Comments on: Jason Castro Signs with Atlantic Records, Writing and Recording with Kara DioGuardi – VIDEO

By: seattle_girl

seattle_girl — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:42:27 +0000

Man, I’m offline for a weekend and I miss the best (good) Friday news ever! Halle-freaking-lu-jah!!!!
:clap_tb:

By: GeminiDolly

GeminiDolly — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:25:30 +0000

Whoo Hooo Official. CONGRATS AGAIN, JASON!

By: lifeisgood

lifeisgood — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:38:12 +0000

Here’s a link to the Atlantic Records announcement on the Atlantic site:

http://www.atlanticrecords.com/news/article/?articleId=8a0af8122040e2dc0120a102c08c6286

And a link to his page on the Atlantic site:

http://www.atlanticrecords.com/jasoncastro

By: rereader

rereader — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:38:29 +0000

It’s official! From the front page of Jason’s website ( http://www.jasoncastromusic.com/ ), the official statement from Atlantic Records:

APRIL 13, 2009
ATLANTIC SIGNS JASON CASTRO;
ACCLAIMED SINGER/SONGWRITER SLATED TO RELEASE
DEBUT ALBUM LATER THIS YEAR

Atlantic Records has announced the signing of singer/songwriter Jason Castro. The Texas-based tunesmith Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ best known as the third runner-up on the 2008 season of FoxÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s American Idol Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ is currently hard at work on his debut album, set for release later this year. Among his creative collaborators are Grammy Award-winning producer John Fields (Lifehouse, Switchfoot, Soul Asylum) and a number of acclaimed songwriters, including Kara DioGuardi (Kelly Clarkson, Jewel, Santana), Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz, KT Tunstall), Sacha Skarbek (James Blunt, Jason Mraz), Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams), and Jason Reeves (Colbie Caillat).

A multi-talented singer and guitarist, Jason Castro was among the most popular and talented artists in American Idol history, entering the record books as the first contestant ever to play an instrument on the show. His performance of the Leonard Cohen-penned classic Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…â€œHallelujahÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ proved such an audience favorite that cult hero Jeff BuckleyÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s rendition of the song hit #1 on the iTunes chart the following week, selling an astonishing 178,000 digital singles. Jason scored a chart-topping single of his own a few weeks later, when his interpretation of Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…â€œOver The RainbowÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ also hit #1 on iTunes after a show-stopping performance of the song on American Idol. Upon the seasonÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s conclusion, Castro was among the stars of the hugely successful Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…â€œAmerican Idols LIVE! Tour 2008.Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬

Since then, Jason has been busy writing and woodshedding the new songs that will appear on his debut album. In December, he teamed with Amazon.com to release a free download of Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…â€œWhite ChristmasÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ as a special holiday gift to his fans. Castro has also recorded a new version of Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…â€œHallelujah,Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ which will be featured on the soundtrack to the film, Amar A Morir, to be released theatrically this summer.

In addition, Jason has been a prominent supporter of a variety of charity organizations. Last December saw him starring at a Garland, Texas Christmas concert benefitting the cityÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Best Education Foundation. He has also been an active supporter of The Recording AcademyÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s MusiCares Foundation.

For up-to-the-minute information, please visit http://www.jasoncastromusic.com and http://www.myspace.com/jasoncastromusic.

By: gabam

gabam — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 07:24:06 +0000

Cute video clip of an interview that Jason did with Sirius radio last May but they just put it up on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLU6TSvgPjA

By: suszalwaze

suszalwaze — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 05:12:36 +0000

i’ve read so many threads on jason being signed with atlantic and writing/recording for his album that i don’t remember where i read this but his album is slated for a july ‘09 release so the single should come out very, very soon. you know it’ll come out months before the album considering atlantic records is a major record label and that’s the way major records promote their albums.

By: lizland

lizland — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 04:49:49 +0000

I may end up liking his music the most of any, who knows, but he comes across as so vacuous I can’t stand to see him in interviews.

By: Terrie

Terrie — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 03:41:42 +0000

Suzanne Apr 11th, 2009 at 2:01 am

Atlantic has some great artistsÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’Jason Mraz, Tracy Chapman.

