Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Ricky Garcia

Ricky Garcia is the true definition of a triple threat. Whether he’s disappearing into a character on screen, making hits in the studio, or dancing his way into our hearts, there’s no limit to what Ricky can (and will) do in the industry.

Already this year, he has not one, but two, exciting new releases!

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of catching up with Ricky to chat about his new single, “All I Wanna Do” and his new film, Finding ‘Ohana.

PC: Tell us about “All I Wanna Do” and the inspiration behind the song.
Ricky: “All I Wanna Do” is my latest pop R&B record. The inspiration came from my real life and a love of mine, a person that I spent so much time with. It’s about romance and intimacy. It’s about that hopeful, blissful feeling of that ideal situation.

The thing about music, which I love, is that it’s up for interpretation. It’s like all I want to do is go on a date with you. I want to take you out. I want to treat you nice. Stuff like that, which I think is so beautiful.

PC: The last time we spoke, you were still discovering and experimenting with your sound as a solo artist. How has your experience being a part of Forever in Your Mind prepared you for this next chapter?
Ricky: Being a part of Forever in Your Mind is something that I’ll never forget. I’ll always be a part of Forever in Your Mind. That’s my family. Those are my brothers. All the people that support us and the fans are family. Being a part of that has allowed me to be comfortable and come into my own artistry. I experienced a lot of things and now I know what’s to come. Being a part of Forever in Your Mind has really given me a chance to explore who I am as an individual.

PC: You’re also getting ready to drop a music video for “All I Wanna Do”. Is there anything you can tease about that?
Ricky: I don’t want to give too much away. It’s definitely cohesive with the song. It’s sexy and there’s so much rhythm, and you’ll see me dancing a bit, but there’s a little twist to it. It’s definitely fun and exciting.

PC: As you embark on this solo career, what do you hope to accomplish? What do you hope to say through your music?
Ricky: I hope I can move people. I just want to create a positive impact. I want to speak love into my music. That’s the most important thing that we’re able to share. People might think it’s cheesy or say that I’m a dreamer, but I think love is the most important reason why we’re here on this Earth. If I can translate that through my music or make someone feel that, then I’ve done my job.

PC: We’re going to get a new single in February. As we look ahead to the rest of 2021, can we expect more music from you as well?
Ricky: One hundred percent. I’m constantly grinding, constantly making music, constantly trying to create in all the ways.

PC: In addition to being a musician, you’re also an actor. Tell us about Finding ‘Ohana, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Ricky: Finding ‘Ohana is an action-adventure movie. It pays homage to other movies like The Goonies and Indiana Jones, but it has its own little twist.

I play this character named Monks, and he’s a pirate. That says a lot!

It’s a movie for everyone; it’s a very inclusive movie. The title speaks for itself. I think anyone would love watching it.

PC: Is there a particular scene that you’re really excited for your fans to get to see?
Ricky: I’m a little nervous to say too much because I don’t want to get in trouble, but I guess I’m excited for people to see a different side to me. I’ve never played a pirate before, so I think this is something that I had to dive into and get more into character for. There’s a lot of movement with my character. I’ve done a lot of comedy before, but this has a bit more action.

PC: What do you hope audiences take away?
Ricky: Finding ‘Ohana is about finding your family. Your Ohana isn’t necessarily blood-related; it’s very important to find family in your friends, the people around you, the people that surround you, even the people you walk by on the street. People can reach inside themselves and find the love.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Ricky: Let’s see…Van Halen, Eddie Van Halen, Santana. I like a lot of rock music, actually. Three Doors Down. Oh my gosh. Chris Daughtry.

PC: First album you bought?
Ricky: Chris Brown’s Exclusive album.

PC: First concert you attended?
Ricky: Demi Lovato. I think it was around 2014/2015. It was at the Honda Center, and I remember the Jonas Brothers were playing with her too, actually. That was cool.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Ricky: That’s a good one. Honestly, that’s a real hard question because there are so many albums that have impacted me. I would say the 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake. It was the first album that I was able to sit through and sonically hear how every song synced together and how everything is so cohesive. I can listen to that album over and over.

PC: Someone you’d like to collaborate with?
Ricky: Jon Khalid would be so awesome. Who else? Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars. Man, there are a lot of good ones.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Ricky: MGM is a really cool one. Staple Center in Los Angeles. Yeah, those are amazing.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Ricky: A must-have on the road? Definitely a camera. Got to take lots of good pictures—got to get my photos in. Some headphones, some really good headphones. You know? Sometimes you just got to sit in the moment and listen to a really good song to take you out of it a little bit.

To keep up with Ricky, follow him on Instagram. Listen to “All I Wanna Do” today and watch Finding ‘Ohana on Netflix.