We recently connected with Dylan Garcia and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dylan , thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Last November, I was offered an opportunity to go cover Latin Grammy Week with a media team. The offer also came with an opportunity to perform at an artist showcase. I took the risk and headed out to Vegas with people I barely knew and got to work. As work, I mean listening and paying attention to the vibes of the artists who were at the Latin Grammys because there were many nominated artists who came to our media suite. The following day at the showcase, nobody knew I was performing because I was hosting and doing interviews at this event, but when my music came on, I snatched the mic and put on the performance of my life. I had originally visioned that someone would love my performance and invite me to perform at a Latin Grammy After Party. Well that’s exactly what happened and it paid off for my future endeavors I wanted to pursue going into 2023.

Dylan , 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?

First and foremost, I am an avid mental health advocate. I share my story to provide courage for those who struggle with mental health. In 2009, I had just signed a distribution deal for my music and 2 weeks later I was in a mental hospital. I was misdiagnosed as Schizophrenic for many years. With much trial and error, I was finally diagnosed correctly as bipolar and finally given the correct medication regimen. It’s been a great journey and I’m glad I never gave up.

Creating music was my therapy and once my mental health was restored in 2018, I wanted to give another crack at a successful music career. But this time, with a solid and a thousand times improved mental state, I knew I could do it.

Here we are fast forward to 2023 and I’m headlining The World Famous Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood, Saturday, August 5th.

My music is an original style of funk and neo soul. I’m a new school artist with an old school style of music reinvented. I’ve created my own lane in music that displays my originality as an artist.

Why fit in when you can stand out!

Have you ever had to pivot?

Up until May 2021, I had been performing, recording and producing reggae music. But I was getting bored. I needed a magical creative moment to happen, so I reached out to legendary producers, DJ Tony G and Ronnie King. We all met up in Coachella Valley at Chateau Relaxo, Mr. King’s, Recording Studio.

I kept playing many different guitar chord progressions on guitar and no one was vibing. DJ Tony G said to me, ” Hey Dylan, why don’t you put the guitar down and let me drive the car. After two great records with those two gentlemen, I haven’t played guitar since and transitioned from acoustic guitar player to a funk and neo soul artist.

This pivot was the greatest thing I had ever done musically for my career. I’m finally creating the music that I truly love and I’m obtaining opportunities that I dreamed of as a kid.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

This past March 19th, I lost my younger brother. I never knew how much life can hurt when you lose a brother that you’ve always been close to. He was my go to guy to share good news and especially things happening in my music career. At his services, I gave the eulogy and at the funeral I performed a song that I wrote and recorded for him titled “Remember Me.” It took all of my being to send my brother off right with that performance. Which I did.

I also had contractual obligations to perform on April 20th (420) at the Whisky A Go-Go and May 6th, The Original Lowrider Super Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center. These were the biggest shows of my career within 2 weeks of each other. I performed at both.

I was most proudest of sticking to these commitments. I also realized that sometimes you have no option but to be strong and courageous. No matter how tough life gets, don’t give up.       

Contact Info:

• Website: dylangarciamusic.com
• Instagram: @dylangarciamusic
• Facebook: facebook.com/dylangarciamusic
• Twitter: @realdylangarcia
• Youtube: YouTube.com/dylangarciamusic