We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Felice Garcia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Felice, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
Learning to sing in church and school musicals, I’ve always had a voice that could captivate an audience with rich, emotive tones and impeccable range. However, my career faced a unique challenge: I never wrote enough songs to establish a strong repertoire of my own. Relying heavily on covers and the works of other songwriters, I struggled to create a distinctive musical identity. Additionally, my piano skills, while adequate, were not polished enough to allow me to confidently accompany myself during performances. This reliance on external musicians and songwriters often left me feeling like a guest in my own artistry, yearning for the day when my own compositions and piano playing would resonate as powerfully as my voice. Despite these hurdles, I remained determined, constantly honing my craft and seeking inspiration to bridge the gaps in my musical journey. Last year, I was hired for the first time to play at a prestigious piano bar and accompany myself.
Felice, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey in music began when I enrolled in a music school, driven by my lifelong passion for singing and performing. The years I spent there were transformative, honing my vocal skills and stage presence. I excelled in my studies and performances, which opened doors for me in the vibrant world of Las Vegas entertainment. One year before graduation, I was fortunate to be cast in a number of shows on the famous Las Vegas Strip, where I dazzled audiences night after night with my performances alongside the most beautiful showgirls. It was an exhilarating time, living out my dreams under the bright lights of Vegas.
However, as much as I loved performing, I started to realize that my true talent lay in something else. I had a knack for spotting incredible talent and knew how to connect these performers with the right opportunities. This realization came as I observed the intricate dynamics between performers, agents, and corporate clients in the industry. I decided to shift my focus from the stage to behind the scenes, where I could leverage my network and expertise. I started my own company called Rebel Rose Entertainment. Now, I find immense satisfaction in matching talented artists with corporate buyers who are looking for top-tier entertainment for their events. It’s incredibly rewarding to play a part in other performers’ success and to ensure their corporate events are unforgettable. My career has come full circle, combining my love for music with my passion for connecting people, and I couldn’t be happier with where this journey has taken me.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
At Rebel Rose Entertainment, we understand that performers deserve to be paid what they are worth because their craft is the culmination of years of dedication, rigorous rehearsal, and extensive schooling. When you hire a performer, you’re not just paying for an hour of entertainment; you’re investing in a lifetime of lessons, sacrifices, and continuous improvement. These artists have honed their skills through countless hours of practice and performance, often at great personal and financial cost. Their ability to captivate an audience is a result of this relentless pursuit of excellence. Therefore, fair compensation acknowledges the immense effort and expertise that goes into every performance, ensuring that these talented individuals can continue to enrich our lives with their art.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When the COVID pandemic hit, my career as a musician came to an abrupt halt. With live performances canceled and venues closed, I found myself needing to pivot quickly to make ends meet. I ended up taking a sales position in the healthcare industry, a field I knew nothing about. The learning curve was steep, and while I managed to adapt and even succeed in my new role, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. My passion for music and entertainment never waned, and every day away from it felt like a compromise. It didn’t take long for me to realize that my heart was still in the world of entertainment, and I knew I needed to find a way back to doing what I loved full-time. This experience only strengthened my resolve to pursue my true calling with even greater determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.felicegarcia.com/
- Instagram: @felicegarcia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/felicegarciamusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-o8D9rm3OA
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/felicegarcia/i-wish-you-had-lied/s-h6z3y?si=afdce112880e4610a315c4d94eea28c4&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Image Credits
Photos by Oscar Picazo Photography