Diego Garcia is a first-generation Latin kid who grew up in Florida. Now he's touring the world's stages and playing tiny desks for NPR.
On Wednesday night, he'll be at the Fillmore Miami Beach, opening up for Jovanotti. And he says that if the maladies of love have taught him anything, it's that he likes it better raw.
Check the cut for instructions on how to score free tix to the show.
Crossfade: What's your history with the City of Miami?
Diego Garcia: I spent a lot of time there growing up. I have family there. I feel very at home in Miami. I have a lot of friends I'm looking forward to seeing. My wife and I spend a lot of time on South Beach. It's our getaway from New York.
You're one of the only Latin musicians ever selected as Artist Of The Week for Starbucks. Like, Hispanics are good enough to pick beans for them, but when it comes to giving them attention for music ... Fight?
I haven't gotten that deep into the whole issue. I'm just happy that my music is being spread. I stay out of all that.
Does it ever piss you off they're always saying how you make romantic music?
No, not at all. I think that love is some of the most powerful stuff in the world. It's more powerful than anything. I think the secret to recording a love song is to keep the production really raw.
So, you do it raw?
Yeah, I do it raw. Very honest, dark. No Hollywood ending to the story. My latest album is about the disease that is love, the malady of love.
So you're saying do it raw, right?
Don't get me wrong, I think you should still wear a condom. But I think people like it raw.
What's your message for the fans?
No message. I just get up there and I sing and I try to look good while I do it. Get my record. Buy it if you can. But if you wanna rip it off the computer, do that too. Just listen to it.
What should we say to give these tickets away?
Who would not wanna go see Diego Garcia and Jovanotti on the same stage? Ask 'em how they like it. If they like it raw, give it away to whoever says they like it raw.
Diego Garcia and Jovanotti Ticket Giveaway Instructions
1. Head over to Crossfade's Facebook page and Like it.
2. Find the Diego Garcia update and leave a comment, admitting you like it raw.
3. From the pool of commenters, we'll randomly select the rawest of the raw for free tix. So keep an eye on your Facebook messages.
4. Last thing ... You only have until noon on Wednesday, October 9, to enter.
Diego Garcia. Opening for Jovanotti. Wednesday, October 10. Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $30 plus fees via livenation.com. All ages. Call 305-673-7300 or visit fillmoremb.com.
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