Start Listening To: Angélica Garcia

In the enchanting realm where electronic beats meet Latino rhythms, Angélica Garcia stands as a beacon of creativity.

In this exclusive Q&A, we unravel the layers of Angélica's artistic identity, exploring her roots, influences, and the intricate dance of life moving from LA to New York City. From the accolades for her acclaimed 2020 album Cha Cha Palace including a nod from Barack Obama for the standout track ‘Jicama’ to her recent signing with Partisan, Angélica Garcia takes us on a journey through her unique sound and the personal narratives that shape her music.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

My name is Angélica. My friends call me Angel. I’m a native Angeleno. I’m part Southerner. I’m of Mexican and Salvadoran decent. I’m a poet and a vocalist. Sort of goth. A little intense sometimes, but also pretty goofy. My current music is electronic leaning with an emphasis on Latino rhythms. 

Congratulations on signing with Partisan! How does it feel to join such an iconic lineup of talent?

They’re incredible people. I feel blessed to be in such great company and to trust them with my work.

Your 2020 album Cha Cha Palace garnered a lot of attention, with Barack Obama highlighting your song Jicama as one of his favourites. How has the reception of that album influenced your approach to your upcoming release?

I was very appreciative that Jícama was so well received. Especially since the stories of that song and Cha Cha Palace are so personal to me. I have a passion for generational healing through storytelling. That recognition helped affirm my path. 

You're currently working part-time in a club in NYC. How does your day-to-day life influence your music, and do you find inspiration in your work environment?

I absolutely love the club— it taught me about liberation, self expression, and my coworkers gave me a sacred perspective on what care and community can look like. 

I’ve moved a lot in my life and have had the privilege of working in different environments and  communities. I want to be a student as long as I’m alive. New places teach me so much and those lessons help me make work that is meaningful to me.

Your ability to blend various artistic elements, such as art, music, fashion, and film, is impressive. How do these different mediums influence and inspire your creative process?

Thank you <3 I think of all art mediums as voices. When I feel stuck in one voicing, I move my concept to another medium to try to understand it more deeply. Other mediums don’t come as naturally to me as singing, so this keeps me learning. It’s fuel for the storytelling process.

Could you share some insights into the creative journey of your upcoming album? Any challenges or breakthrough moments that stand out?

Making the record was a pretty isolated experience. I spent about half of the time making the demos for it in my room and the other half was just me and Carlos in his basement. There were only a few outside recording days that we used to track drums, keys, and correct some Spanish. 

Writing in Spanish meant there was a long process of cross-referencing and trial and failure. I also had to reconcile with knowing that the way I expressed myself was going to make some people feel validated, meanwhile it would make others feel annoyed or angry. It was an interesting study in language and what people view as “acceptable”

The videos for your first two singles, El Que / Y Grito, have been released. How do you approach visual storytelling, and what role do music videos play in enhancing the narrative of your songs?

Visuals help set the tone of a record. They’re an opportunity to create a thread of logic and magic. I love the challenge of making all the musical and artistic influences feel like one voice speaking. 

Being originally from LA, how did the city's cultural landscape shape your musical style and identity as an artist?

My childhood as an Angeleno is a huge reason why I love texture. Every time I went to a  different friend or family’s home, I would pick up on the nuances of sound, sight, smell, and energy. LA is basically a mega city made up of smaller cities and these details are different all across the city. Observing all these nuances taught me that texture is the essence of life. I think it’s what makes art feel like it has a life of its own. 

What do you love right now?

I love latex clothing, chihuahuas, green apples, learning things on Youtube, sexy shoes, dancing,  listening to birds.

What do you hate right now?

I don’t like living out of my car, when things are expensive just because they can be. I hate being talked over. 

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you?

I’m still listening to Kala by M.I.A. It does everything I love. It makes you want to dance, it’s super textural, she uses her music to talk about important things, and it’s so unique to her as a person and an artist. It’s one of my favorite records ever. 

Looking ahead, what are your future plans and aspirations as an artist?

I want to create a catalogue of work that nurtures people’s growth and liberation.