation and internet fame instead of focusing on the craft and originality. I'm afraid that people will just plug a few things into the AI machine and then think they did something original. My hope is that the young musicians who are true artists will shine and thrive.

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your career so far?

Probably seeing SRV Live at The El Mocambo. My uncle had a bootleg vhs tape from Canada. I think his brother was on the av crew or something like that. And when he came to back to Texas, my uncle made a copy. This was way before it was officially released. After seeing that, I knew I wanted to perform for the rest of my life. It's either that moment or the first time I saw La Bamba. Ritchie Valens and SRV are the reasons I started playing music. I think one big highlight was when my family band Pride and Joy opened for Al Green. It was right outside my hometown of Waco. That was pretty cool.

How did the blues shape rock and roll? What was (is) it like to be a member of Pride and Joy?

The blues helped shape rock & roll in lots of ways. I think the blues gives format to free expression. It gives you a format to express yourself freely through music. Being a member of Pride and Joy is one the best joys of my life. I'm very grateful to be in a band with my brother and dad. We are a kick ass blues band and we know how to have a good time.  My brother John on drums is the best I've ever played with. He has a mean Texas shuffle. He's as solid as they come. And my dad Tony on bass is the master of less is more. He can take just 3 notes and make it sound huge in a song. He's great at using short and long notes at the right time. The best thing about being in Pride & Joy is that I get to spend time with my family.                                   (Photo: Chris Castaneda)

“The blues is also a healer because you can revel in the fact that you are not alone in your sadness. And because of that, the blues will bring joy back to you again. It's truly amazing and transcendent.” 

How can a band/musician truly turn the blues into a commercial and popular genre of music for the today's audience?

The blues will never go away because it's a traditional music. It's rooted in sorrow and pain, along with hope and healing. There will always be a crowd for that. And artists like Eric Gales and Kingfish have really made the blues very popular again. Those guys are crushing it with sold out tours everywhere. The blues is in great hands. As far as making it a more commercial and popular genre for today's audience, like stuff on pop radio... I think its going to have to evolve in a way. The way it evolved from gospel spirituals and field songs to the modern blues we hear today while still maintaining a blues tradition. There are lots of blues bands out there right now already creating that kinda stuff. And it's awesome. I wouldn't be surprised if I heard some new variation of traditional blues on mainstream radio very soon.

But there have been some blues to make it pop. Tracy Chapman put out a straight up blues tune and it was in the top 3 of Billboard Hot 100. It was on every radio station. It was a massive hit. And now it's a classic. So it's possible because it's been done before. But honestly, I feel like the blues is right where it needs to be.

You’ve worked in many different settings, from clubs and studios to open air festivals and bars. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

I think just listening and trying to read the room or crowd. Navigating the different worlds has always felt natural for me. I love new experiences and meeting different people. And I like having a changing schedule. Bar gig one night, studio next day, travel to a festival the next, then a private party, etc. Sounds crazy but I actually like it. I thrive in the planned choas. Dont get me wrong though. It's not always easy. But no matter where I'm at, once I start playing, the stage always feels like home.

“Texas Blues has it all! A little funk, a little r&b, a little country, etc. Its always a bit rougher and tougher in Texas. I think that has a lot to do with the appeal of the Texas blues scene. There's no place like Texas. It's the place to be!”

(Photo: Chris Castaneda)

How does “Texas Sound” affect your music? What were the reasons that made “Texas Guitar Throwdown” a must see act in the Lone Star state?

I think the Texas Sound is in everything I play. I grew up listening to Tejano greats like Little Joe and Emilio and country legends like Willie Nelson and George... along with blues giants like Freddie King and Albert Collins... It's natural that all those influences come out. Along with everything else I grew up listening to, like Earth Wind & Fire, John Mellencamp, D'Angelo, Badu (Shes from Dallas)... it all mixes up and comes out Texas style. As far as why you should come to the show... 2 reasons.

This show is a must see because Jay Hooks and I are gonna light that stage on fire and blow the roof off the joint.