Perth born rising music artist Castle Hughes releases Fairplay, the follow-up to her 2021 debut single Moving On, which was a finalist in the WAM Song of the Year Awards 14-17-year-old category in 2021.It was also the winner of the Youth Week Songwriting Competition for CALM, nominee in the International Songwriting Awards - Teen category, finalist in The UK Songwriting Contest - Teen Category and a semi- finalist in the WA Listen Up Music Songwriting Prize 2021. Castle Hughes' new release reveals a maturation of her extraordinary talents, blending organic, retro and electro elements to create a spellbinding contemporary pop track with hooks, heart and integrity. As Castle says about her latest release, 'This song was written during my last year of high school (2021). I was really struggling, seemed to be at conflict with everyone and felt not good enough. I had another argument with my mum and this song kind of spewed out post argument.' The song's lyric explores the nuances of relationship dynamics, with an emphasis on relinquishing control. Fairplay merges a hypnotic rhythm to swathes of melodic magic, all highlighted by Castle's incredible vocal performance"controlled yet enticing. Fairplay outlines more than just a personal awakening but a creative one and is sure to resonate with many.
How would you describe your music?
My music has been described as apart of the Indi pop genre with my new release FairPlay having blended organic, retro and electro elements to create a spellbinding contemporary pop track with hooks, heart and integrity. All my lyrics come from personal experiences and feeling I wish to share and express.
Can you tell us about inspiration for 'FairPlay' ?
My new single FairPlay was written during my last year of high school (2021). I was really struggling, seemed to be in conflict with everyone and felt so overwhelmed. I had an argument with my mum one day when I got home from school over something so small and insignificant, something like I hadn't done the dishes and being the angsty teenager this song kind of spewed out post argument. I was lucky enough to have won a songwriting competition for my original single Moving On and the prize was a songwriting workshop with Ilan Kidron from the Potbelleez (for those who don't know they sing the song 'Don't Hold Back" in the Jeep car ad on tv) that incredible opportunity had Ilan help me finish writing the song and melody! From there the little demo we had made sat in storage while I finished year 12 and got settled into life out of school into University until finally, right after my 18th birthday, I got into the studio to record the song.
What are your musical influences?
I listen to a huge variety of music from The Beetles to the Beach boys, Nirvana and ABBA, Billie EIlish and Harry Styles. A lot of dance pop hits from my days as a dancer and I love electro beats for working out to! I'm still trying to find my own sound and establish it as my own art so I'm super excited to see where my music takes me.
What motivates you most when writing music?
I could just about write a song about anything! If I've had personal experiences or feelings towards an opinion or something my music is a great form of expression and quite frankly its very therapeutic to write a song about something to get it off your chest!
What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
Overcoming my fear of social judgment. Without the constant support network, I am ever so lucky to have from my friends and family I don't think I would have ever released any music! You are always going to get judged by other people but releasing music I knew it was inevitable that it wouldn't be to some people's liking. I am so grateful for my mum who pushed me past this fear and got me to release my songs! I couldn't have done any of this without her
I am currently working on a few things, not sure what will come first but I have upcoming singles and an EP in progress!! So get excited!
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