John Fields, the Jonas Bros. producer working with Jason on “Miles Away” in the Kara video, has personally produced top 40 or AC albums for Miley Cyrus, Mandy Moore, Clay Aiken, and Pink, as well as for more alternative artists like Soul Asylum, Jimmy Eat World, Lifehouse, Rooney, and Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket. The latter two in bold type are favorites close to my heart.

Looking at the albums Fields has helmed, his production values on those with which I am familiar seem to be glossy and smooth — but in a way that is respectful of the artist’s uniqueness. I hope he will let Jason be the best Jason he can be.

By: oceana

oceana — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:27:14 +0000

I honestly hope Jason has some amazing writers. HeÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not one of them, and I think, without amazing writers, heÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s nothing. IÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve always been a fan. IÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve always thought he needs somebody to write for him to bring out the best in Jason. But I also think the beauty of American Idol is that you can fairly suck at songwriting (Jason) and have amazing songwriters at your feet. At least I hope so for Jason. HeÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d have gotten exactly nowhere on his own.

Gingerly I’m curious what this is based on. Have you heard a lot of his own songwriting? Did you know about him before Idol? On the show, he had to sing covers, so there was no hint of his own songwriting abilities.

I get the feeling that he is a songwriter and he’s been writing a lot of songs. I’m not sure why you think he is a terrible songwriter, based on what? Plus he’s young and probably has a lot of learning still to do, but I like his sensibilities and sensitivity, I think he might have something to say worth hearing.

By: bean99

bean99 — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 16:29:56 +0000

Good for Jason. He may not have been my favorite during the season but he seems like a sweet guy and I wish him luck.

By: Ashley19

Ashley19 — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:02:08 +0000

Awesome! Congrats to Jason!

By: Grammie Kari

Grammie Kari — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 10:57:55 +0000

HavenÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t posted much on here lately but this news about Jason gives me the warm fuzzies. I really adore this kid, love his voice, and am thrilled heÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s gotten a recording deal. Good for him! And good for all his fans, too!! YAY!!!

I am so happy for Jason – this is terrific news! He was my favorite from Season 7 and one of my favorites of all time. Such charisma…just a sweetheart! I can’t wait to buy his CD. WTG Jason!

Hi vagabond! I agree about the warm fuzzies.

By: 4got

4got — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 09:11:26 +0000

I nearly missed this party and I’m glad I scrolled down!! Yay for Jcas, can’t wait t get that record.

Who knew Kara had some positives??? I better not let her negatives blind me and hope she’s a positive for Jason. I’m willing to give her a second chance.

By: ladymadonna

ladymadonna — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 06:25:55 +0000

This is awesome news – Atlantic should be a very good fit for Jason. I liked him a lot last season and several of his performances rank right up there amongst my all-time Idol faves. Hell, I liked almost the entire top 10 in S7, which has never remotely been the case before and is decidedly not the case this season. So it’s fantastic to see so many of them working hard, forging their own paths and getting some breaks that could help them find success in this meatgrinder of a business. I look forward to hearing what he puts out there.

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 06:01:35 +0000

Atlantic has some great artists–Jason Mraz, Tracy Chapman. This is great–really incredible–news for Jason. When so much time passed, I really didn’t think it would happen for him. I really hope he releases a great album.

By: arca

arca — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:44:19 +0000

I liked that Billboard interview – made me remember why I was rooting for Jason last year – that boy totally exudes effortless charm. Hope the formal announcement comes out soon – I want to see Jason back on the Idol stage promoting his single!

By: pj

pj — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 03:25:27 +0000

I don’t think Kara, Sligh and Jason would all say something if he weren’t signed. I also don’t think Jason would have dropped Pete Ganbarg’s name for no reason. Just sayin’.

I tend to be pessimistic about these things, but all signs point to go and I’m happy!

By: brie200

brie200 — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 03:14:59 +0000

I don’t see how there is any misinformation out there. Jason was getting criticism before when info was put out there too early so now it’s understandable that he isn’t annoucing anything until it’s a done deal. Besides, isn’t it the labels that usually announce? If anything, Kara was the one who started spilling the beans and I get the gist she wasn’t supposed to be yapping her trap.

As for people saying that it doesn’t mean he’s signed, from what I’m seeing that is coming from the people who want to find something negative to say. Of course I don’t expect everyone to be fans of Jason, but there is a camp out there who hate him and go out of their way to clearly find any little loophole in anything that can be considered positive for him.

