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Fueled by the incendiary, intertwining, Spanish classical guitar playing of brother Rick and Mark del Castillo, the music of Del Castillo blazes with passion and joy.

Joining the brothers is front man Alex “El Lobo” Ruiz, who sings and dances as though his veins flow with gypsy blood. Albert Besteiro’s bass lines link with Mike Zeoli’s drumming and Rick “The Rev” Holeman’s percussion to form a mighty rhythm section, creating a sensuous, tribal feel to Del Castillo’s flamenco rock/Latin fusion sound. (Rick “Rev” Holeman retired from Del Castillo in mid-2006 to spend more time with his family in Austin, and Carmelo Torres has joined the band on percussion later that year)

Del Castillo’s music celebrates life and all its blessings. In the year since Del Castillo began playing live performances, they have attracted ever-growing crowds and garnered media accolades. In March 2002, they accepted two awards in the Austin Chronicle Music Poll: Best World Music Band and Best Mexican/Traditional Latino Band.

Most of Del Castillo’s lyrics are in Spanish, reflecting the band’s roots in Brownsville, Texas-at the very Southern tip of the state bordering Mexico. All the members of Del Castillo have played in multiple bands, ranging in style from jazz to heavy metal to blues. Fusing their influences, Del Castillo’s sound gracefully draws from old world Gitano to create new world flamenco.

Del Castillo burst onto the Austin music scene in late 2001. Since then, the band has been honored time and again amassing numerous significant career milestones in a remarkable short period of time.

Awards and Honors:
• ALBUM OF THE YEAR –“BROTHERHOOD” – Austin Music Awards/South By Southwest (2007)
• BEST LATIN TRADITIONAL BAND - Austin Music Awards/South By Southwest (2007)
• BEST LATIN TRADITIONAL BAND – Austin Music Awards/South By Southwest (2006)
• BEST INDEPENDENT GROUP OF THE YEAR - ASCAP Latin Music Awards (2005)
• BEST LATIN TRADITIONAL BAND - Austin Music Awards/South By Southwest (2005)
• #1 BEST LIVE ACT by Austin Music Pundits - AMP Awards (2004)
• BEST LATIN CONTEMPORARY BAND -Austin Music Awards/South By Southwest (2004)
• BEST LATIN MUSIC VIDEO 2003 for “Suenos Madrigales” from “DEL CASTILLO LIVE” DVD – Austin Music Network Music Video Awards
• Received 7 major awards at Austin Music Awards/South By Southwest (2003): AUSTIN BAND OF THE YEAR, BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR: "VIDA", BEST DRUMS: Mike Zeoli, AUSTIN SINGLE OF THE YEAR: "VIDA, BEST COVER ART: "VIDA", RECORD PRODUCER: Rick del Castillo - "VIDA", MEXICAN TRADITIONAL - DEL CASTILLO
• BEST WORLD MUSIC BAND and BEST MEXICAN/TRADITIONAL LATINO BAND - Austin Music Awards/ South By Southwest (2002)
• Honored by the Austin Latin Music Association. Live performance filmed for "Sonidos del Barrios" TV series. (2002)
• BEST LATIN ROCK BAND - “Primetime Tejano” TV/Austin (2002)