Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leti Garza Artist. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Leti Garza, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Most meaningful is not in my wheelhouse, because there are so many meaningful projects I have been a part of, they hold an equal place in my heart. Here is one: On Christmas Day, 2018. Protesters came from across the country to speak out against, and bear witness to the inhumane treatment of children held at the Tornillo Children’s Detention Center. It was one of the largest detention centers for immigrant children in the country, and it was in Texas, my backyard, so to speak. I organized the music performed at this event, and also played a concert for the children held there, in hope that the children would understand that not everyone was in support of their detention. The protestors were working to free them. The children were held behind a snarl of barbed wire, far away from where we were allowed to protest. An protestor funded the placement of large speakers, so that the sound would be carried to the children, who came outside to recreate, during the time we were there.
Although the demonstrators were prevented from communicating directly with the children, their message of support carried over the sound waves to them: “No les olvidamos.” We will not forget you. As the music played, the children gathered dozens of soccer balls and kicked them, simultaneously, high into the air, in acknowledgement of the protestors’ presence. It was the saddest, yet the most heartfelt, act of the young.” Seeking to continue to draw attention to the plight of these children, the album, Borderland, was conceived. All the proceeds of this album continue to go to Global Response Management. https://www.global-response.
Leti Garza, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
How I fell into the Arts? No choice; Kismet. I was born into a family of creatives. We were also the children of immigrants, a few generations removed, but very much culturally invested. We had several cages of parakeets in our den, a couple of fish tanks, dogs, critters and music playing A LOT in my house growing up.
My service provided is one of the sharing heart songs. It’s not meant to mean all touchy feely. It take a LOT of studying (a variety of techniques) to move the soul. I have been involved on all ends; theater, dance, production, writing, teaching, administration and now, music.
What sets me apart from others today is my commitment to create socio/politically relevant music. I am proud of my album BORDERLAND. All proceeds to benefit the Global Management Response, https://www.global-response.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
SURE! Books That Impact my Vision:
The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
The Artists Guide by Jackie Battenfield (How to Make a Living Doing What You Love)
The Power of Now by Eckhard Tolls
You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero (How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life)
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Educate ourselves at an early age that ART is not only what gives us Meaning, Hope, Inspiration and Insight. ART also needs to be funded. We need to continue to educate ourselves that it cannot survive without public support. People often ask for Free contributions from Artists. Ask ourselves, why do we feel comfortable asking this of artists, but seldom do this in exchange for concrete items like plumbing or building, etc.
Can we create infrastructures that support the education of Artists and Audiences to enable them to understand that Artists are also entrepreneurs. We must create multi stream incomes and multi sources of mutual support from business, other artists, the community at large and many more.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://letigarza.com/
- Instagram: letigarza_
- Facebook: @LetiGarzaATX
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leticia-rodriguez-188b3410/
- Twitter: @LetiGarzaATX
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLFE0WvL2BIEJJIg0j3XCvw
- Other: Book Me/ Hear My Music/It will MOVE you! bookingleti@gmail.com https://letigarzamusic.bandcamp.com
Image Credits
Brenda Ladd Photography.