We were lucky to catch up with Diego Garcia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Diego , so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Since I get to spend long hours in my studio daily, I have set some boundaries to my work schedule. I start my day with some guitar practice, either technical or creative. This works as a morning mediation. I go for runs, hikes, strolls, cook for myself rather than ordering food, make sure to take frequent breaks… also, I stay hydrated and remember to smile and laugh daily. Fresh air, sunlight, homemade food, and good exercise have been my go-to since living in LA. Keeping this life balance and hygiene has been extremely prolific, it boosts my energy and productivity. Connecting with nature helps so much for clarity and creativity, we are so fortunate to have the ocean and mountains just a stone’s throw away…
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a guitarist, composer and producer from Valencia, Spain. After years on the road, I’ve settled in LA in 2016. What I most enjoy in my journey, here, navigating the music industry, is the large array of opportunities & people I cross along the path, the never-ending list of skills I get to learn and develop. I’m thankful for my Spanish heritage, for my travels and stays across the world: each of them greatly contributed to shape my career and refine my style(s). I’m also beyond grateful and excited for the “here and now”, here in Los Angeles. From the get-go, this city always inspired me in giving the best of myself. The atmosphere, here, it’s almost like there is a story to tell, or an improbable -yet brilliant- collaboration waiting around every corner. I have found a good dose of artists, talents, brilliant minds here and feel lucky enough to call LA and its people, my adoptive home and family. |
Newswise, I’ve a recording studio in Culver City now and am working on various projects. New singles are coming soon with my band Twanguero. Besides, I’ve recently started a world music collective “Los Silverbacks” with a few artists from Argentina and the Congo. New music is coming soon on this end as well. Being a lifelong learner, I also like the idea of transferring knowledge. I’ve prepared an online guitar course that I hope to release in the next couple of months… Quite a few projects on my plate but I’m really excited for what’s to come!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience, curiosity, and teamwork. It all started with my guitar playing at an early age. I soon felt and sensed that it was my calling. Even though I was determined, it was not always easy – and still isn’t… I built up resilience along the road, learning how to bounce back, reinvent my style(s) or refine some projects and never give up.
I see this strength deeply intertwined with curiosity. You need to keep an open mind, and nurture it… By opening to the unknown or unfamiliar, either in arts or cultures… By constantly getting my ears exposed to something new, a sound, a rhythm, a technic… I learned to listen, observe, cherry pick what catches my attention, and in the end, come up with my own creation(s) out of it. I never wanted to pigeon-hole myself in a certain style or genre, that’s my trademark, I don’t fit in only one box, and I am proud of it.
Surrounding oneself with creative people is key too. I always seek out artists or talents for collaborations. As an artist you want to focus on creation and can’t opt for doing it all yourself, you need to build a team of skilled people you can rely on. In a few words, don’t give up, stay open, and surround yourself with the right, talented people.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
They showed me the best proof of parental love by believing in me from the beginning. It’s been a powerful lever to always have their back. They never tried to convince me I should be doing something else. My father offered me my first guitar book which kindled my passion for American strings, and they supported me with my first guitar purchase(s)… I know it’s not always a given for parents to encourage children when wanting to pursue an artistic career, so I am thankful they did.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.twanguero.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TwangueroOfficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eltwanguero/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/eltwanguero
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/twanguero
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/intl-fr/artist/1qupsn74dUofcXCZCBEwMS https://www.instagram.com/lossilverbacks/
Image Credits
Carlos Maidana Photography Antoine Breton, Jitu Studio Hélène Kieffer, Mudita Agency
