Meet David Castro

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Castro. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

David, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism likely stems from the community-driven mission behind VANCERTS. The desire to create meaningful connections through music and to support emerging artists in such a personal and unique way fuels a sense of hope and excitement. Seeing how live music can positively impact both artists and audiences’ lives, especially in Austin’s vibrant scene, is a strong source of motivation.

Moreover, optimism comes from the belief that live music is a powerful force for bringing people together, fostering creativity, and making lasting memories. Each new collaboration, each band you support, and every person who experiences a VANCERTS show are all reminders of the impact our work can have.

My passion for innovation and creating fresh opportunities for artists, combined with Austin’s energetic music culture, drives an optimistic outlook on the potential for growth and meaningful connections in the industry.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At VANCERTS, we create a unique live music experience by transforming a van into a mobile concert stage, bringing intimate performances to communities and unconventional spaces anywhere that will allow us. What excites me most is the personal connection we foster between the audience, emerging artists, and new spaces. Each show feels like a shared moment in time, where fans can connect with the performers in a way that’s impossible in larger venues.

Austin, known for its rich music scene, is the perfect backdrop for VANCERTS as we support independent and grassroots artists all around the community, giving them a platform to reach new fans. We’ve expanded recently, averaging over 144 events this past year, each one highlighting incredible local talent. Whether at a neighborhood block party, a brewery, a private event, or a festival our goal is to celebrate the spirit of live music and community.

Our latest move includes a dedicated warehouse location, giving us more flexibility to collaborate with artists and host bigger, curated events. We’re growing, and our mission remains the same—amplifying authentic live music while creating a meaningful impact on both artists and audiences. We invite you to join us in supporting the next wave of music!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three key factors have shaped VANCERTS’ journey: creativity, adaptability, and a strong sense of community.

Creativity allowed us to reimagine the live music experience by transforming a van into a mobile stage, providing artists and audiences a new way to connect, especially during challenging times. It’s about thinking outside what is traditional and creating something memorable.

Adaptability has been crucial as we navigated the ever-changing landscape of the music industry. From adjusting to pandemic restrictions to discovering new, unconventional spaces for live performances, we’ve embraced flexibility, ensuring we can continue bringing live music to the heart of the community in any area of the city.

Finally, community-building is at the core of VANCERTS. We’ve built strong relationships with emerging artists, local businesses, and music lovers who share our passion for authentic, grassroots experiences. The connection between artist and audience in such intimate settings is something truly special. For anyone starting their journey, I encourage you to stay open to change, foster genuine connections, and think creatively. When you build something rooted in community and passion, people will rally around it. The magic happens when you bring people together over something they love.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! At VANCERTS, we are always open to collaboration with individuals and organizations who share our passion for fostering authentic, grassroots music experiences. Whether you’re an emerging artist, a local business, a venue owner, or someone with a unique idea or space to elevate the live music scene, we’d love to connect.

We’re especially interested in working with artists who thrive in intimate settings and are excited to engage closely with their audiences. Local businesses looking to sponsor or partner for events are also welcome, as we’re always on the lookout for new ways to bring people together over music and help increase artist funding. Additionally, venues seeking innovative and unconventional shows can find value in our mobile stage concept, as it transforms any space into an immersive concert experience. As shown in past events.

If you’re reading this and are interested in collaborating, simply reach out through our website, social media platforms, or email. We believe that the best collaborations are built on shared values and creativity, and we’d love to hear how you envision working together. Let’s continue to amplify the Austin music scene and create unforgettable experiences for artists and audiences alike!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vancerts.com/presskit
• Instagram: vancertsatx
• Facebook: vancerts
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/uXJIsN_2G9w?feature=shared
• Other: Charity Org www.hootsforhelp.com

Image Credits

photo 1
Jay Janner of Austin American Statesman

Photo: 2, 3, 4 and 5
Walker Lezotte of Rivian