Musicians trickle into Castillo's Creek

Something unexpected is happening in the woods just north of Bloomington. It's happening at the end of a long and winding road and up a steep gravel driveway. This strange occurrence takes place in what could be described as a barn. From the outside, you can hear soft melodies. This is Russ Castillo's recording studio. \nCastillo, a record producer, has been in the music business for more than 21 years. He spent the majority of that time working in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. When he and his wife both happened to find jobs at IU, they moved to Bloomington. Russ now teaches telecommunications.\nIt was in his spare time as a teacher that he built his recording studio, Castle Creek.\nWhen the studio was finished, it was just a question of who would record in it. Castillo says he is selective about the bands he works with, and after one look at his resume it's no wonder why. He has worked with such names as Pink Floyd, The Eagles, Ray Charles and Bo Diddley. He has worked on video projects with The Doors, Fats Domino, Chubby Checker and Ricky Nelson. \nIt was by chance that this big-time Hollywood producer began recording local band Blue Moon Revue. Russ' wife, Jeanette, was taking a class on music when she happened to sit next to sophomore Andy Salge, bassist for Blue Moon Revue. Jeanette mentioned her husband's side project, and Salge mentioned he was in a band. The rest fell into place, and Blue Moon Revue began recording its second album at Castle Creek during spring break. This project has excited everyone involved.\n"I was attracted to this band because they rehearse a lot, and in these modern times it's nice to hear a group play real music with instincts," says Castillo. "I respect their style, and they are very good musicians."\nRespect is important to the six members of Blue Moon Revue, which includes Salge, sophomore Matt Marshall (guitar and vocals), sophomore Dan Hirons (drums), senior Dave Sullivan (guitar and vocals), sophomore Matt Frick (percussion) and junior Drew Scalercio. This was evident by watching a prerecording rehearsal. During a song, keyboardist Scalercio went for an unexpected solo. The rest of the band listened and then gave critiques to decide how it could be incorporated into the song. \n"We debate, not disrespect," says Salge. "We give and take as individuals respectfully." \nIt is this give and take that has helped this band carve out its own style in the local area. The band plays a variety of music that it prefers not to define. "It would be a shame to label us," says Salge. \nWith Castillo's direction, the group only hopes to get better. Marshall found this out when he and Castillo had an intense vocal recording session. Marshall lit candles around the studio, and Castillo dimmed the lights to give the perfect ambiance for Marshall to bring out the soul he wanted to convey for that particular song. "Russ is very receptive," says Marshall. "He will get the best out of you and help you feel comfortable to do that." The session worked out well. \n"It was even better than I expected," says Castillo. \nThe band hopes the new CD will be the start of bigger things. "These are little steps toward the bigger picture," says Frick. With the release of the CD next fall, Blue Moon Revue hopes to start doing some local touring to neighborhood cities like Muncie, Broad Ripple, Ind., and Cincinnati. But for now things are going well. \n"They respect me and I respect them," says Castillo. "I am really excited about this. Maybe a little more excited than they are. But don't tell them that"