Life & Work with Robert “Bahby” Garcia of North Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert “Bahby” Garcia

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my musical journey at the age of 3, thanks to my father, the renowned artist Johnny Romantic, who gifted me my first drum set—a Ludwig Junior Set. Growing up, I had the opportunity to perform at various small gigs with him and his band, often stepping in as a featured player. As I matured, so did my passion for music, which was paralleled by my growing interest in sports and a variety of musical instruments.

At 6, I started playing soccer, and by 10, I transitioned to baseball. My involvement with music expanded as I joined the Junior High band, where I played the piano and explored different live instruments. Throughout high school, I was actively involved in both baseball and music, balancing time between traveling for baseball and performing musically.

My dedication to both fields led me to earn a college scholarship, where I played baseball and studied psychology. During this period, my musical focus shifted from live performance to music production, utilizing computer-based tools. After completing my education and concluding my baseball career, I returned to Los Angeles. There, I began producing and collaborating with local artists.

Currently, I am employed as an in-house engineer at Basswood Studios, where I specialize in tracking, mixing, and producing for a diverse range of local artists.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Throughout my career, I’ve faced several challenges that have shaped my growth. Balancing multiple passions, like music and sports, required careful time management and a lot of dedication. The need to excel in both fields meant juggling tight schedules and overcoming the difficulty of maintaining high performance in each area.

Transitioning from live performance to music production introduced a new set of challenges. Mastering the technical aspects of production while keeping up with evolving industry standards required adaptability and a willingness to learn continuously. Each of these experiences has taught me resilience, problem-solving, and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in crafting music that helps artists realize their creative visions across a wide array of genres. My work spans pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, indie folk, and experimental jazz, among others. I’m known for my ability to adapt to different styles and bring out the unique essence of each artist’s project.

What sets me apart is my versatility and collaborative approach. I pride myself on being able to seamlessly integrate into various genres and work closely with artists to ensure their ideas are fully realized. I’m particularly proud of the successful projects where my production has helped emerging artists gain recognition and achieve their artistic goals.

My commitment to understanding and enhancing each artist’s vision, combined with my broad genre expertise, allows me to offer a unique and personalized touch to every project I undertake.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Yes, I rely on a variety of resources to stay at the top of my game. Professionally, I use digital audio workstations like Pro Tools and Ableton Live for production and mixing. These tools are essential for bringing my creative ideas to life and ensuring high-quality results.

In addition to the software, I frequently engage with industry resources such as specialized blogs and podcasts to stay updated on the latest trends and techniques. Books on music theory and production also play a crucial role in deepening my understanding and refining my skills. Collectively, these resources help me stay informed, inspired, and continually improving in both my work and personal life.

Contact Info:

• Youtube: @BahbyGars
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bahby/1650190080