Castle Hughes is a talented and award-winning singer-songwriter hailing from Western Australia. Renowned for her powerful vocals and inspiring lyrics, Castle has firmly established herself as a rising star in the music industry. Her remarkable talent was recognized when she received the esteemed WAM Award for City of Stirling Best Youth Act in 2022, cementing her status as an independent artist to watch.
Castle’s musical journey commenced at a young age, where her passion for music led her to master a diverse range of instruments, including the violin, flute, bodhran, drums, and piano. Her vocal prowess was also showcased through her participation in choirs and musical productions. At the age of sixteen, Castle burst onto the music scene as a singer-songwriter, captivating audiences with the release of her debut single “Moving On” in early 2021. The track garnered substantial attention and earned her a nomination for the highly esteemed WAM Song of the Year Award in the 14-18-year-old category.
Castle’s remarkable talent and unwavering dedication have continued to shine as she triumphed in the CALM Youth Week Songwriting Competition and received nominations in several prestigious international songwriting contests, including the International Songwriting Awards and the UK Songwriting Contest. Her second single, “Fairplay,” further showcased her exceptional skills, solidifying her as a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition in both the Teen and Music Video categories.
Drawing inspiration from a myriad of sources, including artists such as Lizzy McAlpine and David Kushner, Castle infuses her contemporary pop style with a unique blend that sets her apart and challenges genres. In 2022, Castle made significant appearances, including a performance with her band on national television for Telethon, as well as supporting Claudia Tripp at the Rosemount Hotel. The following year, Castle was personally invited to perform at the APRA AMCOS regional session in Busselton, while her new band recently captivated audiences at the Indian Ocean Hotel and The Bird.
Previous praise for Castle’s work:
“Your songwriting, vocal performance and melodic sense makes this song super appealing”. Joel Quartermain (Moving On)
“Silky and soaring with prowess, Castle offers up a uniquely impressive new single that navigates heartbreak and female solidarity.” Cassia Brisco Happy Mag (Moving On)
“her sound brings with it a retro vibe, assisted by deep vocals reminiscent of other strong female artists, such as Amy Winehouse, and to a certain extent, Kate Bush. Lisa Hafey Essentially Pop (Fairplay)
“A powerful ballad infused with a sophisticated pop sensibility, featuring superb melodic hooks supported by flawless, brilliant production that uplifts and inspires listeners” Vince Leigh (Mine)
“Dark cabaret pop with lashes of psych-rock ‘Warning’ ricochets across the sound waves, its fierce energy building an exuberant enthusiasm as Castle sings about the fall-out from a break-up with a narcissistic, ego-driven person. Sonically, the track sits somewhere between Amanda Palmer and Regina Spektor crossed with Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and Anna Calvi.” Scenestr (Warning)
Combining lullaby lyrics with full-bodied vocals, Mine serves as a blissful tonic to the overdone heartbreak anthem, offering an optimistic look at in-the-moment love free from the burdens of foresight. With the sonic aesthetic of Vera Blue and the orchestral pop of Martha Marlow” Tom Disalvo Happy Mag (Mine)
Castle Hughes continues to captivate audiences with her exceptional talent and engaging music. With a remarkable string of achievements and a rapidly growing fan base, she is poised to make an even greater impact on the music scene.