Vic Kastel On His Long-Delayed New Album "Time Traveler," Favorite Merrick Restaurants & More

A founder and member of the Long Island-based quartet The Axents, Vic Kastel has performed with a variety of established acts, including The Drifters, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Gary U.S. Bonds, Jay & The Americans, Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs, The Angels, Randy & the Rainbows, and Patti LaBelle.

Kastel’s debut album Time Traveler was recorded in the 1970s, as helmed at Phil Ramone’s legendary A&R Studios. However, Time Traveler never got a proper release, remaining shelved until July 2020. Produced with analog equipment and top-tier musicians of the time, highlights of Time Traveler include the lead-off track “Don’t Ever Let Me Catch You Giving Up On My Love” and the emotive “First Impressions.”

I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Vic Kastel about two weeks prior to the release of Time Traveler. Highlights from that interview are below, while more on Kastel can be found online by visiting www.victorkastel.com.

The release of Time Traveler is decades in the making. But what exactly took so long?

Vic Kastel: Every time I was about to release it, a new project came in which got in the way. I’m the type of person who wants to take advantage of every opportunity that came my way. Also, the music evoked a certain period in music and I often wondered how it would fit with the changing times. Right now, I think the time is perfect.

Was additional recording or production done? Or are these tracks the way they sounded when originally recorded in the 1970’s? 

Vic Kastel: I did do some sweetening with the vocals, at Tiki Sound in Glen Cove, but everything is essentially the way it was when we recorded in at A&R Studios. No auto-tune, no studio tricks — it is, pretty much as it was.

Do you have a favorite song on Time Traveler?

Vic Kastel: Hard question. I wrote them all, so I’d be hard pressed to pick one. “Don’t Ever Let Me Catch You Giving Up On My Love” is still a standout, all these years later. Just a pristine production and a great guitar solo, if I do say so myself.

Does Time Traveler coming out in 2020 mean that you have plans to make another album?

Vic Kastel: I have written a slew of new material, so, yes, that is definitely in the planning stages.

What have been some of your venues to perform at on Long Island?

Vic Kastel: My Father’s Place, for sure. I’d been a regular at that club for years and have gotten to know Eppy. A thrill, for sure. Also, Hofstra Adams Playhouse, Eisenhower Park, Club 40 and Etcetera Lounge. I also spent a lot of time at Ultrasonic Studios in Hempstead.

Near where I live in Long Beach there have been some legendary venues over the years, like the Malibu Beach Club, Industry, Speaks and the Action House. Did you perform at and/or see any legendary concerts at any of these spots?

Vic Kastel: I went to them all and remember them all. I saw Dion and Leslie West often.

What was the last concert you attended before the current pandemic?

Vic Kastel: Some terrific jazz in West Palm Beach.

Music aside, anything else coming up for you?

Vic Kastel: I’ve been in Florida since the outbreak, so I’ll be back to New York to promote the release of Time Traveler.

I believe you're based in Merrick. Any favorite restaurants in town there?

Vic Kastel: Merrick is a great food town — Great Greek at Santorini and Greek Cove.

Finally, Vic, any last words for the kids?

Vic Kastel: Listen to the classic bands; quite an education and they’ll never let you down.