Barby Garcia - KRCL DJ / UGLY mag music editor | by Phillip Istomin
Some people aren't made for the dull life, they simply refuse to settle for an ordinary existence. These people have a lust for life and a need to have all senses stimulated, be it via a passionate kiss, a delicious meal, a beautiful melody, or a fabulous pair of new shoes. I've known Barby to be this type of a person for close to 10 years now. She is a natural-born entertainer, unapologetically authentic, and truly one of the most unique people I have ever met.
Barby Garcia was born in Mexico City. Her late mother, Patricia passed on her beauty, as well as her one-of-a-kind sense of humor to her baby girl. Barby started putting on plays for her tight-knit family at the age of 6. The Garcia clan moved to Utah by the time Barby was a pre-teen. She recalls going to summer camp and being very serious about producing a highly-rehearsed version of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” “I was all business, very professional,” says Barby.
Barby’s love for the stage has carried over to her adult life. She’s been entertaining audiences in many capacities for years, always bringing her signature sense of humor to her performances. Music has always been a huge part of Barby’s life. She’s an avid listener, an aficionado, if you will. I’ve always loved her taste of music, everything from old Motown records to the best indie of today. An opportunity came along at KRCL, and Vagabond Radio was born. I’ve told Barby many times that she’s my favorite DJ. She scrutinizes over the order of her playlists, never playing the same set twice. Writing for UGLY magazine as their music editor has given her a chance to interview and review many of her favorite artists, striking up friendships along the way. It’s easy to develop an instant bond with Barby because she comes off as a cool, funny, and refreshingly honest woman.
“I have always said that the best gift parents could give their children is the freedom to be who they are and express their creativity authentically,” says Barby. She will no doubt keep expressing herself and finding new creative outlets. Always entertaining, never dull.