Biography

The granddaughter of Spanish opera singer Lupe Ayala, Gloria Garcia was born with music running through her veins. Influenced greatly during her formative years by Ayala, Gloria’s passion for music was evident from a very early age; “I was probably singing before speaking!” she recalls.

“My mother tells me that from as young as five I was constantly singing and dancing around the house.” It was during this period, whilst growing up in the beautiful Rioja region of Northern Spain, that Gloria’s early musical ambitions were formed and soon took shape. Regular singing in the local church choir and her joyous discovery of guitar fuelled this fire, and the rest, as they say, is history.

After graduating from University in 2000, Gloria decided to realise her lifelong ambition and pursue a career as a professional musician and singer. Given the limited opportunities afforded to aspiring artists in Spain, she packed her bags and headed for London. “I know it sounds a bit clichéd but I saw no better place than the UK to establish myself as a musician.”

It wasn’t long before Gloria’s stunning vocal talent started to generate attention whilst performing on her own or accompanied by various bands in the Berkshire and London area. Blending a mix of pop, soul, latin and jazz with bittersweet yet soulful vocals and skilful guitar, it’s not hard to understand why. Before long Gloria was fronting several well respected live acts such as Nu Future and Freedom Republic, playing numerous high profile venues and festivals, whilst continually writing and recording her own original material.

A brief foray into TV talent competitions saw Gloria make the final 75 of Pop Idol 2003 and the top 10 of VH1′s London Divas, whilst further studio sessions were undertaken collaborating with the likes of John Wadlow (of Seal fame), Master Stepz (Choice FM DJ) and Metalheadz Records’ Amit Kamboj. She has also had the honour of sharing the stage with the legendary Jools Holland.

Early 2006 saw Gloria capture the attention of Prolific Media Group’s pop impresario Carl M. Cox, who immediately recognised her talent and saw huge potential, “With looks as good as these and voice to match, there was no way I was just going to stick her behind a mic to back somebody else!” said Carl, who has enjoyed previous success with singer Baz, PWL Radio, as well as pop veteran’s Peter Wilson and Sinitta.

Gloria was not to wait long as PMG were in the process of forming a new dance outfit and needed a female singer to front it. She was soon back in the studio working with renowned In Demand Music and pop producers Razmatazz, resulting in her debut single “Sexy Sexy Lover” as a guest artist for Modernization. Gloria remembers the moment well, “Seeing my name on the back of a CD for the first time was a defining moment for me as an artist and one I will never forget”. Further UK releases were soon to follow with the compilation “Mad about the boy 15″ under Klone Records and with “Nu Future” under Nuon Records.

In 2009 Gloria took part in the X Factor as part of a female vocal group gaining a place in the top 100 from a total of 200,000 entrants. She has just finished recording new material and is working on her debut album and on the lookout for management. She currently performs extensively in venues in and around Berkshire and London (please check the gig section) as both a solo artist accompanying herself on guitar or piano, or as a duo. She also fronts two successful function bands.

In her spare time, Gloria manages arts projects and is a freelance vocal coach for renowned agency Vocaltutor, East Berkshire College, Thames Valley University, various schools as well as private clients.

Gloria Garcia is a truly gifted singer and performer with a genuine passion for music. Here is a voice to really listen out for in the future.