You know what they say – music heals. For a musician, being signed to an exclusive Record Label can be more than life-changing. When a musician happens to be at a disadvantage from the start, achieving signing success can be even that more magical.
To that end, Sonny Muscato, brother of Max Muscato (founder of Rock Autism), has just been signed as an official recording artist of Castle Music. While Sonny has had his struggles, being on the autism spectrum, Max has set out to meet the dire needs of all youth facing those same struggles. According to Max, that’s because many on the autism spectrum have no career direction and no resources. It was Sonny who was the inspiration for Max to start Rock Autism – Max wanted to help elevate his brother to a contributing member of society.
“Music is my place, it’s where I can completely be myself – being a part of Castle Music, is a dream come true,” said Sonny, percussionist, and inspiration for Rock Autism. “I am so happy that my music will be listened to by everyone.”
“Starting Rock Autism was a long shot,” stated Max, who is also a musician, and lead vocalist. “I am pleased of its success – I was not sure what might happen with the effort. Due to Rock Autism’s partnership with Sensu Music, Sonny is now an official recording artist signed to Castle Music. He gained the opportunity to lift up himself and contribute to society. Castle Music and Rock Autism are now participating in a National Tour and are changing the live’s of autistic young people… we are on a roll and moving in the right direction.”
The 2018 Rock Autism festival drew almost 1,000 people in its first year and the small performances raised enough money for the pilot for Rock Autism.
“Castle Music Group is a subsidiary of Sensu Music and is proud to have signed Sonny Muscato to our music label,” remarked Gabe Bialkowski, founder and CEO of Sensu Music, Castle Music Group, and Castle Campus. “It is my expectation that Sonny will be the first of many musicians from Rock Autism that are ready for the big leagues.”
Since being a part of the Rock Autism movement, along with Autism Awareness performances (which require sobriety), Sonny has made life-changing steps. Sonny has gained confidence in his functioning as a percussionist, grown in his music compositions, and gained proficiency in technological skills, by participating in the Rock Autism multimedia vocational programs.
“When raising a creative, fun child, like Sonny, there was always hope for success,” said Marc Muscato, musician, autism advocate for three decades, and co-founder of Rock Autism. “Having Sonny signed to a record label is a great milestone for him. He seems better than ever because of the music of Rock Autism and Castle Records.”
Of the 1.5 million people in the U.S. living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, 80% are under the age of 22. An entire generation of youth learns and grows without role models or relatable figures to look up to. About 3,000 kids and their families in Western New York are struggling along the autism spectrum. Of the overwhelming amount of youngsters with autism, Erie County’s children rank second in the state with the greatest amount of diagnoses. As it stands now, 90% of young adults on the spectrum are unemployed. Rock Autism is addressing the pressing need for the autism community to be invested and provide for themselves.
“Rock Autism’s goals are to help those young people that might have been left behind,” said Alea Conte, Rock Autism’s program coordinator. “Sonny is living proof of this statistic and power of Rock Autism.”
- Rock Autism has a February 1st event confirmed at Holimont Ski Resort for their Men’s Day. Fundraisers for the resort’s Phoenix Program (adaptive skiing program) and Rock Autism will donate a portion of their funds back to the Phoenix Program
- Max Muscato and Rock Autism are opening for Finger Eleven, a world-renowned band
- Max Muscato and Rock Autism are on tour with Aaron Carter, formerly with the Back Street Boys, Bravo All Stars on February 22 – March 5
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