Jason Castro Gets Ready To Tour The Malls

Thanks MJ, but it’s Atlantic not Universal.

His manager told some fans at the Texas State Fair last week that his music video was being released to MTV next week as well. Not that MTV shows music vids these days, but it should be available.

Lol, yeah. She’s not eligble. Current recording contract and all that. Anoop, on the other hand…

Which Season 9 Idol’s record is Jason excited to hear? Allison Iraheta,

I thought his favorite during the season was Kris. lol But nice, cause that’s the one I’m excited to hear too.

A mall tour?! BWAH Just like Tiffany and Debbie Gibson!! Between this and the Radio Disney push, we can see how seriously Atlantic takes him as an artist.

OK, so I’d love to see Jason, but ummm Gurnee Mills? That place is huge. I can’t deal with a small mall. At least he’s coming to Chicago area. I guess I’m not invested enough in Jason to deal with malls. He’s willing to put out the work, so good on him.

I think there’s a difficult time with Seasons because the years are always one more, i.e. Season 8 in 2009, Season 7 in 2008, etc. It causes momentary confusion for all of us on occasion (unless this is the first year here, then well you have it all down).

Niall, it’s not Jason’s real tour which is supposed to happen the beginning of next year. This is a month long thing in conjunction with his current radio tour which he is already on, so it kind of makes sense since he’s already on the road. The Radio Disney thing was just in addition to going for Top 40 adds, which mind you the official date on that is Oct. 5th.

I actually think Atlantic takes Jason plenty seriously, or they wouldn’t have signed him. I get bottom line it’s about making money of course so I’m not doubting that, but it’s not like Atlantic has a habit of signing ex-Idols.

Also per his management, though the dates haven’t officially been announced yet he’ll be doing Ellen and some of the late night shows to promote his album in the first few weeks of November.

Awww poor Jason, dogged for his mall tour, LOL! I like Jason, always did! Hey I’d go to the mall with my latte in hand and listen to Jason, but unfortunately he’s not coming to a mall near me. I liked him on Idol, his first single however – not so much, it’s “just OK for me dogg.”
I hope the rest is cool, I’ll probably download only the songs I like from iTunes. He should tour some college campuses.

College campus tour would be good. I like several of his new songs better than his single – the single is a bit too sweet. I’ll be buying his album in November though as well as kris’ and possibly Adams.

I love Jason- I wish they would have made this song more acoustic like the original that’s on youtube. The whistling totally ruins the song, too- it had potential till they overproduced it. I have faith in him though. Like him so much more than Kris. I am really looking forward to the song he did with the guy from OAR- that will probably be his hit.

I agree. Go the college campus route. Malls seem tacky to me. YMMV.

Oh, and I could be totally wrong about this, but I think releasing this on the same day’s as Kris’s IS going to hurt him.

He’s not coming near me. Oh well, I’ll wait for his real tour which starts early next year. Jason has some really good songs in his album, better than the first single. I’m loving every song. Can’t wait!

The single isn’t my favorite song of his, but I totally get why it was chosen. The majority of the non Idol fandom reaction to it has been good and it’s very radio friendly IMO. Though the whistling part doesn’t bother me since it’s so short.

As I’ve now heard almost all of his songs (via videos from his Texas State Fair performance) I’m wondering which is the OAR song too. The one I’m most looking forward to is the Serena Ryder duet though.

Well, Atlantic is the one behind the release date and technically Jason’s was announced before Kris’s. But I assume if Atlantic were worried about it they would move the date and they don’t see to be doing that.

I don’t think releasing the album on the same day as Kris’ would hurt Jason’s. Kris is the winner anyway so he’s expected to sell more. It’s ok if Jason doesn’t get the #1 spot on the chart as long as he sells moderate numbers. That’s good enough for me.

Gurnee is near me, but it’s not REALLY in Chicago. Grrrr. I would have to drive on the Interstate to get there, plus it’s on a Tuesday. I wonder what time.

Yeah, this just looks like promotion to me. I’m sure he’ll tour clubs/colleges later. I don’t think he can afford to turn any opportunity to promote his music down.

