I’m excited to share that Part 1 of my interview on the UK Americana Bar Show with Sam Miller is now live on YouTube. This was a great conversation that dug into my journey in music, especially the path of being a songwriter who stepped back into the spotlight as an artist again. We talked about why I felt pulled to put my own voice front and center, how songwriting shaped that decision, and what it’s been like rebuilding an artist career with intention and honesty.
We also got into some stories from earlier chapters of my career, including playing on a record with Tommy Lee, and how those experiences still influence the way I approach music today. It was one of those conversations that felt natural, open, and rooted in a shared love of songs and storytelling. The UK Americana Bar Show does an incredible job of spotlighting artists from around the world and creating space for real conversations about craft, history, and the long road of making music. I’m honored to be part of that lineup. You can watch Part 1 of the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9py3gPV6juk&t=304s More is coming in Part 2, so stay tuned. Huge thanks to Sam Miller and the UK Americana Bar Show for having me on and for supporting independent artists across the globe.
I recently had the honor of performing on the legendary Jimmy Bowen Show, and it was an experience I won’t forget.
The Jimmy Bowen Show has a long history of spotlighting artists, musicians, and songwriters who have shaped and continue to shape American music. Hosted by Hall of Fame producer Jimmy Bowen, the show has become known for its authentic performances, relaxed storytelling, and deep respect for musicianship. It’s a place where songs matter, players matter, and live music still takes center stage. For this performance, I was joined by something truly special. I performed with half the legendary band Exile (I Want To Kiss You All Over), a group whose influence on country and pop music spans decades. Having them on stage brought a level of history, energy, and musicianship that made the night unforgettable. Backing us up on vocals were members of Rockland Road, with Kell Martin and Texas Martin delivering powerhouse harmonies that lifted the entire performance. Their voices added depth, soul, and a timeless feel that fit the moment perfectly. The Jimmy Bowen Show airs Saturday nights at midnight on FOX and The CW, so be sure to check your local listings to catch the episode. This was one of those full circle moments that reminds me why I love making music and collaborating with artists who have paved the way while still pushing things forward. You can read the full press release at the link below for more details on the performance and the show. Thank you to everyone who continues to support the music, the journey, and moments like this. OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE --Available Today on Digital Music Platforms--FREE MP3 Download (Available for a Limited Time)  Nashville, Tenn. (January 9, 2026) -- Multifaceted, independent singer/songwriter, producer, and music education advocate, Troy Castellano, whose music has already captured 1.1 million streams (750,000 for his latest album, Beautiful Blur, released in Oct. 2025), boldly struts into 2026 with the release of his latest single, "I Only Dance When I'm Drunk." This self-penned, chucklesome dancefloor romp is available today on all digital music platforms, and for a limited time, as a FREE MP3 download through his website at TroyCastellano.com.
"I Only Dance When I'm Drunk" captures a moment Castellano has personally watched unfold at majority of his shows throughout his many years of performing--aided and abetted, of course, with a little "liquid courage." "There’s always that time when someone is trying to pull a friend out onto the dance floor early in the night, but they refuse. Fast forward an hour or two and a drink or three, and suddenly, the one who swore they wouldn’t dance is out there dancing like no one’s watching, moving like they own the room," Castellano laughs. "It's always the highlight of the night." Produced by Castellano and engineered by multiple Grammy-nominated Bobby Holland (Kesha, Maggie Rose, Meghan Linsey), the track features Castellano on electric and acoustic guitar, alongside notable musicians Nathan Keeterie (Jelly Roll, Sam Hunt, Darius Rucker) on electric guitar, Devin Malone (Dustin Lynch, Cole Swindell, Jelly Roll, Carrie Underwood) on acoustic, Tim Marks (Taylor Swift, Luke Combs, Lionel Richie, Melissa Etheridge) on bass, Luke Moseley (Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Lauren Alaina, Casting Crowns) on keyboard, with Yamaha Artist Miles McPherson (Kelly Clarkson, Paramore, Tonic, Better Than Ezra) providing the foundational groove on drums.
