Career
Music
Growing up in Los Angeles, Nicastro began his entertainment career as a drummer and a songwriter in popular L.A. bands such as Monopoly, Popa Blow Torch, and Falsetto Teeth. Nicastro had been working with original bandmate, composer , keyboardest , Producer and great friend John Steinhoff who tragically passed away too young on November 18, 2021, to digitize and release music from the fore mentioned bands. He's looking forward to finally getting the music out there, hopefully in 2023.
He's also shared the stage with the likes of Fishbone and Los Lobos; played the Rodimba with The Edgewalker Experimental Instrument Consort, worked as a composer for Winifred Harris’ dance Co. Between Lines, and performed and recorded with George Lynch's Shadowtrain. His career high point and great honor was to record with the late, great legendary American Indian Poet,musician and activist John Trudell.
Photo/Alex Solca
Foley
A renowned Foley artist for over thirty years, Nicastro has worked on numerous hit films and television programs, including Barbarian, Homeland, Doom Patrol, Idiocracy , Dumb & Dumber, Babel, and The Mask. His work on the popular TV show 24, made him a three time Primetime Emmy award winner. Working on so many films have taught him the process of film making which led to his knowledge for his documentary work. See more on IMDB.
Film
As a visionary filmmaker, Nicastro focuses on telling the untold stories.
In his upcoming documentary True Tales of the Blue-Eyed Indian, He shares the stories and images of his good late friend Laguna Pueblo Indian photographer, Lee Marmon, who recently passed away 3-31-2021 at the age of 94. Lee shares his archival images and stories, chronicling the post-World War II modernization experienced by the the New Mexico Pueblos. Nicastro is teaming up with Laguna painter Marla Allison to bring her perspective and artistry to help him bring the Pueblo People's stories into the 21st century and finish this important film. ( Currently Seeking donations)
Combining his love for music, world culture, and filmmaking is emphasized in an upcoming untitled documentary on the life of Cuban recording star, Adonis Puentes. He joined up with Puentes in 2010, capturing the Latin singer/songwriter’s rise to international stardom, including the recording and release of his acclaimed album “Sabor A Café". Their work continues as they plan to head back to Cuba in 2023 for more filming. That is If travel restrictions are lifted and funding is available.
Released in 2017, the film Shadow Nation shows Nicastro working with legendary rock artists George Lynch, Mike Morello, John Trudell, and Noam Chomsky to find solutions to the injustices suffered by today’s Native American population.
His newest film project has taken him across the ocean to the South Pacific Islands, where he is working with the Atooi Nation, in chronicling the resurrection of their Polynesian Kingdom. Collaborating directly with Ali’i Nui Aleka Aipoalani, great,great grandson of King Kamehameha of Hawaii, and other Polynesian Royalty, navigators, and dignitaries; such as High Chief Miko Toofa Pouria-Krainer of Tahiti .Nicastro is documenting their harmonious unification ,reclaiming of their lands and sustainable living practices within a fragile and ever-changing ecosystem. See all of his short films on Youtube at V.N.C.Films. Photo/ Kris Lannin Liang