Photo By Shervin Lainez
“I See You But You Don’t See Me, Daughters And The Sons Of An Ancient Seed...”
Identity - the very fabric of today's globalized and interconnected world - plays a complex and continuously evolving role in our lives. Several factors, such as technology, social movements, politics, and cultural exchanges, significantly influence how individuals and groups define and express their own experiences. A person's character can be described as a combination of their habits, beliefs, personalities, appearances, and expressions; all of which make them unique, as individuals are shaped by a variety of factors.
Personal growth, experiences, and changing social contexts make identity fluid and ever evolving over time. People's behaviour, values, and way of interacting with the world are heavily influenced by it. With the social climate of the current world, persons from various backgrounds tend to blur and blend in with one another, creating proverbial androids that think, feel, and operate in the same fashion.
X, formerly Twitter, is ground zero for this. “Democrats Vs Republicans,” “Drake Vs Kendrick,” “Traditionalist vs Activists.” Rather than allowing individuals to express themselves, these platforms - supposedly designed to help with self-expression - are manufacturing sects of society who are lacking individuality.
But now, Angelica Garcia is here to lead those that feel their dual nationality a hindrance instead of a blessing. Not only overcoming the necessity to follow the herd, but she has also embraced her true essence.
With Mexican and Salvadoran roots in the San Gabriel Valley, east of Los Angeles, she would take inspiration from her mother, who performed under the mononym “Angelica” and scored a TOP40 hit on Billboard 100 for her cover of “Angel Baby.” During her childhood, Angelica Garcia often felt self-conscious about her culture, especially in school, where she felt out of place. Her father would sometimes pick her up with Mexican Banda music blaring from the car, and even her lunch would attract attention. These experiences made her feel different, as though she didn’t fit in. However, as Garcia grew older, she began to understand that these cultural elements were not something to be ashamed of; instead, they were essential parts of her identity and key for her character growth. What once felt like obstacles became the very source of her strength.
A creative writing course at CAH (Connecticut) and Vocal Jazz at LACHSA (Los Angeles) would provide her the means to catapult her journey of self-discovery. Garcia's musical tastes broadened while attending Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, encompassing artists such as The White Stripes and Bat for Lashes.
“I was too young to feel comfortable with just staying in LA...”
Garcia found her feet in Richmond, Virginia, where she collaborated with producer Russell Lacy. Together, they developed her debut album, “Cha Cha Palace,” a deeply personal project that draws on her Mexican and Salvadoran ties, capturing her experiences growing up in a predominantly immigrant community. An exploration of Garcia’s identity, with songs like “Jícama” and “Guadalupe” confronting the complexities of cultural heritage and belonging.
Across generations and resonating deeply with many, the former, "Jicama," depicts the journey of self-acceptance. While performing the track, she recalls the complete engagement of her juniors without ever hearing it before.
In addition to Garcia's duet with her mother on “Llorona,” a traditional Mexican folk song, the album includes a poignant recording of her grandmother singing “La Enorme Distancia,” which symbolizes the distance and longing Garcia feels for her family. As Garcia seeks to find her place in the world, we see her struggles with homesickness and reconciling various aspects of her identity throughout the album. As a result, her song "It Don't Hinder Me" reflects a newfound pride in her background. She recalls her time at a magnet school, where she often felt out of place among screenwriters and celebrities. However, Garcia's vision of Los Angeles, based on her grandparents' immigrant household, is a testament to her roots' strength and beauty.
She would release, Echo Eléctrico in 2021, receiving a Newlin Music Prize nomination a year later in Richmond, VA.
“Echo Eléctrico has a dream like feel to it on “Malagueña” and “Macorina” and use Garcia's voice as a counterpoint to create these surreal sounding songs. A repetitive sound sample of Garcia's voice is used to create the groundbreaking and strong backing of each song...”
After a short break, her magnum opus, “Gemelo” was released in 2024, the apex of her journey to self-discovery.
The album's title alludes to the concept of a "twin self," representing the more intuitive side of each person. This vibrant, prismatic, hybrid-pop record takes listeners on a journey through grief. As Angélica Garcia navigates us through the motions as she uncovers its beauty, tensions, and ultimately finds a sense of liberation. Beyond personal reflection, she delves into universal themes such as religion, spirituality, heritage, womanhood, and ancestor veneration. Garcia embodies the American cultural landscape, intrinsically shaped by Hispanic influences. With “Gemelo” - her first album sung almost entirely in Spanish - she invites listeners to rethink their definition of an American record, highlighting the fluidity of modern American identity.
Producer Arévalo (in his first role as a producer for “Gemelo” carefully sequences the album with precision. Side A opens with a gentle, meditative atmosphere, while Side B shifts into a raw, intense exploration of healing. It confronts the difficult, often terrifying process of emotional recovery, touching on themes of pain, resilience, and transformation. This side reveals the challenging journey of facing one's inner demons and reflects the reality of emotional and spiritual healing, portraying both the struggles and breakthroughs involved in self-discovery. Through this, Garcia's courage, and vulnerability shine, offering an intimate window into her personal growth. “Gemelo” stands as her most mature and clear artistic expression, driven by her evolution and self-awareness.
“Such is the ability of Angélica to articulate herself through her songs, you don’t have to understand Spanish to appreciate this powerfully emotive album. A voice to be heard...”
Garcia has successfully blended the richness of her cultural heritage with modern, innovative sounds that drawing from a wide range of influences. Her personal journey from feeling ashamed of her culture to fully embracing it is one that many can relate to. With a bold, buoyant voice, Garcia's music captures both the challenges and joys of growing up between cultures. Similar to artists such as Lorde, Billie Eilish, and Rosalía, she isn't afraid to express her deepest emotions, using diary-like lyrics to craft songs that resonate with a wide audience. Through her music, Garcia gives a voice to those who, like her, feel caught between two worlds, creating a space where they can feel seen and understood.
Written by: @Arriv3r
Edited by: @Arriv3r
Insight.