The comparison’s to Kris are inevitable, and Kris has a major advantage being the winner and fresh off the Idol stage.

I actually think that releasing the same day as Kris will help Jason. What could be bad about it? Jason knows he’s not going to have the number 1 debuting album that week. Heck, neither will Kris. Those who go to itunes to get Kris’ album may see Jason’s being advertised for sale right next to Kris and decide to pick it up. It’s very easy to click that “Buy Album” link!

I actually think that releasing the same day as Kris will help Jason. What could be bad about it? Jason knows he’s not going to have the number 1 debuting album that week. Heck, neither will Kris. Those who go to itunes to get Kris’ album may see Jason’s being advertised for sale right next to Kris and decide to pick it up. It’s very easy to click that ‘Buy Album’  link!

I agree. It would actually help Jason.

I agree too. I don’t really think it will hurt Jason either because like said, nobody is expecting Jason to debut with a #1 album on Billboard or to debut higher than the current Idol winner. Of course Atlantic wants Jason to sell well, but I think they would be pleased with moderate numbers. Then again considering all the major releases that day, I don’t think Kris has much of a chance of debuting at #1 either.

As Brie said, this is not Jason’s “real” tour; this is a part of his radio tour, introducing his single to radio stations and, by extension, to the stations’ audiences. Apparently, Atlantic sees Akoo as akin to a radio network, since they are folding this tour into the radio tour.

And Jason’s manager, David Helfant, just re-confirmed on Twitter that Jason will be doing network television shows:

suszalwaze @DiamondDave05 hi, dave. will @jasoncastro be on network tv to promote his single and album also?

DiamondDave05 @suszalwaze yes. soon.
about 1 hour ago from web in reply to suszalwaze

Woo Hoo, he’s coming to a mall near me!

OMG, he’s coming to a mall near me, too! It’s on my son’s birthday though, LOL. Sorry Jason.

Was able to listen to all his new songs which will be on the album…love most of them…all will help sell his album. Jason’s work ethic is crazy..he’s been doing shows everywhere…twice a day…free! .laying the seeds …once the album and second single drop…all his hard work now will pay off and he will explode.
I’m actually surprised with the push Atlantic is giving him…and how they take care of him. They see his worldwide potential as does universal (worldwide publishing)

Amongst the Idol viewers it will help Jason that his album is released the same date as Kris Allen. He will get the exposure as I’m sure he will start to get mentioned when ever they mention Kris’s album. But they I’m sure are looking at the bigger picture.

People should take advantage of this opportunity of seeing/meeting him …a year from now you will only be able to see him from your seats.

He’s coming to Potomac Mills Mall? Hmm. I might have to go watch him. I can piggyback it with going to the Nordstrom outlet. HA! That just seems *weird* – I don’t ever remember someone playing Potomac Mills. Interesting!

And calling Potomac Mills Washington DC is a stretch… 20+ miles south of DC in Woodbridge, which is just funny, I grew up there and it’s not a terribly exciting place :) .

I forgot to mention that I’m looking forward to a free performance from one of my favorite recording artists!

Well, ya gotta start somewhere.

Okay I know this isn’t his official tour, but couldnt they have scheduled some dates for some.. larger malls?

Actually, I have no idea how large these malls are. But I do know the two biggest malls in America aren’t listed.

I do <3 Jason but this isn't all that good. I am certainly hoping I can see him somewhere in Chicago that isn't a mall. I didn't even mention that Gurnee Mills is an outlet mall approximately 25 miles north of the northerly reaches of Chicago because I don't do malls…Idols not withstanding. I truly don't care if it's an outlet mall. I guess that's because the biggest and most revered mall in Illinois is on my doorstep (oh and it's an upscale mall) , and I don't even care.

I do hope Jason brings his music to a more artistic venue within my reach. I'd certainly love to hear him in a venue that does him justice. I'm waiting…

This isn’t a “mall tour” per se; the mall portion of the tour is only for the Akoo network. You can read about them here: http://www.akoo.com/ As I said, these stops are akin to the radio stations Jason is visiting on his radio tour; the tour is introducing him to the station management, and at the discretion of the radio stations (or, in the case of Akoo, the network or service or what you will), to the station audiences. These are NOT dates on his album tour, which is supposed to begin early next year.

