Photo by Keri Smith
- Artist Name: Anthony Garcia
- Hometown: Lubbock, TX (now living in Austin, TX)
What project(s) are you currently working on?
Besides just having completed my new album, Acres of Diamonds, I am currently working on a second and third album. One is in the same Americana/classical/electronica, “cinematic Americana” vein.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
I knew at a young age and had various stages of epiphany. Some distinct memories that changed my life as a kid and when I knew I wanted to be a performer were: when I saw Michael Jackson perform at the Grammy Awards in the early ’80s; when I heard the opening guitar riff to Iron Maiden’s “Wasted Years,” I knew I had to play electric guitar; when I saw the movie “Amadeus,” my eyes were open to the world of classical music. There were many others, but the answer is that I was always with music from the beginning. My neighbors growing up had a piano and took lessons. I quickly learned all the songs they were learning in lessons by just listening to them play. Their mother told my mother that I could play the piano. I’ve just always been able to play.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
I am really not sure. It would have to be something with traveling and languages. I always say that music is my life but travel is my passion. I also speak several languages at an advanced level as a result of travel or living in those countries. I had wanted for a long time to work with foreign exchange students from other countries and, inversely, with American students, encouraging them to travel and do an exchange year, which, for me, was one of the greatest things I have ever done for myself in my life.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
Exercise; reading and learning about history and all the issues in this world (I am a pure non-fiction reader); studying French; yoga; cooking; travel.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Somewhere between the “Where’s the Beef?” lady and Cindy Crawford.
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
FC Barcelona. Messi is the greatest player of our time. I love watching soccer, can’t play it, and live for the World Cup.
What is the last movie that you watched?
The documentary “Red Pill.”
What is the last album you listened to?
Don’t remember the name of the album, but it was by the artist Homeshake.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Felt Mountain, Goldfrapp
What is the greatest country song of all time?
For the roles they played in getting Willie Nelson the cash he needed to be independently wealthy to start the outlaw country scene, I’d say it’s between “Crazy” and “Night Life.”
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
There are so many.
What is your favorite meal?
Thai Green Curry.
Who is your dream duet partner?
Rachel Zeffira. She is a classically trained operatic singer, organist, flautist, and founded and runs a children’s choir in London. I discovered her when her band, Cat’s Eyes, did the music for the soundtrack for “The Duke of Burgundy.” She has a strong background in the classical world where should could most certainly have a successful career, and she has used her powers to create in the ethereal pop world, writing gorgeous melodies, orchestrating her songs, and writing strong lyrics. What has drawn me to her music is its cinematic quality. It would be such a pleasure to work with her.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
I don’t really have a preference. Just someone who is nice and is easy to travel with.
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
To continue to record albums, and ultimately to get something placed in film. That is where I would like for my music to end up.