Ryan Castro Represents the Caribbean With 'SENDÉ'

Colombian powerhouse Ryan Castro is preparing to launch his sophomore album SENDÉ, a return to his Caribbean roots. The highly-anticipated record sees Castro continuing his journey into reggaeton while exploring his beginnings in reggae, dancehall, and rap.

Inspired by his time living in Curaçao, SENDÉ, a follow-up to last year’s double-platinum El Cantante del Ghetto, tells a deeply personal story of Castro’s musical exploration. Written and recorded in Curaçao, the 18-track album is packed with exciting collaborations, from Peso Pluma to Manuel Turizo.

Before the world gets a listen, we sat down with Ryan Castro to learn more about his sophomore album, his time living in Curaçao, and more.

What is the meaning of the album title, SENDÉ?

The real meaning of SENDÉ is to be hidden, but to me it means that we’re doing well, we’re active, we’re on fire, we’re on a high, we’re happy and motivated. That is the meaning that I attached to this record.

How did the concept for SENDÉ come to you?

I went out one day with my friends in Curaçao and between dancing and partying we said “let’s make an album here and tell the story of Castro in Curaçao.” I went to the island and made the entire album there.

Tell us about your time living in Curaçao.

I lived with my mother and siblings. I was working on lots of things there besides music, but always with the dream of making it in music. I would always record and make videos and songs until an opportunity arrived, and I went back to Colombia.

What was the production process like behind SENDÉ?

Every song on the album has special storyline. I recorded around 30 or 40 songs and only 18 made it on the record. The collaborations on SENDÉ are very special. We have artists like Manuel Turizo, Shaggy and Peso Pluma. Everyone present during the process was an important element. I feel very proud that they could be part of it and add their powerful energies to complete the project.

How would you describe the sound of SENDÉ?

Almost all of the projects that I’ve completed have been based on reggaeton. On SENDÉ, I have reggae, afro, dancehall, and rap. I returned to my essence. On this album we’re going to see Ryan Castro become a romantic, play with the beats and rhythms from his beginnings in music.

What message would you like your fans to receive will listening to SENDÉ?

I want my fans to learn about my history, a bit more about me, my likes and dislikes, why I entered this genre, and why I like this type of music. I want them to know more about where I grew up and that the album builds a sense of closeness as I tell my life story.

What can we expect from you after launching SENDÉ?

Lots of concerts. Besides the album, I’m working on lots of collaborations with different musical artists. Some surprises in terms of fashion and sneakers, too. We are always in motion and adding new things to our roster.