It is obvious we don't need to be in a city as artists anymore: Ricky Garcia on LA-ism today and how to hold on your values in a fast moving digital world

Photography by Sheri Angeles / sheriangeles

Interview by Malika / malika.khodjaeva

Puerto Rico-born, and Texas-raised actor and musician, Ricky Garcia gives insight on his previous, present, and upcoming projects. A project of particular interest is the seductive single of “All I Wanna Do”, which emanates early 2000s R&B undertones and a sense of a matured re-invention as an independent musician. Ricky Garcia invites us to listen to his story of his childhood, moving out to LA, and the values he holds today, based on his life experiences.

Famously known for Disney’s “Best Friends Whenever”, to a hearth-throbbing Hollywood Records’ boy-band "Forever In Your Mind", to starring in Netflix’s original movie “Finding Ohana”, did you ever imagine the degree of accomplishments that you have done so early in life?

Never to this degree at all. I definitely was working towards being on Disney and making music because that had always been one of my biggest dreams. But when I came out to LA, I fell in love with the process of it all. So, when I got to be under the Disney umbrella and be a series regular on the channel and then get signed to Hollywood Records it was definitely a dream come true moment. Getting to fly to Thailand and film a Netflix movie that went to #1 worldwide was absolutely mind blowing. These are accomplishments that I will never take for granted and use as motivation to keep working harder.

Being the protagonist of “Bigger Fatter Liar” to which you were a Nominee for Teen Choice Awards for Comedy Movie Actor, you were up against renowned artists such as Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Owen Wilson and Zac Efron. What was going through your mind when you were nominated for this award?

How big of an honor it was to be up against these people who I undeniably looked up to. The fact that my name was even put up against such prestigious actors was mind-blowing and a win in itself.  

One of your first appearance on TV was in one of the most successful sit-coms in America, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” at the age of 13. What kind of impact did your acting career have on you growing up? Were there any significant challenges?

It definitely wasn't a normal childhood. I moved away from my family pretty early to come to LA and start working. I was treated differently by people I had known for a long time. I had to start being homeschooled. I went through a lot of changes, but the sacrifices I made always became motivation for me to keep grinding. The biggest challenge was moving away and not getting to fully experience growing up with my brothers in TX during my adolescence.

For you, it seems like acting and music come hand-in-hand. What and/or who has shaped your identity as a musician? Was music always part of your plan?

Growing up Justin Timberlake was a huge inspiration to me. I used to also watch Justin Biebers videos on YouTube and seeing both of their success was definitely the start of it. Music was actually the first thing I took seriously before acting.

The pandemic has not impeded you from starting 2021 with a bang. With over 70M streams on YouTube of your music, the new single “All I Wanna Do” is slightly different to the music you’ve showcased before. Would you say that this single is a clear statement of the new chapter in your music career?

1000% I've been working on my solo music for about 2-3 years now. Working up to the point where I'm able to release it and share it with my fans has been so worth it. There's so much more to come and I'm just getting started.

What angle and style are you aiming to take in your future projects as a musician?

I don't want to give away too much, but the music is coming from a very deep place in my heart. It encompasses a lot of who I am, culturally, spiritually and emotionally.

Aside from your professions, you support non-profit organizations such as Child USA, Kids Around the World combatting things like child abuse and neglect, as well as Mercy for Animals, which aims to abolish animal cruelty. Why did you devote your time to these charities in particular? What do they mean to you?

First off, I know there are kids and adults out there who have been abused on a multitude of levels and don't know how to speak up about it. As someone who has experienced abuse, I feel like I can connect with people to spread awareness and even prevent another kid from going through the trauma of staying silent. It all comes down to loving others, not even just people, but extending that same courtesy to animals and that's where Mercy For Animals comes in. I have a big desire to give back and do more for those around me and for the planet.

You keep an active life; mediating between acting, singing, biking, surfing and supporting charities. How do you keep yourself grounded in overwhelming times?

Jesus Christ keeps me grounded. Jesus led a very inspiring life and I just want to be more like Him.

Despite life globally coming to a halt due to the pandemic, you have not stopped being busy. Can you share some of your upcoming projects, and what is the first thing you will do once the Covid-19 situation eases up around the world?

I'm working on more music. I have a single on the way, which I'm really excited about. I'm excited to travel and do some meet and greets with fans. It's been so long since I've seen them. I want to travel and see them in other countries as well. Just go all around the world.