local storiesAugust 11, 2025

Life & Work with Chris Garcia of Topanga

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Garcia.

Hi Chris, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was 13, I was completely obsessed with music. I had begged my mom to buy me a bass guitar, and she did — on the salary of a secretary. From that moment on, I was hooked. I practiced every day after school, staying up late playing along with records. I started taking bass lessons at the local music store, Don’s Music City. Around the same time, I scraped together enough money to buy a little 4-track recorder, and I was in heaven — able to record tracks on top of each other through overdubbing. This is when I started writing songs and making my own demos.

That same year, my music teacher asked me to join his band. I was terrified, but I said yes. Playing with those guys taught me so much — they showed me the ropes and pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. Not long after that, I started getting hired by the other local bands to record their demos — I was 14, and they were in their 20s. This was another very nervous place to be; I really wanted to come through for these guys who were my local heroes.

When I showed up to record, all these older band members would just totally rely on me to know what to do — and I had no idea. We only had four tracks. I had read about the Beatles making Sgt. Pepper with just four tracks, so I was inspired to try and do what they did — not that I was even close — but those recordings got me more work in my little town.

I spent time living up and down the East Coast — in D.C., New York, and Boston — before moving to Los Angeles. In L.A., I met some incredible songwriters and producers, including Billy Steinberg, Rick Nowels, Greg Alexander, and Allee Willis, just to name a few. Through these writers, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing recording artists, and I’ve been lucky to observe firsthand how great songwriters and producers think, work, and create.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most people in this business, I’ve faced a lot of rejection and uncertainty along the way. There were times when I wasn’t sure if I could make a living doing what I love.

One of the hardest things I’ve had to do is reinvent myself — and that usually came after a rejection or a defeat. Part of the trick is not defining myself by those failures.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I mostly specialize in vocal production — that’s what keeps me busy most of the time. I’ve had the great opportunity to work with some brilliant artists in this space, including Dua Lipa, Lana Del Rey, Katy Perry, and Chrissie Hynde.

When I can, I’m also songwriting and producing records. I love being part of the creative process from the ground up — whether it’s building a song from scratch or helping an artist bring their vocal performance to its fullest potential.

Having worked with so many brilliant songwriters and making so many demos early in my career has given me a unique perspective I tend to focus on strong melodies and emotional takes.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’m sure I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of Billy Steinberg and Rick Nowels. These two producer-songwriters have been instrumental in shaping who I am, both creatively and professionally.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the tireless support of my wife. My life would look very different had I not met and married this beautiful woman.

Contact Info:

Website: https://www.chrisgarciamusic.net
Instagram: chrisgarciamusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisGarciaMusic

Image Credits
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