Sonny Garcia & Dirty Mop WAter
Sonny Garcia is a Bloomington-Normal–based guitarist, vocalist, photographer, and community storyteller whose creative work sits at the intersection of art, activism, and lived experience. Rooted in the DIY spirit of 1990s punk and inspired by the working-class grind of his early years as a janitor at Illinois State University, Sonny spent decades dreaming of starting a band called Dirty Mop Water—a vision that finally came to life after his retirement in 2022.
Dirty Mop Water blends punk, grunge, and raw narrative energy, channeling the frustrations, humor, and hope of everyday people. The band features:
John Lake – Percussion / Vocals
AJ Pissione – Bass / Vocals
Sonny Garcia – Guitar / Vocals
Whether performing solo or with Dirty Mop Water, Sonny’s work is driven by creativity, community, and a lifelong commitment to telling the stories that often get overlooked. His music and photography continue to circulate throughout Central Illinois, shaping a unique artistic presence grounded in authenticity and resilience.