All signs point to him being signed. Especially since he himself has said he’s been in negotiations for the past few months. Besides, I don’t see a label he’s not signed with shelling out cash for him to make a record on their watch with their producers. Makes no sense. Plus why would Kara have slipped and said he was signed?

By: cc1228

cc1228 — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 03:05:46 +0000

This is wonderful news. Jason was my favorite last season and I laughed at all the haters out there who said he wouldn’t go anywhere because I knew he would get some great opportunities. He’s got the looks, charm, and just overall appeal. This is huge for Jason and listening to his recent stuff, I think this album will be amazing. Another 4th runner up that will be HUGE!!

By: 2dogs

2dogs — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 02:49:05 +0000

I truly think Season 7 had the greatest depth of talent of any season by a big margin. So glad to being see so many of them making a go at this, including Jason. There is something special about him and I’m glad others saw it too (No, Randy Jackson, I am not talking about you).

Really hope he puts together a solid album.

By: Meg23

Meg23 — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 02:15:42 +0000

Yay! I’m so happy for Jason. He was my favorite last year!

By: pj

pj — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 02:04:59 +0000

lol, much as I love Jason some of his lyrics make me cringe. I attribute it to youth plus limited life experience. When he is inspired, he has had moments – as in Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…â€œSo FastÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ .

Eh, Jason is young. His lyrics will improve with life experience. He’s still better than a LOT of stuff out there. “My Life Would Suck Without You” is a prime example. I am a tad skeered that he’s working with Kara. I mean, she wrote “Open Toes.”

By: barefootgirl

barefootgirl — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 01:15:11 +0000

This is exciting news. Way to GO Jason!

I honestly hope Jason has some amazing writers. HeÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not one of them,

lol, much as I love Jason some of his lyrics make me cringe. I attribute it to youth plus limited life experience. When he is inspired, he has had moments – as in “So Fast”.

By: sanggurl

sanggurl — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 01:14:38 +0000

This is fantastic news, but I wonder why there has been no official announcement from Jason’s camp, other than him saying he “found a home” at Atlantic. It looks like some sources are picking their words very carefully by saying that “finding a home” with a major record label doesn’t necessarily mean they are signed. To me, that doesn’t make any sense. If you are working with a label, and you expect to have a CD out soon, and you are working with major producers, wouldn’t that lead one to believe that that artist is signed to that label? I wish an official announcement would come out and clear up any speculation or misinformation. :wink_wp:

By: itsalleternal

itsalleternal — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 01:03:11 +0000

Congrats to Jason!! That has to be a huge honor!

From my count, of the top 8, only Syesha will not have an album out by the end of the summer.

By: gabam

gabam — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:35:08 +0000

Darn, I wish I had signed on to the internet earlier today. Thanks for the news, MJ. I’m sooo excited for Jason and for us, his fans.

Congrats to Jason. I’m really looking forward to buying his CD and tickets to his tour. YAY!!!

By: hardkandy

hardkandy — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:58:27 +0000

oh yay! That’s so great for Jason! Congrats!

By: sumidol

sumidol — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:51:18 +0000

“I trust that that he and Chris will be better received now, with Rascal Flatts singing ChrisÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…â€œHere ”

I hope so too – that show is just not right for some of them(but without it we might not have ever heard these two), but look at Chris now and Jason is just on his way.

By: vagabond

vagabond — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:25:42 +0000

Well I’ve been getting most of my Idol news from MJ’s this season since I’ve moved in with friends & my new housemates don’t like to watch it *GASP – HORRORS!!* – thank goodness for MJ!!

Haven’t posted much on here lately but this news about Jason gives me the warm fuzzies. I really adore this kid, love his voice, and am thrilled he’s gotten a recording deal. Good for him! And good for all his fans, too!! YAY!!!

By: gingerly

gingerly — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:21:30 +0000

I honestly hope Jason has some amazing writers. He’s not one of them, and I think, without amazing writers, he’s nothing. I’ve always been a fan. I’ve always thought he needs somebody to write for him to bring out the best in Jason. But I also think the beauty of American Idol is that you can fairly suck at songwriting (Jason) and have amazing songwriters at your feet. At least I hope so for Jason. He’d have gotten exactly nowhere on his own.