Born Christina Parie in Australia, the 22-year-old sounds wise beyond her years because she’s already spent nearly a decade in the spotlight. Starting out on Australian national TV at age 14, she was subsequently signed to Warner, dropped of out high school, and began her music career.

Shortly after turning 19, Castle bought a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, where early luck came quickly. “In the first six months of me being in L.A.,” Castle says, “I found myself in a whirlwind.” Before long, she was collaborating with some of the world’s most recognizable artists, including Travis Barker and legendary songwriter Linda Perry.

Castle accepted a gig to tour the world as backup singer and keyboardist for Mikey Mike. It was that experience—spending weeks on the road supporting Yelawolf and Run The Jewels — that allowed Castle to discover what she wanted her own music to sound like.

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