Today we’d like to introduce you to Glenda del Monte Escalante.
Glenda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, where I began my music studies at age 7 until age 15. For as long as I can remember, music has been there from day one. My parents both artists and musicians used to take me to their rehearsals, meetings, performances and it was always fun for me. So as I grew up, and after beginning to attend the music conservatory in Havana, I was also learning and practicing with the musicians in my parents’ band which was called Latin Street.
It was a time in my life that I call learning music at school and in the ‘streets’. Beautiful childhood as I recall. Later on, while my parents where on tour in Canada, I was invited to a Piano Competition there, and after receiving a scholarship from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto we all settled in the new country. After completing a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Piano Performance and Ethnomusicology, I began to work on my first album Q-ban Mixology, where I wanted to put together all the influences I have had musically and personally, as many.
I am really grateful for all the learning process and experiences I have been through, because I believe it has molded me into the person I am today.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
All roads have a combination of smooth and rocky pavement, but what I have learned from my family and from people that have influenced me, is that every sacrifice, every challenge is only a test for us to believe more in ourselves and trust that we can do what we put our minds to and achieve our goals. Depending on how we view a situation, we can evaluate something as a Challenge/Obstacle or as a blessing, a situation that will help us in growing and improving ourselves. Some things like an economic situation, moving to a new country, learning a new language, loss or changes, may be seen as obstacles or challenges, but also as a learning phase to overcome.
Glenda del E – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a Pianist, Singer-Songwriter, Composer, Producer and Educator. Music has been my companion throughout my life since age 7, and curiosity to learn and to step out of my comfort zone has always pushed me to set new goals from time to time.
I like to be of help and guide to young people, to children, to women and the world in general, through music, the most universal language and with super powers to help us heal. Through my lyrics and music I want the audience to know that I appreciate their time and soul, which is why I believe in being as genuine, as true and as unique as possible so that the listeners can connect with me and my music.
My band and first album from 2010 is called Q-ban Mixology, since I am from Cuba, moved to Canada in my teens and then living and working in USA, there is no denying in all the beautiful cultural and musical influences I have had injected into my creative process and performance. Afro-Latin-Soul is in my mix of musical genres and styles.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Every achievement as little as being able to write a song, or to learn a new classical piece, or rehearsing with a project you truly believe in and creating that magical moment between those you are working with is priceless. I am very humble and try to remain calm with big moments, but also keep setting goals for my career. When I graduated was a very emotional moment, also being able to work with one of my musical influences and idols from my early teens, Alejandro Sanz, who makes us all feel so welcomed and easy to work with. The release of my first album in 2010, and a new project a Big Concert in Miami that is coming up, which we are working very hard to make it a great evening for all who attend. October 5th at 8:30 PM is a DATE, I hope all the readers out there can come to FLAMINGO THEATER BAR in Brickell, Miami.
Pricing:
- FLAMINGO THEATER BAR -RELEASE PARTY-CONCERT $20.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.glendadelemusic.com
- Phone: 7862827095
- Email: glendadele@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/glendadelemusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glendadelemusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/glendadele
Image Credit:
Flyers Photos-Photo and Design
Abel Ferro
Marietta Gonzalez Acosta
Versal Studio
Images Keytar and Hands Up
Gonzalo Silvela
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