I don’t know that these malls are “small.” I do sorta think that they have the cheeze factor. At least the one near Chicago is an outlet mall. Yeah, it may be the biggest outlet mall, but I doubt it’s anything to write home about. I wonder if that’s why Jason decides always to tweet scenery pics. I can’t say I blame him. I actually can’t say he’s not amazing for doing so.

I think there is way too much fixation on the word “mall”. People shop at malls. People who also shop for music. If it gets more people supporting him and plunking over the bucks for his album, then good deal.

If this were the only thing Jason were doing, then I’d say okay, I’d get the concern. But it seems like some are ignoring all the other events and radio stations Jason’s been playing because well, that news isn’t often reported here (not insulting MJ, just saying that there aren’t a huge contingent of Jason’s fans here reporting on his every move the way there is for Archie, Cook and etc.)

Also for laughs, I think Jason tweets scenery because that’s just who he is. This is the guy who when he was on Idol said his favorite thing about LA was the “diverse vegetation”. LOL.

Ugh. Gulf View Square Mall? What a piece of shit, and totally NOT in Tampa. It’s actually in Port Richey, which is one county over. I wonder what these Akoo people used as their criteria? We have a few pretty awesome malls here in the Tampa Bay area. Gulf View Square is probably the crappiest. It also has the lowest occupancy rate out of any of the malls in a 4 county area. So, there will be fewer pedestrians than they expect.

Although I would guess that if it’s advertised on the local radio stations, that might pull in some people.

Sorry Jason, you’re great, but I’m not going to that nasty mall for anyone.

Good Luck Jason.

I love his voice. rats, no California. I wish he is coming to a mall close to me so I could see him.

I’ve been to one of those places–Potomac Mills–and it is HUGE. It should just be called Mall City. Are all those malls like that?

I’ve never heard of someone giving a concert at a mall, except in Southeast Asia. Is this really done here? Is it free?

I’m not worried about the mall factor since he has other stuff coming up. Nor am I worried about the particular malls. I haven’t been to Gurnee in about 15 years, but it was fine. I actually prefer to get a deal. It’s just that it starts at 6pm, it’s not in the city, and there’s no way I could make it from where I work in time. Rush hour, 50 miles away, etc.

Gurnee is right across the street from Six Flags, though, and Screamfest is going on, so there will be tons of people in that area. Just not old foggies like me.

ETA: I’m guessing these malls are connected in some way. Many of them have “Mills” attached to their names.

Hopefully, he’ll be back at a local club!

Which Season 9 Idol’s record is Jason excited to hear? Allison Iraheta, the red-haired rocker! ‘I’m really excited for everybody, but I can’t wait to get Allison’s record,’  he says.

awww! how sweet of him

I just listened to the song only now (i know i’m pretty late cos what…its been a month or so since its been released no?) and its super cute song! and i remember how i used to love his voice last year especially on hallelujah and this bob marley song he forgot the words to. i remember it being more soft than this cos he sounds a bit raspy in this song…but thats a good thing!

i love….

I’m not sure why my post about Radio Disney was deleted, but I just wanted to say there are some big names played on Radio Disney, such as, Daughtry, David Cook, The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, The Fray and the list goes on. I think the Radio Disney push was a great move by Atlantic.

I look forward to going to the Gulf View Square Mall. They have some great stores such as Hollister, Aeropostale and American Eagle. I can get some shopping in and then catch a great show by Jason.

Suzanne, the shows are free. It is pure and simple promotion, before Jason’s cd comes out on Novemeber 17th.

I do hope Jason brings his music to a more artistic venue within my reach. I’d certainly love to hear him in a venue that does him justice. I’m waiting’ ¦

I guess I’ll wait, too. I’m between Orlando and Tampa, both of which will have him; but I just cannot make it at this time.

