When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Gabriel Gloria couldn’t play a single instrument. Desperate for any activity that could shake him out of a pandemic-induced depression, the singer and songwriter picked up a guitar and started strumming, never imagining that music production would become his main passion.
Since that first, clumsy guitar session, Gloria, who is now studying music production at SAC, has learned to play 13 instruments, including the guitar, piano, and bass, and he fronts a local band called Sore Subject. He says making music has become a form of therapy and has improved his mental health.
“Music made me not wanna kill myself,” Gloria said.
Sore Subject drummer David Edgell met Gloria while attending his first performance with his former band Dinner Plate.
“I’ve seen Gabe grow so much as an artist since he first started putting out music,” Edgell said. “He spends everyday working on new releases, and it really shows in the quality of his production. He’s insane at soloing and improvising, and he’s not afraid to show it … I’m really proud of how far he’s come.”
Gloria released his second single, “Sin-Ti,” in February. It’s a latin, reggaeton inspired track, entirely in Spanish. “Sin-Ti” is just one of four songs on his debut EP, “Aún No Soy Quien Voy A Llegar A Ser,” which translates to “I’m not yet who I’m going to become.”
His most recent single, “Questioning The Reasons,” features a tranquil piano chord progression, an upbeat drum, and self-reflective lyrics.
Gloria said he takes a lot of inspiration from artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Steve Lacy, Mac Demarco, Carlos Santana, Daft Punk, and many more.
“He’s a natural when it comes to learning and making music,” said pianist and vocalist Damien Salinas who collaborated with Gloria on the creation of “Spanish Pornstar” by Champagne Beach. “When I heard him sing at his first show, I was impressed by some of the more difficult notes he hit, and he can produce a beat in like 20 minutes — like he’s just brushing his teeth or something. I want to be that natural at music.”
Gloria said he spends 16 hours a day making music and developing his skill as a musician.
“I sold my car — a really nice car — and took the money and bought a bunch of music equipment,” Gloria said.
Edgell said that Gloria “brings the energy” to the stage when performing live, engaging with the crowd by handing out instruments for audience-members to be a part of the performance.
Gloria said he has decided to dedicate his life to music and will continue to perform live, release new music, and earn a degree in music production.
“I love what I’m doing, and I’m going to keep doing it,” he said.