Raised in a family with many musical influences, he started learning guitar at age 14, following after his talented older brother Rick del Castillo.

For some time Mark studied guitar by himself; then in year 1990 he entered the University of Texas at Brownsville and became a Music Major.

Written for his future wife, this song inspired him very much, and he started to write more guitar music in different Spanish styles.

Mark and Rick del Castillo were honored of being two of only about six musicians worldwide to launch the Gibson Dark Fire guitar.

[2] The Del Castillo Brothers presented the Dark Fire at Antone's club in Austin, Texas, on December 15, 2008.