Josh Hwang, known by his stage name Castlebeat, is an American bedroom pop … Read Full Bio ↴Josh Hwang, known by his stage name Castlebeat, is an American bedroom pop singer-songwriter originating from Brooklyn, New York. Additionally, he functions as the proprietor of Spirit Goth Records, a record label.

Castlebeat's musical journey took shape during his high school years, beginning with guitar playing and later transitioning to music composition. The discovery of Garageband on his laptop ignited his passion for writing and recording indie rock. A diverse array of musical influences shaped his artistic sensibilities, including contemporary acts such as Wavves, Beach Fossils, and FIDLAR, as well as classic bands like Joy Division, The Cure, and The Chameleons.

In 2016, Castlebeat unveiled his debut self-titled album, "Castlebeat," a collection characterized by its melancholic pop melodies. All the tracks on the album were meticulously crafted in Hwang's own garage, a testament to his DIY ethos and resourcefulness.

Castlebeat's distinctive sound is marked by home recording and production, often guided by intuitive decisions rather than formal training. Notably, he relied heavily on a cream-colored American Stratocaster for guitar parts, occasionally introducing subtle effects like light distortion and compression pedals. Throughout his creative process, Castlebeat harnesses Logic Pro for sound design, seamlessly integrating both stock and third-party plugins. This approach culminates in a distinct sonic identity, characterized by reverb and effects that blend seamlessly with pop-infused melodic concepts.

The release of Castlebeat's album "Half Life" on July 27, 2022, marked a significant milestone. Reflecting a year and a half of work, the album revisits his earlier sound while incorporating expanded elements. The album boasts an eclectic range of styles, from bedroom pop and dream pop to alternative rock of the 2000s and post-punk shoegaze.

Here
CASTLEBEAT Lyrics

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So what's new
How are you doing
Oh it's been too long

By the way
Where are we going
Are we going

I know there's something
Here for you

I know there's something
Here for you

So what's wrong
Why are you crying
Are you crying

Please don't think
No one is trying
Cause i was trying

I know there's something
Here for you

I know there's something
Here for you

Overall Meaning

These lyrics from CASTLEBEAT's song Here convey a sense of longing and confusion about a relationship between two people. The opening lines set a familiar tone, with a casual greeting and an acknowledgement of time having passed since their last interaction. However, the weight of the singer's feelings soon becomes clear as they question the direction of their relationship, asking "Where are we going, are we going?" This line could suggest that the singer is unsure where they stand with the person they are addressing, or that they are questioning the future of their connection.

Throughout the rest of the song, the singer tries to offer comfort and assurance while also expressing their own vulnerability. They ask why the other person is crying and try to reassure them that someone is there for them. But they also admit that they have been trying themselves, perhaps indicating that the relationship isn't as one-sided as it may seem.

Overall, these lyrics create a mood of uncertainty and longing, with a sense that there are things left unsaid and unresolved between the two people in question.

Line by Line Meaning

So what's new
What new things can you tell me since the last time we spoke?

How are you doing
What is your current state of well-being?

Oh it's been too long
It has been too much time since we last spoke.

By the way
Speaking of which,

Where are we going
What is our intended destination?

Are we going
Is our journey still happening?

I know there's something
I am aware of the existence of something.

Here for you
That is meant for your benefit.

So what's wrong
What is causing you distress?

Why are you crying
What is causing your tears to fall?

Are you crying
Is that the reason for your tears?