Francisco “Panchi” Galarce is the frontman of Paraguayan pop punk band Garage 21. At 38 years old, he has been part of the group for 22 years. What started as a school project in 2004 has now become the project of a lifetime. Panchi, however, does not only write and compose songs; recently, he also published a children’s book.
With three studio albums and two live records, Garage 21 stands as one of Paraguay’s longest-running rock bands. In 2025, the group opened for Green Day, achieving a major milestone in their career. The Asunción Times sat down with Panchi to talk about the beginnings of Garage 21, what lies ahead, and his artistic journey across music and writing.
A school project that became a band
“When we started, we did not even have a name. It was about having fun with friends, learning to play guitar and writing songs. It felt like a game,” Panchi recalls. After 22 years, his desire to continue remains intact.
“The battle of the bands between schools really kickstarted Garage 21. At that age, during adolescence, when you are searching for your identity and your place, playing live felt like a miracle,” he says. For Panchi, even rehearsals were an odyssey “Rehearsing felt like playing live.”
“For that battle, we needed a name. The prize was recording time in a professional studio called Garage 922. We rehearsed in a garage, so the name felt like an homage. But ‘Garage’ alone felt too dry, so after 922, we chose 21 as a last name.”
Inspiration for Panchi Galarce
“The inspiration now is more real and personal than before. We are recording a new album, and these songs come from situations we are actually living or have already lived. Before, there was more idealisation,” Panchi explains.
For him, every song starts with a spark. “Sometimes an idea just goes through your head. I record the riff on my phone, for example, and later see if it works with a vocal melody or lyrics. Now, we build our songs with more parts than before. Even when it feels like ideas are not coming, something always appears.”
As a songwriter, his way of listening to music has changed. “I cannot listen like a normal listener anymore. I pay attention to lyrics and structure,” he says. “The process of making music is still magical, but now I understand how much work is involved. That changed my perception of how music is made, but music itself remains the same as when I was a child”.
Green Day and musical influences
“Like I always say, you eventually return to The Beatles. After them came Green Day, Blink-182 and The Offspring. Thanks to Blink and Green Day, I discovered the Ramones,” Panchi explains. “Every time I return to The Beatles, I listen to their entire discography. Lately, I have also been listening to the solo careers of each member.”
In 2025, Green Day played in Paraguay for the first time. Garage 21 had the honour of opening for them as the only Paraguayan band on the bill. “When you see that a band you love is coming, you really want them to call you. The desire was there, and we were called. We sent everything they needed and then waited for the answer. Even waiting was exciting.”
“We knew we could be selected, and we felt we deserved it. Opening for Green Day was incredible because we grew up with them. They taught us how to play guitar, sing and write songs. Green Day is a band we will always listen to. It was a milestone for us. Now we can say we opened for Green Day, and I felt we delivered a good show” he adds.
Panchi Galarce as a writer
Panchi has been writing since he was a child. He used to change song lyrics as a game, later writing for Garage 21 and eventually working as a creative redactor. Writing and literature were always present at home, with several relatives being writers and poets.
Recently, he published a children’s book titled Inspiranimales, a collection of interconnected short stories featuring animals. “Writing songs is like writing a book, but with limits. I always wanted to write a book, but only recently decided to do it,” he says. “With every song, I imagine a story. Without my music career, I do not think I would have dared to write a book. Music helped me lose the fear of judgement.”
“There are many things in common between songwriting and this book. Writing for children reminded me of what we did 22 years ago: simple and fun songs. As adults, we see childhood differently, so I felt kids needed messages. Inspiranimales is my grain of sand.”
“When I started writing, I imagined small animals with their stories in a forest or a little town. It all came naturally. Creating characters was easy. If I wanted to write about someone restless, I imagined a squirrel running everywhere. If I wanted to write about someone shy, I imagined a small donkey, quieter and more introverted.”
What lies ahead
“I want to keep writing books. I find it really fun, and a second part of Inspiranimales is definitely possible,” Panchi says. “Creatively, I feel I am in a very good moment, both personally and as a band. Songs come easily now, and I want to keep creating music.”
“I would love to open for Blink-182 in the future. There are many bands we would enjoy sharing a stage with, but Blink is our definitive answer,” he adds. “Regarding our new album, it feels cohesive. There are rock elements, more experimental moments, songs that are fun and others that are more reflective.”
“Our goal now is simple,” Panchi Galarce concludes. “To keep having fun. To continue growing and surpassing ourselves.”
