Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Angel’s Ricky Garcia

Hollywood heartthrob Ricky Garcia is crushing it on the screen and in the studio. Best known for roles in Bigger Fatter Liar and Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, as well as a founding member of the pop trio Forever in Your Mind, Ricky can do it all. This December, he’s showing off another side of his talent as the titular role in the indie fantasy film, Angel. Pop Culturalist caught up with Ricky to chat about Angel, the pressures of being a leading man, and drawing on personal experiences to bring Angel to life.

PC: Tell us about Angel, your character, and what drew you to this project?
Ricky: I never expected a role like this. I’ve grown up admiring people that work on indie projects; I think it’s a great opportunity to showcase the raw, authenticity of what you can create. When Christian [de Gallegos] and Jim [Blondell] came to me about this movie, I had to think it over. I was a little skeptical about doing a religious movie.

At the time, I didn’t have a super strong connection with my faith. I’ve been baptized as a Christian and that’s how I grew up, but I think any time you’re approached about a religious project, you’re a little iffy about it because you don’t know how it’ll be perceived. When I read the script, it didn’t come off very religious. The movie has a lot grit and edge to it and a very particular aesthetic/filter—it’s dark, monotone. The film starts off dark and you wonder what’s happening, but it takes you on a spiritual and emotional rollercoaster.

I play Angel. You don’t know a lot about him, but throughout the film, you get the sense that he may be an actual angel. I showcased my powers and abilities through prayer. There’s a lot of speculation surrounding him, and that mystery leads you up to the climax of the film. There’s also a really awesome sequence where I had to do my own stunts. You get a better sense of who he is by the end. Angel is definitely a character that you’ll be invested in.

PC: This is your second big feature as the lead. What was the biggest lesson you learned from the set of Bigger Fatter Liar that you brought over to Angel?
Ricky: It’s all about the energy and keeping it light on set. I feel like as the lead, my job is to make sure everyone is comfortable. There’s a lot of stress that can happen on set with the timing, the shot, the schedule, all that stuff, but at the end of the day we’re all working together to make something that people will enjoy. If the energy off-screen isn’t good, that can translate to what’s happening on screen. You have to keep everything light. I tried to learn everyone’s name, which is hard because there are so many people on set! Towards the end of the film, I think I knew everyone. [laughs]

PC: Is there a different amount of pressure when you’re the lead?
Ricky: I’m not sure, actually. I try not to think about the pressure while I’m on set—we have a job to do. I feel incredibly lucky that I’m able to do what I love, and that I have the opportunity to experiment and challenge myself. I definitely put some pressure on myself, but it’s not because I’m the lead, it’s more because I want to make sure we make a good project. I want to make something that I’m proud of and that people will hopefully like.

PC: Your character is fighting his own demons as he’s trying to save his local community. How did you prepare to tackle his journey?
Ricky: I tried to draw from my everyday life. When we shot the film, I was in an interesting place as far as my own personal journey. We’re all battling our own demons, and we have the choice to follow the darkness or choose the light. We all experience dark times, but we can make the choice to give back to others. I tried to channel everything that I was experiencing into this project.

PC: You touched upon this earlier, but this film is a big departure from what you’ve done in the past. What are you most excited for your fans to see?
Ricky: I’m excited for everyone to see a different side of me. I hope that after seeing the film, they feel the love. I hope they take something away from this movie that they can apply to their everyday life.

PC: When you look back at your experience filming Angel, what will you remember the most? What was your biggest takeaway?
Ricky: Being on set is a lot of fun, but you have to give 100%. It was a huge learning experience; I’ve never worked on an indie film before. We didn’t have a big budget, but it still felt really grounded.

PC: You’re also a musician. Is it a challenge to manage your career as an actor and musician? Do you gravitate towards one over the other?
Ricky: [laughs] It’s always going to be a challenge. Sometimes, they can translate into one another. For instance, I was in a band and we did a pilot—it was the best of both worlds! It’s all about balance. You have to find balance wherever you can. Sometimes it can be stressful, but it’s the life I choose. I started at a young age and this industry has been so rewarding. I’ve had so much support and it’s so fulfilling. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting and music?
Ricky: I’ve always admired people on screen. It’s something that I naturally gravitated towards. It started in comedy, as I admired people who were funny. I also impersonated people and watched movies like Nacho Libre and Napoleon Dynamite. I looked up to people on the Disney Channel, and later, I got on a Disney show!

PC: You released a new single this year, “Lock It Up”. Are there any updates on the music front? Can we expect some more music?
Ricky: [laughs] I’m hoping we can get an end-of-the-year release. “Lock It Up” is what we have for right now. I’m still experimenting with my sound as a solo artist. It’s my first solo single, so I’m seeing how it goes. Maybe there will be a few pop-ups or performances. I’m going to see how it is. I’m definitely working on new music, though!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Ricky: Big Little Lies is such a great show. Reese Witherspoon is such a good actress.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Ricky: Legally Blonde and Just Married.

PC: Favorite book?
Ricky: I’m currently reading The Alchemist.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Ricky: I’ve seen Aladdin a few times. I’ve also seen Wicked and Les Mis. Actually, I saw Hamilton, and that was so good.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Ricky: I think the song “Everything We Need” by Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign is such a good song. Everyone needs to listen to it.

PC: Hidden talent?
Ricky: I like to surf. I don’t know if that’s really hidden, though.

To keep up with Ricky, follow him on Instagram. Rent or buy Angel on Amazon Prime or iTunes.