Rick and his younger brother Mark formed Del Castillo along with vocalist Alex Ruiz. With an incendiary blend of Gypsy passion meets full-throttle Rock the band immediately became a local sensation, grabbing the attention of film director Robert Rodriguez. In exchange for Rodriguez directing Del Castillo’s live DVD the band provided music for the film Once Upon A Time In Mexico. During this period Rodriguez hatched the idea to form a movie band. Chingon was born providing their iconic version of the classic “Malaguena Salerosa” for the movie Kill Bill Vol. II. Rick has continued to work with Rodriguez and has provided music for the last seven of Rodriguez’s films and now works with him for his new El Rey Television network.

After recording seven albums and touring both the states and Europe for 14 years, the band Del Castillo decided to take a long needed break.Rick, along with the Austin Civic Orchestra & Choir, performed live music he composed for the short film Killing Snakes (which incidentally was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London). Rick still plays and records while producing local artists at his Smilin' Castle Studios.