5 Questions With:
11yo Drummer
Charlie Castro

Name: Charlie Castro, 11

Location: Dallas, Texas 

TikTok: @charlie_musician 

d.RT: What’s your go-to outfit if you’re dressing only for yourself … not the internet, not your peers, not trying to meet anyone else’s expectations? 

Charlie: If I am dressing only for myself, my go-to outfit is definitely soft sweatpants and a hoodie sweatshirt. Both things make me feel super comfortable, cozy, warm and happy—I love hanging around the house all day in them. 

d.RT: If you could be a hoodie on any person—celebrity, influencer, athlete, whomever—who would it be and why? 

Charlie: If I could be a hoodie on any person it would be Mark Schulman—who is the drummer for P!nk. During Covid-19, I was able to be on a Zoom call with the members of P!nk’s band and he was just so awesome! He has so much energy, and is very funny and quirky, and I just really enjoyed hearing him talk about his drumming. I would love to be right there with him watching him play and entertain the crowds. He is an amazing drummer to watch and besides playing along with P!nk, he has also been the drummer for Foreigner, Billy Idol and Stevie Nicks. 

d.RT: Who is your dream/ideal mentor? What advice would you seek from them? 

Charlie: My ideal mentor is Kevin Hart. He is a happy, funny, positive guy who has a great outlook on life. He always seems to look at the positive side of things. He also does a lot to help those in need which I think is really cool. I would love to spend a day with him and ask him how he always remains so positive. I wonder if he wakes up telling jokes every day? He makes me laugh so much … 

d.RT: How do you best express yourself? What is your emotional outlet?

Charlie: I best express myself by playing the drums! I started playing them when I was 8 years old. My parents noticed that I used to always keep the beat of the music that was playing on the radio in the car by tapping the seat, so they signed me up for a drum camp and I feel in love with it. It’s been 4 years now and I can’t imagine my life without music. I can let out any emotions I am holding inside with my drumsticks—and it instantly makes me feel confident and alive. 

d.RT: What fear about your future overwhelms you the most? 

Charlie: Although it’s still far off, thinking about one day moving out of my house, away from my parents, and being on my own financially—that overwhelms me. I think it stresses me out because I don’t yet understand all the responsibilities that one must have as an adult. However, my parents tell me that with each year I will become more ready.