As seen in the MAY 2021 DIGITAL ISSUE

Getting Real with Ricky Garcia – What O’hana means to him

The past few months have been a whirlwind for Actor and Music Artist, Ricky Garcia! After kicking off 2021, starring in Netflix’s ‘Finding O’Hana’, Ricky released his new single ‘All I Wanna Do’, as well as an accompanying music video! The new role is just the latest addition to the young actor’s already impressive slate of TV and film credits. He is best known for his series regular role of ‘Naldo’ in Disney Channel’s hit series ‘Best Friends Whenever’. Notably, he also held a leading role in Universal’s ‘Bigger Fatter Liar’ – which earned him a Teen Choice Award Nomination. You may also recognize him as one of the members of the Hollywood Records boy band, ‘Forever In Your Mind!’

Now, Ricky has grown up and is embarking on a new path with his acting and music career. We had the chance to sit down with him to hear more about his solo journey!

Hi Ricky! Congrats on the release of your new song, ‘All I Wanna Do.’ Could you tell us about the inspiration behind the song?

First of all, thank you. I appreciate that. Second, the song is about love. I got to a point in my life where I was wanting to express that special feeling I had for this person. I went in the studio and my heart was connected straight to the words. It just flowed out like a poem.

 What was it like creating the music video for ‘All I Wanna Do?’

It was definitely a new experience for me. It was gratifying to say the least. Never have I ever done a music video while in quarantine, first of all. But it came together amazingly. We had a very limited amount of time to shoot it, and everyone really pulled through. I had the award-winning Paul Boyd directing. This was my second time working with him, but this time for my own personal project. He is a legend.

You were recently in ‘Finding O’hana’ on Netflix. Can you tell us more about what it was like filming in Thailand?

Filming in Thailand was a dream. I took one step on the beach and I felt like I was on another planet. The entire experience was surreal. I was able to work with an amazing cast. It was awesome to create this new family and also see a familiar face in my friend Alex Aiono, who I’ve worked with before on the music side. So, doing a film project together was super rad. And Jude Weng is amazing that just needs to be said.

Did you learn anything new about Hawaiian culture while filming for ‘Finding O’hana’?

 Ayy we boys. Haha just a little insider I learned from a true Hawaiian. But yes of course, I learned a new meaning of ‘Ohana. The Hawaiian way, the people I worked with in this set were truly encompassing of what that means. Sticking together, uplifting each other, respect for tradition, honoring the culture, and inclusion. It’s really beautiful. They also have amazing food that I’ve gotten to try since making this film. Shout-out to Kea’s family.

You play the character Monks, how did you create that character? What was your acting process like?

I tried my best to channel my inner Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom pirate vibes haha. I mean, it was a role I’ve never done before so I really wanted to get into it and challenge myself as an actor. I always try to give 110% in anything I do, but this was different. I was working alongside legends Chris Parnell and Marc Evan Jackson. The nature of the film itself is light-hearted so that helped create some ease. I also was directed by Jude Weng, who made the entire process so easy and fun! It was a lot of fun.

We heard that you love to surf! Where is your favorite place to surf? Is there a place in the world where you haven’t already surfed that you hope to one day go to?

My favorite place is down in Southern Orange County. I try to go surfing as much as possible sometimes that can be like 1-3 times a week depending on my schedule. If I could surf anywhere it would definitely be Hawaii. 

Lastly, what is next for you? Can we expect more music this year? Plug your social media so we can keep up with you!

100% New music will be on the way. Stay connected with me by IG, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook, @RealRickyGarcia!