Hey Castellano Commission family,
I could really use your help right now. Nominations are officially open for this year’s Midwest Country Music Organization Awards, and if my music has meant something to you at any point along this journey, I would be incredibly honored to have your nomination. NOMINATION FORM Independent artists like me truly move forward because of people like you. Every nomination matters. Every name typed in tells these organizations that the music is connecting, that the songs are landing, and that this community is real. If you’ve ever come to a show, streamed a song, shared a post, or felt something from one of my records, this is one of the biggest ways you can support what I do. Categories You Can Nominate Me ForHere are the categories where you can nominate my work this year: Male Vocalist of the Year Troy Castellano Beautiful Blur Album Album of the Year Beautiful Blur, Troy Castellano Song of the Year Think And Drive First Class What Are You Doing With It Lost Amen Here We Are Babe Angels On The Moon Americana Artist of the Year Troy Castellano Acoustic Artist of the Year Troy Castellano Songwriter of the Year Troy Castellano Video of the Year Here We Are Babe First Class I’m Melting Into You This Christmas How You Can Help Go to this NOMINATION FORM and enter my name in the above mentioned categories. It only takes a couple of minutes, but it makes a real difference for independent artists trying to keep building without major label backing. Thank you for supporting my music, showing up at shows, listening, sharing, and believing in what I do. I truly could not do this without you, and I never take this community for granted. Grateful always, Troy
I’m excited to finally share the news. My brand new single I Only Dance When I’m Drunk officially drops on January 9, 2026, and it is one of the most fun songs I’ve ever released. It’s inspired by a moment I see at shows all the time, the person who swears they are not dancing tonight… until the night gets rolling.
This song is a lighthearted, feel good anthem built for packed dance floors, late nights, and laughing with friends. It’s country with energy, attitude, and just enough truth to make you smile. Get the Song Free Right Now You don’t have to wait until January 9 to hear it. You can grab I Only Dance When I’m Drunk for free right now at the link below: 👉 https://www.troycastellano.com/store/p41/I-Only-Dance-When-Im-Drunk.html#/ Download it, crank it up, and play it wherever the night takes you. Be Part of the Music Video! I also want YOU to be part of this release. I’m creating the official music video using real fans having real fun. Here’s how to get involved:
Streaming Everywhere January 9 When the single officially drops, I Only Dance When I’m Drunk will be streaming on all platforms. You can pre save and stream it here: 🎧 https://hypeddit.com/troycastellano/ionlydancewhenimdrunk Thank you for supporting independent music, sharing the songs, and being part of this journey with me. I can’t wait to see your dance videos and celebrate this release together. See you on the dance floor, Troy
I’m excited to share that a portion of my interview on Nashville’s Fox17 Rock and Review with Eric Dahl aired on January 2, 2026. We had a great conversation about my journey in music, the stories behind my songs, and what’s coming next.
You can watch the clip from the show right here: https://youtu.be/vyOLKYoSzN0 During the interview Eric and I talked about my inspirations, the meaning behind my latest music, and how I’ve built my sound as an independent artist. It was an honor to be featured on such a respected Nashville platform and connect with Eric in a real and fun conversation. This was just a sneak peek of the full interview, and I can’t wait for the complete episode to air. Stay tuned for the full episode announcement soon. Thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way, and to Fox17 Rock and Review for having me on the show. Keep listening, keep supporting, and I’ll see you out on the road. Troy
Life Is A Beautiful Blur, And I Put It On A Record
New album now available on vinyl, CD and digital There is this thing that happens when you look back at your life. The memories that hit the hardest are crystal clear, but everything around them feels like it flew by in fast forward. That is where the title Beautiful Blur came from. Life is messy, hard, hopeful, heartbreaking, funny, exhausting, sacred and ordinary all at once. It moves too fast, but somehow it is still beautiful. So I did what I know how to do. I wrote songs about it, and I put them on a record. Beautiful Blur is my new album, and it is officially out now on vinyl, CD and all digital platforms. What Beautiful Blur Is AboutThese songs came out of real life. Mine, yours, and all the people I have met on the road, in writer rounds, at the merch table and in the middle of everyday conversations. You will hear songs about growing up and growing older, about hanging on to the people and moments that matter, about faith and doubt, about chasing big dreams and living small days, about losing things you thought would last forever and finding hope where you did not expect it. Some songs lean more country, some lean more rock, some sit in that Americana space where stories lead the way. What ties them all together is that they are built on real stories, real feelings and guitars that sound like they were actually played by people in a room. I did not want this album to be just a playlist of singles. I wanted it to feel like a ride, start to finish. Like flipping through your own mental photo album, where the happy stuff and the hard stuff live on the same page. Why I Wanted This On VinylI grew up in the era of records. Dropping the needle, reading the credits, staring at the artwork, and letting an album run from track one to the very end. There is a ritual to that. You are not just skipping around, you are letting the artist tell you a story. That is why putting Beautiful Blur on