I think Atlantic is taking him seriously but is being cautious with promoting him too much too soon.
Jason is still very inexperienced.
The worst thing Atlantic could do would be to put him in some big venues when he is not ready. Atlantic seems to be taking baby steps with him and checking the waters to see how he is being received.
The single was released and did pretty well considering it was totally unpromoted. He’s getting a lot of good responses by the radio tour and special events co-ordinated with them – and those people put your music on their stations.
He co-wrote 11 of the 14 songs on the album and the single was not one of them. The music video is coming out soon, then the cd in 6 weeks and the real tour in the beginning of the year. By then he will be much more ready to show people what he’s got to offer.

Here is the full press release from Atlantic – they seem pretty excited about him
http://www.atlanticrecords.com/pressreleases/article/?pressId=8a0af81223ca5ea00124083f8f503469

I’ve been to one of those places’“Potomac Mills’“and it is HUGE. It should just be called Mall City. Are all those malls like that?

Heh, Potomac Mills is HUGE, and it is set up so if you start at the wrong end you are walking a looooong distance to get to the other. I didn’t notice that there are so many “Mills” malls but I’m sure they are all owned by the same group. I know Sawgrass Mills is because when I moved to South FL for a bit and went in there it was weirding me out how it was Potomac Mills… but a more modern version and they figured out – gasp – that if it goes at least somewhat in a circle? You don’t have to walk 3 miles to get from one end to the other.

Now, that said, I just don’t recall a whole lot of *live music* at Potomac Mills but then again I avoid it like the plague on the weekend because holeeee smokes does it get packed. But 10/20 is a Tuesday and I go down there on weekdays because it is a ghost town and I can’t abide crowds… so hope it is well promoted, because the mall itself doesn’t draw much traffic on a Tuesday.

The comparison’s to Kris are inevitable, and Kris has a major advantage being the winner and fresh off the Idol stage.

Some may say that Jason has the “advantage” of being single and adorable. LOL!

Jason needs to know that not all of his fans can make it to these malls because of location. He had a lot of fans from Michigan when the tour hit town.

I hope he can be on Ellen’s show and maybe Leno. Jason deserves the opportunity to have everyone hear his music. I wish him the very best in the upcoming months. He is probably my absolute favorite contestant ever to appear on the show.

Justantonio: How did you find the songs to his album to listen to? I don’t find any previews on his “official” webpage or his MySpace site; not on iTune yet (except the first single…) Do you have an inside track we can’t all jump on?

Jason is also part of :
“Pretty In Pink Ladies Night Out – THIS THURSDAY NIGHT
Tickets for the post party with Blake Lewis and Jason Castro at 202 Market are sold out but the outdoor festivities are free!
Join us and our friends from Carilion Clinic for a great time downtown and raise lots of money for breast cancer research.
http://www.k92radio.com//Article.asp?id=1494452

And he will be at the House of Blues in Florida too.

I think I found the answer to my own question… I found YouTube videos of Jason at the Texas State Fair. OMG I love “Sweet Medicine!”

ShesSoAlive
September 30, 2009 at 1:13 am
Justantonio: How did you find the songs to his album to listen to? I don’t find any previews on his ‘official’  webpage or his MySpace site; not on iTune yet (except the first single’ ¦) Do you have an inside track we can’t all jump on?

At the Texas State Fair he performed 16 songs and said they were from his album. You can find them on youtube. I liked most of them.

ShesSoAlive – videos of his show at the Texas State Fair can be found here:
all of which, except for Over the Rainbow, will be on the cd

http://www.youtube.com/user/winnpoober

Sweet Medicine was changed to a lower key and now has a piano type feel. Good changes.

I think it was really smart of Atlantic to put Hallelujah on the album. I know at this point it’s sort of been overdone, but as Jason was the one to start the resurgence of that song and he never got to even record a full length version for Idol, I can see that selling well. On his radio tour Jason’s been performing Hallelujah a lot and while he’s been getting good feedback on his original music too, Hallelujah seems to be the showstopper, particularly among the radio folk.

I loved the Hallelujah that Jason did for the movie
soundrack Amar A Morir – it was so nice to hear several verses
in that recording.

