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EXCLUSIVE COVER STORY: Ricky Garcia

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EXCLUSIVE COVER STORY: Ricky Garcia

“If you truly believe in what you want to do, there’s no holding you back.”

Growing up, Ricky Garcia always loved music. But he didn’t discover his musical abilities until the age of 10, when the Texas native sang in front of his mom for the first time. “She was like, ‘Ricky, you’re so talented,’” he remembers. “I got so embarrassed! I honestly couldn’t sing in front of anybody at first.” 

With the support of his parents, Ricky started uploading song covers to YouTube and booked local modeling jobs and commercials in his home state of Texas. At a talent competition, Ricky met manager Joby Harte, who urged him and his mother to relocate to Los Angeles. “Leaving my hometown was very difficult because I was ready to start junior high,” he says. “But I’ve got to give credit to my mom. She’s the most important woman in my life.” 

After making the move to Los Angeles, Ricky auditioned for The X Factor. And while he didn’t make it as a solo artist, producers put him, Emery Kelly and another contestant into a new group: Forever In Your Mind. The boys didn’t make it into the show’s Top 16, but decided to continue on with the band after being eliminated from the competition. 

The trio played concerts in Los Angeles and enjoyed a growing fan base. But in the summer of 2014, Emery and Ricky were blindsided when FIYM’s third member suddenly left the group. Yet again, they forged on, eventually welcoming Emery’s cousin, Liam Attridge, into the fold. 

And while 2014 had its share of trials and tribulations, 2015 made them all worth it. Ricky won a starring role on Disney Channel’s Best Friends Whenever and Forever In Your Mind landed a major deal with Hollywood Records. “There’s always going to be setbacks and things that are telling you that you can’t do this,” says Ricky. “But if you truly believe in what you want to do, there’s no holding you back.” 

#YSBnowProm Coverage:

Group

Madison

Kalin

Brec

Karan

Chloe

CREDITS:

Photos by Joe Magnani

Styling by Robiat Balogun

Hair by Matilde Campos

Grooming: Joseph Adivari

On Ricky: Jacket & shirt – Allure Men, Pants & Shoes – Jean Yves

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