From Paraguay to the United States, Erwin Casco has taken his passion for music across the continent. Even far from home, the artist represents Paraguayans who want to break away from the standard. Professionally known as ERWIN, the singer-songwriter recently released his single Calling The Shots. The song describes the journey of taking control of one’s life and making one’s own decisions.
Bringing back the rhythm of 80s and 90s pop, ERWIN creates a voice for himself in White Plains, New York. While in 2025, Paraguayan Gabriela Recalde shone in Times Square, bringing Ñandutí to the World, in 2026, in an interview with The Asunción Times, ERWIN discusses his journey as a musician.
From karaoke bars to the big city
Ever since he was a child, Erwin Casco has been passionate about any kind of art. Expectations from those around him did not make it easy to follow his dreams.
“When I graduated high school, I felt like I had to follow everyone’s expectations. I went on to study architecture in Paraguay. I had stopped all music at this point. However, in 2011, I did a Work and Travel programme in North Dakota. I rediscovered my passion for singing in a small-town karaoke bar near where I was staying. I realised that night that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” he says when talking about his decision to pursue his passion.
After the programme, the singer went back to Paraguay and completed his architecture career. “Upon graduating in 2016, I made a life-changing decision. I was offered a job at a huge architecture firm in Paraguay at the same time as a place in the musical Be Italian. The choice was obvious. I performed in the musical and began surrounding myself with artists. With time, I began performing live at private shows and restaurants. It was refreshing to be around people with the same mentality as me.”
Around 2017, he began writing his own songs. “I love creating my own sound.” His first release was his song Día Ideal (Ideal Day). “The song is about the day I had to choose between the architecture firm and the musical. The ideal day to make a decision is today. Releasing this song first was a clear choice.”
Late in 2021, Casco moved to White Plains, New York. There, he focuses on making music and expressing his true self.
“Creating my own sound.”
Combining catchy melodies and strong messages, his songs never lack the true ERWIN essence. Inspired by artists like Christina Aguilera, Michael Jackson, and Madonna, he tells his story in a classic but reinvented fashion.
“I know there are people better than me, and people who do not do what I do. But I am offering something that is genuinely me,” he says as a heartfelt statement. “I want my art to tell a story. Like albums in the 80s and 90s, I want the entirety of it to be art. Songs on my album are connected to each other and tell a story,” Casco says when asked about his Spanish album Contra la Corriente (Against the Current).
“I am making music that people do not expect from me. Not following expectations anymore. I want others who relate to my story to listen to my music and feel seen. I want listeners to know that they are the ones in control of their lives.”
Erwin Casco “Calling The Shots”
ERWIN has just released his newest single Calling The Shots. The song has a music video directed by Paraguayan actress, dancer, and writer Maia Pecci. With meaningful lyrics and stunning visuals, the singer invites others to regain control of their lives and take back the lead in their own destiny.
“You have to make a choice every day. Make steps forward. Live the way you want to live.”
Listen to ERWIN’s latest release on Spotify, YouTube, or follow him on Instagram.
