He's the dreadlocked hearthrob who caught the attention of female fans during Season 7 of "American Idol."
Now, Jason Castro, the laid back singer/songwriter with the piercing blue eyes, is preparing to debut his first album this spring and taking his show on the road as well.
Castro will appear in concert at Schubas at 9 tonight. He'll entertain on a bill with Matt Hires and Caitlin Crosby.
"I'm playing an acoustic set and being accompanied by a guitarist. It's really cool because we're playing in small venues and just having a good time," Castro said.
The Texas native's show will feature songs from his five-cut EP titled "The Love Uncompromised" (released Jan. 12) as well as a few tunes from his "Idol" appearances and his forthcoming self-titled album.
"The EP is just a prelude to the album and available digitally and also at my shows," Castro said.
Feedback on the EP, Castro said, has already been "overwhelming." When it debuted, it reached Number 5 on digital download charts during the week of release.
Castro, 22, said he's enjoying touring and meeting fans across the country.
"That's kind of the dream. We get to travel and play music every night. I'm having a blast. That's really what it's all about ... just getting to connect with people."
Castro, who came in fourth on "Idol," said he's interested in what's happening on the new season of the popular musical talent show but isn't always able to watch it live.
"I try. But I usually catch up with it on You Tube cause I'm usually playing a show at the time it's on," he said.
Being on "Idol" was not only rewarding for Castro but a lesson on many levels.
"It was really an experience of a lifetime. There's nothing like it. I cherish the experience. But as fun as it was, it was also very challenging and a real eye-opener. It was kind of a crash course on the music industry. I felt like I learned so much and experienced so much that really prepared me for this. And being on the show really opened up the opportunity to be at a record label now (Atlantic Records), being able to record in a real studio and putting out a first album," Castro said.
The album, which he said has a "modern singer/songwriter" feel, features songs penned by Castro and other co-writers.
"As I look back on this album and the song content, a lot of it is about love -- different kinds of love -- and that's definitely a place in life I'm fortunate to be in," he said, referring to his marriage to Mandy Mayhall on Jan. 2.
As "Idol" begins its Hollywood shows next week, Castro encourages new and future contestants to try to relax and enjoy the experience.
"But I don't know if there really is any way to calm yourself through that other than know what happens is supposed to happen. You just have to do your best. You can't get too caught up in what everybody else is saying. You really just gotta know yourself and do what you do best. Beyond that it's out of your control.
"Rest in the fact that you've been chosen out of how many people and you're there. Whenever you leave, it's not a bad thing. For me, it was unexpected. Everyday was a new day and I didn't know if I was going to be there or really wasn't sure if I should. I just took each day with 'Ok. We're here. Let's try it again.'"
Jason Castro, 9 p.m. today
WHERE: Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
COST: $8 (18-and-older show)
FYI: (773) 525-2508. Also on the bill is headliner Matt Hires and Caitlin Crosby.
