TBOExtra.com - TBOExtra is Tampa Bay Entertainment Online

'Idol' alum Jason Castro to perform at Pasco mall tonight

Photo from Jason Castro

Jason Castro performs tonight at Gulf View Square Mall in Port Richey.

By SARAH HOYE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 28, 2009

Related Links

TAMPA - Former "American Idol" contestant Jason Castro kicked off a national mall tour that takes the Texas-based tunesmith, across the country this fall.

The "Jason Castro Live" tour began Oct. 12th at Minneapolis' Southdale Center and continues through mid-November. He performs tonight at Gulf View Square Mall in Port Richey.

Castro, the third runner-up on American Idol in 2008, is putting on the free concerts to give fans a sneak peak at his new album available Nov. 17 featuring the single "Let's Just Fall in Love Again."

We catch up with the crooner before he hit the road.

Q: When does the album drop and what can listeners expect?

A: The album comes out early next year. The single "Lets Just Fall in Love Again is already out. It's a playful song; and the perfect song to kick off the album; I wanted it to be about my personality. It's about getting back to the magic…let's enjoy what we have. I've been calling it a modern singer song writer album.

Q: You have a record deal, you're on tour. How are you feeling?

A: I couldn't be happier, this is my first record and if I could make one record then this is it. I am so happy with how the sound came out.

Q: Did you always dream of this moment?

A: I always wanted to play music, I never imaged the scale of things, and I was playing drums when I dreamed of being famous. Its mind blowing…as you go through the show [American Idol] you're just being a contestant…but looking back there was over 110,000 people going out for the show.

Q: What is the biggest life change since appearing on "American Idol?"

A: The biggest change is never being home. It's crazy, you get to see the whole country, and it's really a dream. I can't think of anything that's the same except my close friendships.

Q: Mall tours haven't been popular for a decade. Why a mall tour now?

A: The idea came from Atlantic and I thought it sounded kind of cool. If they say play at a mall, I'll play. We wanted to do something a little different. All the shows are free.

Q: Are you used to your new life?

A: It's still bizarre, it's weird to think that you're that guy, it makes sense, I was on TV, I kind of understand it. I don't think there is a turning back.

Q: What does music mean to you?

A: I was playing drums in a pretty serious band. I decided to quit and go back to schoo at Texas A&M…I wasn't okay, I was remember crying watching the Grammy's and not playing, it was miserable without music. I gave up the music and it came back bigger than ever. I'm fully happy, and definitely have no regrets, but right, you can tell when its not working.