Authenticity and bold moves mark Adrea Castiano’s path to country music success.

As an introvert, songwriting has been Adrea Castiano’s focus since she was very young. But Castiano also has a natural vocal talent. This gave her a stage presence that helps her to connect with the audience in a genuine way.

“Ultimately, I want to open my heart and give an offering,” she says. “I try to sing from the heart.”

The phrase “from the heart” does not imply soft, sobbing music. Her lyrics often go deep – even dark. Describing “Angel,” a song about a violent death, Castiano says it explores the complicated nature of people.

“A lot of people in my life are deeply flawed, but they’re also some of the most kind-hearted people I know,” she explains. “I had a few people in my life in mind and parts of them are in that character in the song.”

A pedal steel adds country flair to a catchy, radio-worthy chorus, as Castiano defiantly declares, “He’s probably dancing with the devil / with flowers in his hair.”

Things came full circle earlier this year when Castiano performed “One-way Flight” at Moe’s Alley, for her hometown crowd in Santa Cruz. The song is about her decision to pack up and move to Nashville in 2021. There’s a distinct resolve in the lyrics. In fact, when she moved to Nashville, she had no Plan B.

“You have to get better. You have to keep learning,” she notes. “I get told ‘no’ and get rejected plenty. You’re gonna have to try things you’re afraid of.”

Castiano’s first couple of years in Nashville were challenging. She had no connections and had never been so broke in her life. But she feels like she’s grown over the past three years.

“Being around this caliber of musicians, who are all focusing on their craft in a serious way, has changed the game for me,” Castiano explains.

With her all-in mentality, Castiano has hit her stride – reaching key milestones along the way. She won the West Coast Song Association’s Song of the Year award in 2024 for “One-way Flight.” Building on momentum, the time is right for completion of her debut album. Castiano is excited. All that’s left is the mastering, with a release date of late 2024 or early 2025.

“It’s the most me thing I’ve ever done,” Castiano says.

Adrea Castiano 2pm, Saturday, Oct. 5 at Folktale Winery, 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. Free. 293-7500, folktalewinery.com; 6:30pm Sunday, Oct. 6 at The Bird House, Monterey, $15. Message @thebirdhouse_monterey on Instagram for address.