One on one with songstress Gloria Del Mar

BUDDING musician and actress Gloria Del Mar Ndilula has released an astonishing seven track EP- a project to ultimately debut her music career.

In a one on one interview with Confidente’s Rosalia David (RD), the artist Ndilula (GN) provides insights into her career and inspirations.

RD: Kindly provide a brief background about yourself?

GN: This is always a difficult question to answer but I’ll do my best. I’m Gloria Del Mar, I’m 25 and I’ve been singing my entire life. If I’m not singing, I’m figuring out a new instrument. If not that, I’m learning a monologue. If not that, I’m reading a good book. And if I’m not doing any of that, I’m sleeping. Sleep over everything.

RD: When and how exactly did the music bug bite you?

GN: I don’t think there’s a specific moment. My mom says when I turned two, I fully performed Baby One More Time by Britney Spears! I’ve always loved singing, but I was a very shy performer.

RD: How would you describe the type of music you do?

GN: I would say acoustic or alternative pop with a SPLASH or RnB.

RD: What can music lovers expect on the day of the album launch?

GN: I’m aiming for a lovely, intimate evening. There’s going to be soup and wine and blankets. I wanted everyone to feel comfortable and cozy. That’s the vibe I’m going for.

RD: How many tracks are on the album and who are some of the musicians you have worked with on the upcoming project?

GN: There are seven tracks on the EP; an intro, an interlude and five full tracks. I wanted to make sure I didn’t add any tracks that didn’t fit the mold of the story I wanted to tell.

I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so many talented people. Leo and Kakia helped me compose and put together the third track. An amazing friend of mine from Los Angeles features on the seventh track – Kapri Washington aka Lil Ram.

Her pen is immaculate and she’s the sweetest soul.

RD: Apart from music, what else do you do?

GN: I’m an actress and I co-founded a PR/Marketing Agency with one of my best friends – Soleil Agency (@soleil.agency).

I love having different hobbies and I’m really into painting right now. In the beginning of the year it was knitting and before that it was skateboarding. Making adult money is hilarious because I just feed my inner child!

RD: Are you and independent artist or currently signed under any record label?

GN: I am an independent artist and I love that at the moment. I’m not sure if I would sign to a label but I try to never say never.

RD: What would you say makes you unique as an artist?

GN: As nervous as I am, I’m happy being an open book when it comes to my music. I write all my own songs so they are personal. If they’re not about something I’ve been through, they’re about something that someone I love has been through.

I released a song that dealt with mental health, specifically depression and looming suicidal thoughts. I think it’s important to talk about mental health because it’s not taboo.

I felt a bit ashamed when I first shared the song because I didn’t want to be judged but then I realised I was doing myself a disservice and being a hypocrite. I tell my loved ones not to be ashamed of how they feel so I better practice what I preach.

So what makes me different? I think that I’m very vulnerable; heart on my sleeve type.

RD: How you finding the showbiz so far?

GN: Its fast paced hahaha!! When I was writing the music it was just me and my songs.

That was the easy part. The next bits are so busy but I love it!