Today we’d like to introduce you to Bunnii Castano
Hi Bunnii, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a child, I knew all I ever wanted to do was help others. Early on I established a community spirit through volunteering and having a strong sense of friendship. I’ve always known I was a bit different, but that never made me stop pursuing my dreams. Above all I am an artist and always have been. I found strong connections thru my music and art classes growing up. That was my safe place before, during and after school.
Once I graduated high school, I felt a bit lost since everyone went their separate ways and I didn’t have the orchestra room as my hub anymore. I thought about joining the UCF orchestra but it didn’t feel the same. I began to explore music festivals to satisfy that musical void I had in me. As I kept making connections in college I met lots of people I once considered to be family. Even though we don’t speak anymore, I am still so grateful for all of them and the community they introduced me to. Over the last 3 years I was able to meet a multitude of DJs, artists, organizers, poets, venue owners, drag artists, vendors etc… Thus my love for the underground queer community was born.
It took about 1 year for me and my previous business partners to start up “Cyber Island Co” in Orlando FL which ran its course and made a huge difference in the queer, trans and poc rave community. At the same time I managed a venue, named Castle Smoke entertainment in Casselberry FL and gained a plethora of wisdom, hands on experience and business management skills. After a period of constant and life-altering loss, from the shutting down of my job, to an unexpected and stressful breakup, to experiencing the heaviest amount of grief i’ve ever felt in my life. I was alone. And that’s not even the half of it. I am still actively suffering through this, but I’ll spare most the intricate details. I just knew I had to restart.
After serious deliberation I decided that “not hosting events ever again” would be a disservice to my skills and vision. I am an effective and multifaceted creator. I knew deep inside that my story was not coming to an end. If anything this was divine renaissance. Thus, Femmetek Entertainment came into fruition. A femme centered collective that highlights queer and nonbinary talent, vendors and staff. Stay tuned for our 1st event—
The-NonbinaRAVE!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been smooth by any means. My experience as an organizer has brought me more joy than anything else though. I can’t deny that the rough patches have been extremely hurtful and traumatizing, but my love for community will always prevail. Some struggles include the one thing most organizers have issues with: funds. Not having a big budget definitely changes everything about your events. Not having an established team is always super frustrating because you can’t be 2-3 places at once. I found myself doing sound, doing door, checking bathrooms/water, and ground control all within the same breath.
Besides those material issues, the thing I struggled with the most within the rave scene has been people’s blatant disrespect and betrayal. It’s hard to cope with so much loss at once, it really affects your mental health dramatically. And unfortunately certain people will sink you deeper when they know you’re already down. Especially when you’re trying to survive while also helping those around you. It feels truly surreal that someone would have the audacity to use their influence to push certain narratives just because they can. They will even go as far as fabricating lies just to get people to not support you. You can stoop down to their level or you can move with grace.
These types of situations are exactly why I created Femmetek Entertainment. There are no social hierarchies allowed within my network. Everyone is equal and held to the same treatment and standard as everyone else. No one is above anyone. I never want any human being to experience that type of betrayal within a community that’s supposed to support , comprehend and nurture you.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I like to say I am an Artist, Advocate and Friend. Art has been a huge part of my life. I have been into visual arts since elementary school and it developed a whole lot in middle school and high school. I like to paint abstract art that makes you question reality. I like to take people to a place where they feel a sense of psychedelic nostalgia.
Besides visuals, I have also been a poet/writer since 2011. I’ve never stopped writing and have collected over 300 poems on my phone. I knew what I had to do, make a book! So I did. In 2021 I launched my very own 52-page poetry book “The Fragmentation of My Mind” and yes I am writing the next one right now. Around the same time I planned my book release, I also established my first business ever, “Lunar Mind Arts n Crafts” I was a full time vendor for a little over a year. I make jewelry, prints, resin trays, mini spell jars and keychains.
In 2023 I began exploring my musical talents again. Being a cellist of 13 years has really helped with the discipline it takes to be a successful DJ. I had to focus on my newest hobby so I stopped vending as much and eventually directed all my time to getting better and better at mixing and performing live DJ sets. By beginning of 2024 I had already played dozens of times and even played in Philly and NYC! Being a Hard techno DJ has been a complete dream. I love performing so much and the orchestra kid in me is so satisfied. During this time I was also exploring event coordination and curation. I feel that I am well known for always bringing variety to events and rooting for the underdog.
I absolutely love booking artists who have never performed before, I love to be that push. What I’m most proud of is the fact that I’ve been part of so many fundraisers that have taken people out of such dark times. I’ve been told that i’ve saved people lives. It’s an intense thing to say but i feel so grateful that i was in a position to be able to organize these events for those who needed it most.
What sets me apart is my ability to adapt to absolutely anything and everything that comes my way. I can do a little bit of everything and I do it well. I am always able to troubleshoot quickly and that is one of my best attributes.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was always known as the funny kid. So much so I went to clown school, not kidding! I had a lot of hobbies, none included sports of course. I have always loved learning about everything. I loved trivia (still do) and i always prided myself in having amazing memory. I have always been a sweet and helpful person, even to those who didnt deserve it. Growing up as an only child in a foreign country taught me to value friendships deeply. Even though I have always been perceive to be high energy and quick witted, my depression started festering early on. It was always there but only visible to me and my closest circle. Being a teenager was rough and I definitely wore all black and had the biggest eyeliner ever with hair all over my face.
Regardless of all the changes I went thru growing up, I was always very sociable and likable. As I grew into my interests and styles I found myself staying within the alternative aesthetic. Both my personal style and musical interests are rather dark. I will always love screamo music, metal, hard techno, experimental, indie ballads, rock etc. I love to use the goth, scemo, gyaru and lolita subcultures as makeup and fashion inspiration.
Pricing:
- 1 Hour Live DJ Set: $80-$300
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmetek.ent/profilecard/?igsh=MTdzbml6ZWtwNWtrcg==
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/kukTj3UQ6RxRttVQ8
Image Credits
All shot/designed by Bunnii Castano
Except the Aerial View photograph of my Djing, that was shot by Victor Tan
