BLPA Magazine

13 | BLPA MAGAZINE
Music
1-on-1
MARK
with
CASTILLO
BY CHRISTOPHER SAMPAYO
Having toured the world and braved the ice of men’s
league ice hockey, this man has seen some stuff. Mark
Castillo of Bury Your Dead, Emmure, and Crossfade is a
solid dude, probably someone you want to have your back
on and off the ice. Here are just a few takes from what’s
been an awesome career behind the skins in multiple acts,
and what life away from music in men’s league hockey is
like for him.
First off, thanks for taking the time to answer these
questions. As a fan of both hockey and a lot of the bands
you have been a part of, it’s an honor to interview you.
MC: You got it. I’m not the most interesting man in the
world but I will do my best.
Where are you originally from?
MC: I was born and raised in Philadelphia.
Was hockey always a sport you played from a young age,
or were you drawn to it later in life?
MC: I played hockey as a kid and on-and-off as an adult.
Now, I’m just playing for a couple beer league teams in
Connecticut.
As someone who has had the experiences in multiple
successful acts in heavy music, what is one of your most
personally fulfilling accomplishments?
MC: Some of my favorite personal achievements are
touring with musicians I looked up to. Traveling the world,
doing what I love and doing what I dreamed of growing up
playing drums. I’ve also had the chance to play for many
bands either filling in or being a part of the band that I
loved so that’s a plus. Filling in for Machine Heads for one
night was pretty amazing.
You have been a part of some great bands, if you could
pick and choose your starting line from the guys you’ve
played with, who would you pick; and what position/s would
they play?
MC: I’d play defense alongside Mike Recon of Emmure
and BYD and Recon. My center would be Mat of Bury Your
Dead. He’s a good leader and dad so I’d listen. And my
wings would be Mark Davis from Emmure and Mitch from
Crossfade. Solid line right there.
You must have some fun stories from being on the road.
Any one instance stick out as a, “Man, I can’t believe that
happened,” moment while touring?
MC: There’s a lot of fun stories but the really good ones
you can’t talk about..
What were your teams you rooted for and do you still root
for those same teams now after touring the world?
MC: I’m a Philadelphia sport team fan first. Always have
been, but behind that are New England teams.
Who was your favorite professional hockey player growing
up?
MC: Ron Hextall was my favorite player. I watched him
score a goal and it’s a memory that always stuck with me.
What number do you where and why?
MC: 48 is my number. I like the number 4 and that as well
as 44 were taken so 4 and 4 is 8. That will do. 48
What position do you prefer out on the ice?
MC: I prefer defense because I like the pressure. Plus, I
still get to fire shots from the blue line.
What are your thoughts on the Stanley Cup tournament
this year? Do you think they did a great job keeping it
competitive, fun to watch, and entertaining regardless of
the strict rules and policies in place for player safety?
MC: As for the Stanley Cup, any hockey is better than no
hockey so I say great job!
Where do you see the future of the music industry post
COVID-19?
MC: I think the music industry will bounce back when it is
allowed to. And I think it will come back stronger than ever.
How can you compare men’s league sports to being in a
band?
MC: Comparing the two isn’t too hard. It’s a group of
people you are choosing to be around. You have to work
together to make the dream a reality and when you win you
celebrate together. If you lose you lift each other up. You
travel. You see things together and you look forward to
doing it all over and over.
“
A LIFESTYLE PUBLICATION FOR THE ADULT ATHLETE
There’s a lot of fun stories, but the really
good ones you can’t talk about.
”