Local rap artist making a name for himself

GRANTS, N.M. – Local 17-year-old rap artist Ivan Garcia started creating his own music about two years ago and has been working hard to put his name out there ever since. The young artist’s inspiration to pursue music started long before that, however.

Garcia, who was born and raised in Grants and attended Grants High School, said that his art started in the seventh grade with him writing short stories, and then short stories progressed to poems and then eventually to rap lyrics. Garcia said his writing gave him an escape and a way of expressing himself in the midst of bullying and the struggles of life. As he goes through the journey of creating and releasing music, Garcia said what he’s come to love most about it is that it gives not only himself, but others a way of expressing themselves. Some of Garcia’s songs are upbeat, while some have a more serious tone and involve messages that he resonates with personally. “I love making music to give a voice and comfort to those who might not have one,” said Garcia.

Garcia has officially released 19 songs, with more coming soon he says. Garcia’s artist name is Fs.Ati. The beginning portion stands for “For sure”, and the second portion reflects Garcia’s Philippine background, standing for “love” in the Philippine language. Altogether, the artist name means “For Sure Love”. Garcia works together with a friend, Zach Romero, who produces the beats and tracks for Garcia to rap to.

Garcia’s mom, Cynthia Delima, is extremely proud of her son and all of the work he has done to pursue his dreams. Delima spoke of the first time Garcia brought his talents to her attention, saying, “When he first came to me, he was like, ‘Mom I got to show you something, but yeah, fair warning.’ It blew me away, I’m not going to lie. I’m like, ‘Where did you get that?’”

Delima also shared a little bit about her son’s journey and all of the steps he has taken to promote himself. According to Delima, who is originally from Los Angeles, California and planted her roots in the Cibola County area a little over 20 years ago, Garcia has made efforts to connect and work with artists and music industry individuals from California and even Canada. Garcia also reached out to a music venue called The Jam Spot on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, and they were so impressed by his performances that they offered him a monthly slot at their venue. “He’s really making it happen for himself,” said

Delima.

All of Garcia’s hard work paid off with him currently facing his biggest opportunity yet. According to Delima, Garcia decided to submit his music to an organization called Coast 2 Coast LIVE, which showcases up and coming artists from all across the country, and a few days later, Garcia received an email informing him of his selection and inviting him to perform at a showcase event in Atlanta, Georgia next month. There will be judges at the event who are well-known individuals in the music industry, opening up the opportunity for Garcia to make some contacts and possibly even earn some deals/contracts.

When asked how it felt to see her son receiving this opportunity, Delima said, “Oh my gosh, I am so proud. I’m just beyond… I’m beside myself. I have four children and he’s the eldest and he’s really taken the initiative to set the bar for his siblings, and I’m so proud of him… I’m amazed with him every day. I admire him, I’m amazed by him, he sets the bar for all of us… I’m amazed that, at their age, they’ve worked so hard, but you know, again, he strives, and it’s just really big thing to us and to the family.”

Garcia also added his thoughts about the opportunity, “I am truly grateful for the position I’m in right now and it’s crazy how much music has done for me and will do. I really am blessed for my fans and everyone who supports me and my music to reach the point of being able to perform across the country and in front of major figures in the industry and travel where I do, but this is just a foot in the door. I still have to work harder than ever – myself and my team – every day to reach the point of success that we see in our dreams.”

Garcia said that his hopes for the future include him making “amazing music with amazing people, and to change the world and help as many people as I can in my community…” No matter where his music career takes him, Garcia said he wants to always remember where he came from and help the less fortunate as much as he can.

Finally, Garcia added, “I wouldn’t have made it this far without my producer, Zach Romero, my cousin, Gabriel Salazar, and the support from my family and my mother.” All of Garcia’s songs can be found on any platform by searching his artist name, Fs.Ati.