vinyl was so important to me. The vinyl version is sequenced to be heard all the way through. Side A and Side B each have their own little arc. You get the warmth, the crackle, the feeling that you are in the room with us. If you are a liner notes person, a sit back and listen person, this format is for you. If you have a record player, I honestly hope you will spin this one front to back at least once. Let it be background for a slow morning, a late night, or a drive that you wish would last a little longer. The CD And Digital VersionsI know not everyone has a turntable, and I also know some of you still love having something you can hold in your hands. That is where the CD comes in. The CD of Beautiful Blur gives you high quality audio plus the artwork, credits and a little piece of that old school album experience you can keep in your car, your office, or your home stereo. And of course, the album is available digitally too, on all major streaming platforms and as downloads. Whether you are a Bluetooth speaker in the kitchen person, a headphones on a walk person, or someone who discovers new music through playlists, you can bring these songs into your everyday life however you want. Why This Album Matters To MeThis record feels like a snapshot of where I am at right now, as a songwriter, as an artist and as a human being who has taken a few punches but still believes in the good stuff. Some of these songs were written in quiet moments when I was just trying to make sense of things. Others came from co writes in rooms full of laughter, coffee and way too many guitar cases. All of them passed the same test for me. Did they feel honest. Did they say something real. Could I stand behind them every night on stage. I have always written for the person who might be having a rough day, or who feels unseen, or who just needs a soundtrack for the drive home. If Beautiful Blur can make you feel understood, less alone, or simply give you three and a half minutes of escape, then it has done its job. How To Get Beautiful BlurHere is how you can hear it and grab a copy:
www.troycastellano.com Thank You For Being Part Of The BlurAt the end of the day, this album is not just about my life. It is about all of us trying to make sense of time flying by, trying to hold on to the good stuff, trying to get back up when life knocks us around. Thank you for listening, for sharing the songs, for coming to shows, for buying vinyl and CDs in a world that tells you everything should be free. You are the reason I get to keep turning my own beautiful blur into music. I hope when you listen, you hear a little of your story in there too.  Recording "Head From My Heart" at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio:
When it came time to record my new song, "Head From My Heart," I knew it had to be at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, the legendary 3614 Jackson Highway in Sheffield, Alabama. There's something about the history and the energy of that place that feels like pure magic — a magic that you just can't find anywhere else. And to top it all off, I was joined by an incredible lineup of musicians who helped bring this song to life in ways I could only dream of. muscleshoalssoundstudio.org The Musicians Behind the Magic The session was filled with some of the most talented and accomplished musicians around, each bringing their unique touch to "Head From My Heart." I had the honor of working with Will McFarlane, a Musicians Hall of Fame guitarist whose soulful playing has shaped countless hits over the years. On keys, Jeff McMahon brought his ACM-nominated flair and experience from his days with the Dance Hall Doctors, adding layers of emotional depth to the song. The rhythm section, held down by Jamie McFarlane on bass and Justin Holder on drums, gave the track its heartbeat and drive, turning it into something truly special. The Heart of the Song"Head From My Heart," co-written with hit songwriter Mark Narmore, delves into the internal battle between logic and emotion. It's about those parts of us that we can't quite control — the quirks, traits, and decisions that tend to blow up when we least expect them. In the lyrics, I explore the push and pull between the head and the heart, that constant struggle to find balance and clarity in life. "If I could only get the two to work in my favor, There'd be no more push and pull, No more second-guessing my first instincts..." This song speaks to the universal experience of overthinking, of getting caught up in "what-ifs" and near-misses, and ultimately, the longing to find a way forward that feels true. It's a reminder that sometimes, the biggest obstacles we face are the ones we create ourselves. The Recording Experience Recording at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio was like stepping back in time to the golden age of music. The walls are alive with the stories of legends who came before — Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd — and you can feel their presence in every note played. We wanted to capture that raw, authentic sound that Muscle Shoals is known for, and these session players brought that spirit to life. Will McFarlane’s guitar work added a gritty, soulful edge that perfectly complemented the emotional pull of the lyrics. Jeff McMahon’s keys brought warmth and texture, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive. Jamie McFarlane and Justin Holder locked in tight, giving the song a solid foundation while allowing space for every instrument to shine. Breathing Life Into the Words The sessions felt like magic unfolding in real-time. The moment we started playing, I knew we were onto something special. The sound that filled the room wasn’t just music — it was a conversation between my lyrics and the talents of these incredible musicians. Each verse, each chorus felt like a chapter unfolding, telling the story of that eternal tug-of-war between mind and heart. "I think, therefore I am always overthinking, All the