Meet Calista Garcia | Singer Songwriter/Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Calista Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Calista, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I think people outside of the music industry today are unaware of how much being an artist has become entrepreneurial work. With the record label model diminishing, independent artists have had to become incredibly self-sufficient. I’m a big fan of music from the 1970s, and I watch a lot of music documentaries. Whenever I hear about how studio sessions back in the day used to run, it’s bewildering. The idea of putting a band up in a studio for weeks at a time, free of charge, to “write songs and make a record” feels like a fairytale. These days, artists write/record their songs in time we find in between being a manager, booking agent, stylist, graphic designer, content creator, merchandise seller, and personal PR rep. The game has changed. That being said, with me, the art will always come first.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always been first and foremost a songwriter. Music and my life feel intrinsically linked. This connection has allowed me to really pour my all into what I create. Often, my songs know how I feel better than I do. Sometimes, I write about things abstractly that later come to pass. I write very personally, but I’ve come to learn that the most personal things are the most universal. I’ve been writing and playing out in the DC music scene since I was 10 years old. I’ve always been inspired by the folk rock scene of the early 1970s, because I like the way people viewed art as something that could be free and loving. Music has healed me more than any other force in my life, and I want to give music back to others what it’s given me.

Someone’s musical taste/style is like a fingerprint, completely unique to them. It’s our own personal snowflake. My style has been informed by being born in southern California yet growing up on my grandfather’s mariachi music. I believe my love of folk music and storytelling comes from my Irish side. My rhythms come from my mother’s Puerto Rican heritage. The blues in my music comes from growing up in Texas.

My path has been blessed but it hasn’t been easy. All of my struggles are documented through my songs. They also have pushed me towards creative outlets. I turn to music when I feel lonely. I want my music to make others feel less lonely, and I look for it to make me feel less lonely.

I’ve learned a lot through the music industry. I learned that people come first. I’ve learned to trust my intuition, and accept that not everyone I meet will have my best interests at heart. I’ve learned that strength can be softness. I’ve learned that self respect matters far more than any validation anyone else can give. Most of all, I’ve learned that how blindingly tough the music industry can be is a testament to what people are willing to go through to make music. I’ve learned to remind myself how lucky I am to make music for a living.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have a soft spot for Hermosa Beach, so I’d recommend going there. There’s a really cute Greek restaurant there called the Uncle Stavros Cafe. Good food, nice people. My favorite place in the greater LA area is Plyrz Studios run by Jim Scott in Valencia, where I record. That’s my personal paradise. Another really fun spot to visit is Cornell Winery/The Old Place off of Mulholland Drive, near the Cornell/Malibu area. It’s a winery, restaurant, and just really cool spot to visit. I went there for a photoshoot, and there were motorcyclists, peacocks, and all sorts of folksy, art-filled nooks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. They have been 1000% in my corner since the beginning, and I could never have gotten to where I am without their love and support. They come to every show, my Dad always wearing my merch shirt, and my Mom often singing backing vocals. My dad began teaching me guitar when I was 8, and my mom taught me to harmonize. So I know how lucky I am to have a supportive family situation, it’s a privilege many artists have to go without.

Website: www.calistagarcia.com

Instagram: @calistagarcia.music

Twitter: @calista_music

Facebook: Calista Garcia Music

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CalistaGarciaMusic/featured

Image Credits
Rich Krissel Rich Salazar