Aristocrat by blood and artist by heart. The story of Ona Mafalda, daughter of Kyril from Bulgaria and Rosario Nadal, is one that moves people, with slogans like “pursue your dreams and you will achieve it.” But she, at the threshold of her thirties, shows she has a cool head. Her hard work is what has led her to become the princess of dark pop, although she considers that these labels “almost always go away.” Her maxim is to connect through her music and share it in an “authentic” way.
He was born in London and trained musically in the United States, but it was in Madrid where he found “his voice.” What does the capital of Madrid give you?
Madrid, like London, has many ‘Madrides’ within it. It is a city in which diversity makes you feel comfortable and part of something always in motion, in a constant creative process and spontaneously.
In May he released his first LP, Ona. What did she learn and what challenges did she face during the production process?
I always learn. If this were not the case, creativity would have no reward. The process of creating Ona, with its eleven songs, was a journey of artistic self-discovery for me. Each song was like a puzzle that I put together little by little, exploring different melodies, lyrics and sounds to convey my thoughts. In fact, one of the most important lessons I learned is to recognize the importance of teamwork. Learning to surround myself with people who not only share my artistic vision, but also challenge me to be my best every step of the way. Collaborating with other musicians and producers allowed me to grow.
The album moves towards a more intimate register. And she has modified her stage name, Ona Mafalda, in honor of her mother and her Majorcan roots. Is this the new direction her musical career will take?
I believe that the nature of the human being is not to stay still, but to move, move, be nomadic and grow through learning. I want my life to be in constant evolution, where curiosity leads me to discover new things. I think the same thing happens in my music, I don’t consider there to be turning points or changes of course, but rather discovery and risk.
After your first album, where are you at?
I find myself in a restless moment… You could say that I am “cooking.” I am processing, composing and opening different paths without finishing deciding which of them will take me to the destination I want.
What music did you grow up with?
The first influence always comes from great English bands like Arctic Monkeys, Belle
Throughout your career, have you had a specific, crucial figure who has supported you during the journey?
I wouldn’t say a specific figure, but many figures, because if there’s one thing I feel lucky about, it’s all the people who contribute daily so I can dedicate myself to music, which I like. They know who they are! I am very, very grateful to them.
The best advice you’ve been given?
The best, like almost everything in life, is always what is yet to come.
She is closely linked to the fashion industry and regularly attends shows such as Loewe. What do you look for when dressing?
Music and fashion are intrinsically linked and many people understand them as essential elements to express our identity and emotions. The way we dress often reflects our mood and cultural influences. For example, a brand like Loewe, which has this innovative approach and the ability to merge craftsmanship and fashion in such an organic way, touches us directly. The collections that Jonathan Anderson is creating are an expression of risk and commitment where creativity and personal expression flow freely, and that is something I deeply admire.
Are there other artistic aspects that arouse special interest in you?
I can’t live without cinema and theater. Madrid has an endless range of performing arts and venue circuits where the proposals are true creative nourishment.
How do you envision your 2024?
I face it with great enthusiasm because it is full of projects, new ideas, and of course objectives. I am preparing a new album, a tour that we are shaping and my main objective is to share all this with as many people as possible.
Do you grow on stage?
It’s something that fills me with energy, so I try to do it often. Up there I start thinking about new versions of my own songs. I’ve just been thinking about a new arrangement for Rotos for a few days, which is a song that curiously already had its acoustic version and that continues to demand my attention and care.
And you, how do you take care of yourself on your days off?
My perfect Sunday begins with sleeping a little more than usual, especially if I have performed the night before, since during the week I wake up very early. It’s my time to recharge my batteries. I like to have brunch with friends in a cafeteria—I order orange juice and toast—I enjoy the company and share stories. If the weather is good, I usually go to the Rastro or a market, Madrid is packed. After a good walk, I like to sit on a terrace with friends to talk and, above all, laugh. When the sun goes down, I come home, make myself some good pasta, and dive into my living room.
