Dean Garcia (born May 3, 1958) is a British multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter, known for his influential role in shaping alternative rock, electronic, and shoegaze music. As one half of the iconic duo Curve and a former bassist for Eurythmics, Garcia’s career has been as diverse as it has been groundbreaking.
Garcia’s connection to Eurythmics began in the early 1980s, where his bass playing added depth and groove to their albums Touch and Be Yourself Tonight. He was also part of their live band during their pivotal years in 1983–84. Reflecting on this experience, Garcia has often credited Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart for their offbeat and DIY approach, which resonated deeply with his own creative ethos.
His success with Curve, formed in 1990 with Toni Halliday, cemented Garcia’s place as a pioneer of sound. Their genre-defying music blended rock, electronic, and atmospheric elements, paving the way for future generations of artists. Curve was as much about artistic independence as it was about music itself. Garcia remarked on their preference to create on their own terms, sidestepping the typical constraints of record labels. This attitude carried over to his later project, Headcase, launched under the Mushi-Mushi label. Headcase saw Garcia exploring complete technological independence, leveraging the internet for distribution and direct connection with fans.
In an interview, Garcia described the creative freedom he found in Headcase: “No. Perfect. I like this not-an-issue stuff a great deal. Music available now, not a year after you have recorded it.” This transparency and immediacy became a hallmark of his later work, reflecting his disdain for the delays and constraints of the traditional music industry. Garcia viewed the internet not only as a distribution platform but as a revolutionary force that allowed like-minded artists to connect and create.
Garcia’s musical journey began much earlier, shaped by moments of inspiration like hearing “Come Together” by The Beatles at a market stall or smashing out drum beats on a friend’s kit as a teenager. A defining moment was working as a session musician, which introduced him to diverse musical styles and collaborations. However, Garcia always prioritized working with artists he admired, noting that “working with Dave and Annie [Eurythmics] will always be special to me.” These experiences informed his creative process and gave him confidence as a songwriter and performer.
In addition to his projects with Curve and Headcase, Garcia has continued to explore new musical territories with his daughter Rose Berlin in their project SPC ECO, blending ethereal vocals with his cinematic production style. Garcia’s music often carries a cinematic quality, something he attributes to the importance of visuals in enhancing the emotional depth of his compositions.
From his early days with Eurythmics to his groundbreaking work with Curve and his ventures into independent music-making, Dean Garcia has remained a fearless innovator. His ability to evolve while staying true to his creative spirit ensures his enduring impact on the music world.
