Ravishers A Rising Star Feature by Melissa Minners             Some time ago, I had the opportunity to review the self-titled debut album from the Portland-based pop/rock band known as the Ravishers.  I recently had a chat with frontman Dominic Castillo.  Here’s what he had to say: Tell us a little about your musical background before creating the Ravishers. When did you begin to realize that you wanted to have a career in music? I always did music.  My brother and I picked up guitars when we were about 6.  That was the beginning of the end!  I don't think that I ever had a distinct moment when I said, "I want to have a career in music."  It was more like small incremental steps. I understand that the two founding members of the Ravishers lived together while they got their band off the ground.  How did that effect the bond between them?  Did it have any effect on the music and lyrics you came up with? No. It almost broke up the band.  Seriously.  It works for some bands, I guess. The songs on your self-titled album span the spectrum in emotions.  How did you choose the songs you eventually placed on the album?  Was there any song in particular that you just knew had to be a part of your debut album? We had 16 songs to choose from, and cut the album to 12 tracks.  The other songs might surface at some point, it's just about them finding the right production.  Sometimes you have to do a few versions before you can land on the right one for that particular song. When some people write songs, they already have lyrics in mind and write the music around them.  Some have the music and write the lyrics to fit.  What is your song-writing style? The chord progression usually suggests the lyrics to me. Of all the songs you have recorded, which has the most meaning for you and why? Each one seems terribly precious when you're writing it.  They're like girlfriends.  Like a lot of ex girlfriends.  The interesting part as a writer is playing them.  It's like taking a little time machine back to the time when you wrote it. What sort of message do you hope to send with your music? I don't have an over-arching message.  That can be good for some people, but I conceive of each song as an entity itself.  When I listen to music, I get caught by a song that speaks to the particular mood I'm in at that moment.  I write the same way. Is there anything you would like your fans to know about you that hasn't been previously revealed?  Nothing that they can't figure out by listening to album. Any upcoming recording or touring plans? We're booking a tour right now! The next album is already written. It will be done within a year!                The Ravishers debut album, Ravishers, is scheduled to be released on May 10, 2011 on Timber Carnival Records.  To check out songs, videos, info and Ravishers apparel, visit http://www.ravisherstheband.com/.   To read more rising star features, visit the Rising Star Feature Archive. For feedback, visit our message board or e-mail the author at talonkarrde@g-pop.net.