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

Hi Ryan, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from North East Los Angeles, there wasn’t too much recognition towards my corner of this great city..so I wanted to try making a difference in my community by bringing more music diversity and opportunities. (Booking shows, offering lessons, ect.)

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Definitely no walk in the park, biggest challenge was finding my voice on my instrument and what that meant to me. Connecting my playing styles growing up to what I learned in school was very rewarding and encouraged for me to dive deeper, by continuing to add to my “music pot”.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Eagle Rock for sure, lot’s of great restaurants to indulge in. I think the whole week I’d stay in N.E.L.A. I love my community.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Man, where do I start?..haha. Family of course, if I wasn’t surrounded by the music they were in love with during my childhood I wouldn’t the same musician. My instructors from Los Angeles College of Music, for not only teaching me a solid foundation for my craft but gave me life lessons along the way as well. My colleagues in “Suns of Cali”, band I’m currently apart of, for setting a great example of taking it easy in life when needed. Life doesn’t always need to be a hustle or in a “workaholic” pace.

Website: www.sunsofcali.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryanardo1

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-garcia-95052a212

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.m.garcia1

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCIkfM5x8823oqDBJBQwJ4XQ

Image Credits
Christopher Cruz, first image on Gretsch drum kit.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.