Freshly graduated from UNC and on her way to UNC's School of Dentistry this fall,Veronica DaVanzo is a triple threat. She can sing, play multiple instruments and has a knack for the sciences.
After finishing her undergraduate studies in the fall of 2017, she decided to use the year she had until dental school began to create her debut album “Solo of a Caged Bird,” which was released July 20.
A Piedmont Triad native, DaVanzo grew up playing the piano. She wrote and produced the 11-song album herself, seeking help only from local musicians to add background instrumentals.
The album has a rock sound with ethereal vocals and captivating melodies. "Solo of a Caged Bird" calls to mind the band Evanescence, a group which is famous for their Gothic symphonies. Staff writer Liza Zhytkova sat down with DaVanzo to ask her about the creative process behind the debut record.
The Daily Tar Heel: When did you realize that you wanted to release an album prior to starting dental school?
Veronica DaVanzo: The writing process started two years ago and while I was in my sophomore year of college actually. When I graduated early, I thought ‘Okay, this is the time to do it.' I had it in my mind that I wanted to get this done, and I’d been writing music. I actually had a lot more material than I was able to put on the album.
DTH: Do you intend on pursuing a musical career after dental school?
VD: Kind of yes and kind of no. I’ll continue to make music and put it out there and promote my stuff, but at the end of the day you also need a job that can pay the bills, so my main goal is to have a stable career and have that foundation. I don’t think I’ll ever stop making music or stop putting it out there publicly.
DTH: Tell me about the backstory to your album. What message do your songs capture?