Castanets was the musical project of Raymond Byron Magic Raposa, an American singer, songwriter, and musician born on January 22, 1981, in Michigan City, Indiana. Raised in San Diego, California, Raposa embarked on a musical journey that led him to create a unique blend of psychedelic folk and alternative country music. Castanets was active from 2002 until Raposa's death in 2022 and was signed to Asthmatic Kitty Records, a label founded by Sufjan Stevens.

Raposa's debut album as Castanets, "Cathedral," was released in 2004 and received critical acclaim for its introspective and atmospheric sound. Over the next decade, Raposa released several more albums, including "First Light's Freeze" (2005), "In the Vines" (2007), "City of Refuge" (2008), "Texas Rose, the Thaw, and the Beasts" (2009), and "Decimation Blues" (2014). His work was characterized by its experimental approach, blending elements of alt-country, slo-core, and digital production.

Throughout his career, Raposa collaborated with a rotating cast of musicians and toured extensively, including multiple European tours. Notable collaborators included Annie Clark (St. Vincent), Matthew Houck (Phosphorescent), and John McCauley (Deer Tick). In addition to his work with Castanets, Raposa participated in side projects such as the free-jazz project Womb and contributed to Liz Janes' live EP.

Raposa's music often explored dark and existential themes, with a sound that ranged from minimalist to richly textured. His ability to craft haunting atmospheres and poignant storytelling made him a distinctive voice in the independent music scene. Castanets' legacy continues to influence artists across genres, leaving a lasting impact on the world of indie music.