what-ifs, every near miss driving my drinking..." The song's vulnerability was amplified by the musicians’ interpretations, with Jeff’s keys providing a haunting undercurrent to the words about overthinking and self-doubt. Will’s guitar solo echoed the yearning in the lyrics, while Jamie and Justin kept the groove both steady and unpredictable — much like the journey of trying to find balance in life. Why This Song Matters "Head From My Heart" is about those moments when we feel stuck in our own heads, wishing we could just follow our hearts without hesitation. It's a song for anyone who has ever struggled with indecision or felt torn between what they think they should do and what they truly want. In Muscle Shoals, surrounded by legends and stories, the song came to life in a way I never imagined. It was as if the studio itself was adding its own voice to the recording, infusing every note with a sense of history and depth. This is a song about finding your way — and in that studio, we found a new way to tell that story. Thank you for joining me on this journey. The magic of Muscle Shoals, the talent of these extraordinary musicians, and the depth of this song have created something truly special. I can't wait for you to hear it. Stay tuned, and keep listening with your heart. 💙 Watch Video #HeadFromMyHeart #MuscleShoalsSoundStudio #NewMusic #BehindTheScenes #Songwriting #MusicMagic #MarkNarmore #WillMcFarlane #JeffMcMahon #JamieMcFarlane #JustinHolder #MuscleShoalsMagic I'm excited to be up for four Josie Awards this year. I am up for Male country artist of the year, songwriter of the year (pitching portfolio), EP of the year, and Male vocalist of the year! The awards are held at the Grand Ole Opry October 27, 2024. If you'd like to attend you can get tickets here. Wish me luck!  A short article from The Tennessee Highlighter. Give it a read, click here.  I had the fantastic opportunity to be a guest on Biscuits & Jam with Nashville Channel 2's Meaghan Thomas on Instagram live. We talk about my career here in Nashville, how I got here and what I'm doing next. Watch the interview here.  I've Been Nominated for 2023 "Songwriter Of The Year" Midwest Country Music Organization Awards!3/4/2024 Found out some great news. I have am a 2023 Songwriter Of The Year nominee by the Midwest Country Music Organization. This is truly an honor. The awards show is April 27th, 2024 at the Rooftop Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park, Iowa! If you are interested in attending you can get tickets here. 
This is really cool! I am eligible for award nominations fo this year’s Midwest Country Music Awards. I released some of my most favorite songs in 2023 and I think they connected with you too. I would be so appreciative if you would nominate me for for this year’s awards. It’s a really simple process, go to this form, enter your name, email and my name and or song name in the categories. I would love to be nominated in the following categories: Male Vocalist of the Year (Troy Castellano), Song of the Year (Hell We Raised, Whenever I Can, This One’s On Me or write in your favorite from my Looking Back From Here EP), New Artist of the Year (Troy Castellano), Songwriter of the Year (Troy Castellano), VIdeo of the Year (Hell We Raised), Radio Station of the Year (BOB Country Radio) Click here for the nomination form! Nomination period ends February 9th!  This is so cool to see! 30K is an amazing amount of support! I'm honored and happy that my song "This One's On Me" helped to raise this kind of money for our military! That fantastic Minnesota FM radio BOB Country FM has been putting out these MN Country Salute CDs with local country artists songs to raise money for Minnesota Military families for 10 years. This was their biggest year yet! Read more about it here!  Back in 2020 I had the pleasure of sitting down with hit songwriters and producers Joe West and Mike Shimshack. It was an honor to hang out and chat about my musical path. Check out the full podcast right here.  The Press Release for my new EP, Looking Back From Here makes it into Grimes Magazine! Grimes Magazine is an Illinois based monthly Print & Digital Social Media Music Magazine. It was founded in 2020 by Social Media Influencer and Star Alicia Grimes, who is the magazine's Founder, Chairwoman and CEO. Grimes Magazine has published 46 Magazine issues to date and reaches more than 250K+ people each month and our website gets from 500K - 800k+ visits a month. Grimes Magazine presently works with the entire publicity department of RCA Records, Atlantic Records, Elektra Records, Sony Music/Nashville, Sony Music Ent and Warner Music Group.  I'm excited to announce that my song "This One's On Me" (Castellano, Eagle, Deckant) makes it onto BOB Country FM Radio's Minnesota Salute to Country Salute CD Volume 10. The CD project is released and sold by the radio station, to raise money for Minnesota military families. All proceeds go to military veteran's families, and those currently serving. I am honored to be able to help out in some small way with a song on this release! BOB Country Radio is throwing a party on November 11 Veteran's Day 2023 at at the Buffalo, Minnesota American Legion. The party starts at 6pm with sales of the CD! The single for this song will also be available on all streaming platforms including; iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Youtube, etc. at midnight on Veteran's Day! Be sure to PRE-SAVE the song and share this news!
This past week, my song "Hell We Raised" aired on the Midwest Country Music Originals radio show with host PT from 102.9 The Wolf. I heard the show on KIK 100.7 on my way back to Nashville from Minnesota. The show airs on all the stations in the pic. I love that there is an organization that supports Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North & South Dakota independent artists! Pretty cool. I hope to get some more of my songs on the show soon!   |
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