Sorry to be off-topic, but I know some of you know Purplesmile around here. I just got a word from her friend that she lost everything in the recent flood here in the Philippines. :( Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

On Topic: I really love “You Can Always Come Home” (the duet with Serena Ryder) he performed with Jackie at the Texas State Fair. I hope that is the second single.

The version of “it matters to me” he did at the fair sounded pretty epic.

Jason’s got to be careful he doesn’t burn out. He’s been playing shows everyday, sometimes two a day in different cities. He i definetly getting exposure. If you want to make sure a dj plays your music…doing a free show for them will do it. They will love you for that.

I was thinking a coffee house tour but malls works. Perfect venue for Jason’s talent.

Sorry to be off-topic, but I know some of you know Purplesmile around here. I just got a word from her friend that she lost everything in the recent flood here in the Philippines. :( Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Oh no!!! :( Is she safe now?
I’ll pray for her definitely.

Jason’s manager just tweeted this:

Tomorrow at 12:00 noon, Jason Castro will be the guest DJ at WYOY FM in Jackson, Mississippi, for one hour playing the tunes that he likes.

hardkandy, I think she’s okay now. Her relatives are helping them out. It’s really sad what happened to their home :(

lifeisgood
September 30, 2009 at 1:20 am
Jason is also part of :
‘Pretty In Pink Ladies Night Out ‘“ THIS THURSDAY NIGHT
Tickets for the post party with Blake Lewis and Jason Castro at 202 Market are sold out but the outdoor festivities are free!
Join us and our friends from Carilion Clinic for a great time downtown and raise lots of money for breast cancer research.
http://www.k92radio.com//Article.asp?id=1494452

he’s also booked this Thursday afternoon at McFadden’s in Nashville hosted by 107.5 The River- http://www.1075theriver.com/cc-common/ondemand/

Good thing Jason’s a young guy…some of those radio stops are 2 or 3 a day

“Oppa_FTW
September 30, 2009 at 3:11 am
Jason’s manager just tweeted this:
Tomorrow at 12:00 noon, Jason Castro will be the guest DJ at WYOY FM in Jackson, Mississippi, for one hour playing the tunes that he likes.”

-
He’s busy later that night too..
anybody in the Memphis area ? Jason’s at “Memphest” tonight at 8pm
http://memphest.com/blog/?page_id=7

I’m really looking forward to the CD, I can’t wait to hear the Serena Ryder duet. I just love his voice, I hope the rest of the album has a more accoustic sound than the single. Of anyone who’s been on AI, Jason’s style is the closest to what I listen to in RL. Yeah, he’s “coffee house”, but so are a lot of successful artists these days. His voice/ delivery is sublime, and, as mentioned upthread, being a cute single guy shouldn’t hurt. I’m crossing my fingers he’ll do well with the CD.

Purplesmile, I know if you’re able to get on line you’ll check this thread! I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Unlike what others are saying, Freehold Raceway Mall is actually a decent mall. It has a Nordstroms among other things. It’s not Short Hills, but it’s fine. I just recently had the “pleasure” of going to a local mall to try and get an autograph for my nieces who live in SC, from Miranda Cosgrove. If the crowds there were any indication of what can happen in “mall” tours, than good for Jason! There had to be 8 – 10,000 screaming pre-teen girls there.

I cannot wait to buy his album. I had Hallelujah on my old ipod but lost all my music from it on my computer and haven’t had it since. My kids and I would play it all the time in the car.

Does anyone know the name of the song he did with the guy from OAR? His name is Marc Roberge.

I wish I had a ANY mall near me that I could go to see Jason…big or crappy. I’m not picky. This is definitely NOT “the tour”. That starts next year. These are just promo stops for the single & ramping to the cd release. I remember Archie doing these types of things but in a much faster time frame. These radio/mall venues may actually allow you to experience a more intimate performance, up close & personal. If I could, I’d go.

Speaking of OAR, the beginning of Jason’s song “Closer” sounds very similar to the beginning of OAR’s “This Town”.

