Who We Are
TONY GARCIA and his band “The Hired Guns” is a high-energy country rock band blending the best of modern and classic country with a rock edge. Known for crowd-pleasing covers of fan favorites alongside original music, the band delivers dynamic live performances that keep audiences singing and dancing all night. With authentic storytelling, powerful vocals, and driving guitars, TONY GARCIA honors country roots while pushing the sound forward with fresh, original releases.
The Making of an Album
When I was 13 years old, my best friend and I bought our first guitars. Like most kids with six strings and big dreams, we were convinced we were going to be rock stars. As life unfolded, our paths split. He moved to Los Angeles while I moved to Nashville but we both kept playing. Over the years we lost touch, then reconnected, then drifted again- always circling back to music. We talked about what he was doing, what I was doing, the songs we were writing, and the roads we were chasing.
In April of 2025 I received a call that changed everything. My best friend had passed away in his sleep.
At his celebration of life, his mom had one of his guitars out as a tribute to him. With permission I picked it up and played it. Later she asked if I would come by her house to take a look at his gear. I was more than happy to help her. When I arrived at her house that same guitar was there. As I was getting ready to leave, I told her that if she ever decided to part with it, I would love to have the guitar. It was a way for me to remember my friend and the dreams that we shared as kids. Without hesitation she told me I could have it.
That guitar has been my main guitar ever since. I honestly can’t remember the last show I played without it.
When it came time to do the photo shoot for the album, there was never a question which guitar I would bring. I took a few shots just casually strumming cords. When I posted the photos, a friend commented “D chord smiling for the win”. Then a mutual friend of ours said “Bonus if that is a D Chord on Darrens guitar, then I love it even more. Since that is what I used to call him”
His name was Darren. That sealed it. No other photo would do.
I remembered giving him a hard time years ago about carving all over the guitar, telling him he had ruined it. But suddenly, it all made sense. The scars weren’t damage-they were his voice and then the title came into focus.
“LISTEN”
Not hear the music- LISTEN to it, feel it, let it mean something. That’s what he always wanted.
This album, this guitar, and this title are all tied together by a friendship, a dream that started at 13 years old, and a reminder that music connects us long after that last note fades.
