Meet Richard Galiguis | Musician, Producer, Song Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Richard Galiguis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Richard, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
In some ways I did not pursue an artistic or creative career, it pursued me. I have always been passionate about art and music. When I first started playing in middle school I knew it was going to be a life long obsession and passion. I remember also thinking around that time as a young teenager that I would always pursue music and there was no plan B. But the truth is, as time went on that sentiment eroded and there was a period of my life where I was not pursuing music or art. When I first moved to San Diego I was rediscovering myself and started going back to college. I’ve always loved science and problem solving and somewhere along the way in my mid 20’s I started becoming cynical about the music industry and felt the responsible thing would be to get a degree in a more “stable” industry. I studied Biology and Business at MiraCosta College in Oceanside California and was ready to go all in on that career path. But right before I was about to transfer I was given the opportunity to tour with the Hip-Hop band Vokab Kompany. That decision changed the trajectory of my life forever. I always felt a little uncertain and as if something was missing during my college years studying the sciences. After spending the last 10+ years touring with Vokab Kompany and all the projects that followed after that, I realized music is what truly makes me feel alive and in alignment with my purpose. I love learning and using science in my life but it wasn’t the right career for me. I admire and respect the sciences and my wife is a scientist currently working at UCSD. But music and art found it’s way back to me and the time away from it for those years gave me a new appreciation and context for what is amazing about a creative an artistic career. It was inevitable that I would come back to the path I instinctively knew was best for me at a young age. In life it makes sense to put energy into the things that you don’t need to chase and instead they pull you towards them. And for me that was my music and art.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a musician and producer, who is a 5-time San Diego Music Award Winner with the band Vokab Komapny. I also played drums in the house band on the TV Show Tonight In San Diego and have done a wide variety of collaborations over the years. I have shared the stage with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Skrillex, Ice Cube, etc playing music festivals all over the US. The last year I have been more focused on my business as a roaming wedding and private events guitarist and DJ. I think what is unique to my style is I treat the guitar as if it is the voice in the song and make it sing. I try to bring all that experience from my different projects over the last 20 years into providing a really customized and unique performance for my clients and their guests. It hasn’t always been without it’s challenges, especially being a new father. I am a stay at home Dad with my 1 year old son and cherish that I am able to spend this time with him every day. But growing a business and being a present father and husband requires some major work/life balance organization and time management. I am still trying to figure this out as he gets older but it is an exciting time in my life and am loving the journey so far building my business and having my son with me to share it with.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So I’m originally from Ventura Californa and moved down to San Diego back in 2008. So some of my favorite spots I’d say we gotta go are (and not in any particular order): Vintana Wine + Dine in Escondido, rooftop Lanai and bar with nice views and fire tables. When it was around, Nattiya’s Thai food and jazz bar, those who know know what I’m talking about. One of my favorite Thai spots. Convoy for Asian food, some of the best restaurants all in one place. The Belly Up, Music Box, and The Holding Company are some pretty awesome venues down here to see live music. Coronado Island feels like you’re in a whole other place, it’s paradise over there. If you love animals like I do, the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park is nice to bring the family out. Gaslamp downtown and any of the beaches are always something to check out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Man that’s tough because there have been so many people and communities over the years that without them I would not be where or who I am at this point in my life. So without making this sound like an awards show thank you speech, the Shoutout I wanna give is to Dan Goode and The Luxury Musician. I have only know Dan for less than a year but him and the community that he has put together has really helped bring out the best of me in terms of my business, musicianship, and the new direction I want to take my career. A super talented saxophonist and DJ from the UK, Dan is already making a name out here in California and is really looking out for the working musicians who want to succeed in the luxury weddings and private event industry and elevate their game.

Website: https://www.richardgaliguis.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardgaliguis

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/richardgaliguis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardgaliguis

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/richard-galiguis-chula-vista

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@richardgaliguis

Other: www.instagram.com/suaveguitarist
www.tiktok.com/@suaveguitarist