Jersey, I’m friends with Purps on facebook. It sounds like they may be able to salvage some stuff, but not much. She’s with family and is safe. Sure sounds like the area was devestated, though. :-( I can pass along your message to her.

Jason was actually my favorite last year, so I’m really happy for him and all the exposure he’s getting. I already pre-ordered his CD. Does anyone have any idea how to get your hands on his version of “I Don’t wanna Cry”. It’s on his website, but you can’t download it.

pj, please let Purplesmile know that my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family…it’s such a frightening thing, these disasters.

I agree, LovelyLady–these small promo stops are are great opportunity for us to see Jason a lot more up close then we’ll have during the tour next year!

Sorry to be off-topic, but I know some of you know Purplesmile around here. I just got a word from her friend that she lost everything in the recent flood here in the Philippines. :( Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

That’s so sad. I almost lost all my stuff in that flood too. Good thing we had a second floor so I was able to save my computer.

Back on topic… mall tours are a great vehicle to attract more fan since more people – who wouldn’t buy tickets to a paid concert otherwise – are going to hear his music.

Carmine, glad you are safe!

Rereader… I most certainly will.

As for the mall tour, I think it’s good exposure, too. It also appears to be sponsored, so I’m guessing that it’s no money out of Jason’s pocket. Sounds win/win to me.

Thanks, pj.

My thoughts and prayers are with purplesmile as well. I’m glad she and her family are okay.

FWIW, Jason is currently #38 on the Movers & Shakers list at Amazon. His overall sales rank is at #247. He was in the Top 100 when his pre-order was first released, but even still I think in some ways Adam and Kris’s albums being available for pre-order is helping Jason. I’m sure he’s a recommended artist when people view one of the other pages and it’s very easy to click a button and buy.

Somebody on twitter also claimed they heard Jason’s single on Z100 this morning, but I’ve got nothing to back that claim up.

Carmine, glad you are safe!

Thanks. I appreciate it.

Wouldn’t it be great if Jason can join that charity event that Katy Perry and David Archuleta are headlining for the typhoon victims? He has a lot of fans here. :) But, looking at his schedule, his schedule looks booked!!!

Speaking of OAR, the beginning of Jason’s song ‘Closer’  sounds very similar to the beginning of OAR’s ‘This Town’ .

I think LLWD has a This Town feel to it.

The people at Atlantic are genius…I just listened to his entire concert…Castro is pop/country…

I really don’t hear country from Jason and I certainly hope he doesn’t go that route. Hope he stays pop/soft rock – or possibly alt-rock.

I think the Serena Ryder duet has an alt-country type feel to it, or at least it came across that way at the Texas show.

I would have pictured him more along the lines of a fairground performer…is the fair circuit dormant in the Fall/Winter…or is Jason starting with malls and working his way up? How does that work. Has any other Idol alum done the mall thing?

“”"Sorry to be off-topic, but I know some of you know Purplesmile around here. I just got a word from her friend that she lost everything”"”

Oh my Purplesmile – I am so sorry! I havent talked to you in about a month – hope everything gets better quick!

I think starting in Malls is ok, the album isnt even out yet so why would he be in large venues already or coffee houses crb – this news will make Meg smile awhile. I hope he comes to a mall near me soon!

PJ – I just wrote to you also but if you dont get it there could you send my love and prayers to Purple for me please? I wrote her also but she has not been on in awhile – oh I am so sorry this happened to her and any of the rest of you that live over there! thanks PJ

IdolThoughts, Jason just opened the Texas State Fair last Friday night. Literally opened–he played at the opening ceremony–and he also gave a full concert (16 songs) the first night of the fair.

(ETA: And I forgot to say, he did a set at Memphest last night.)

On this radio tour, he’s been visiting a lot of radio stations, and giving concerts sponsored by some of the stations; at other stations he just meets with the station staff, and at some he’s done interviews and/or on-air performances, making two and three stops a day most days.

I live in Orlando, and the Paddock Mall on October 27 is not in Orlando, it’s in Ocala. I’ll still be seeing him there (about a 2-hour drive) ~ looking forward to meeting Jason for the first time! Hope he does well!