Hi Veronica, thanks for taking the time to chat with Hear 2 Zen, what have you been up to today?
Hi! Thanks for having me! My day has been pretty chill so far, though not exactly glamorous—I’ve been answering emails all morning, haha. But this past weekend was incredible! I played an intimate live session at Powerplay Studios in Switzerland, and it truly felt like a dream. The whole show was recorded, and we’ll be releasing a limited number of vinyls from the gig, which is super exciting!
Tell us about yourself, how long have you been performing/creating music for?
I’m a girl who grew up in a small city in Switzerland, in a half Italian, half Swiss household. My parents aren’t particularly musical, but they recognized my passion for music and got me a guitar. I started writing my first songs in sixth grade—though they were pretty rough at first! Over the years, I joined bands and found my voice through music, which helped me overcome insecurities and gave me the confidence to chase my dreams. I’ve been creating and performing music for several years now, and it’s been an incredible journey of growth and self-expression. Here I am today, still dreaming and pursuing my passion!
Who are your greatest inspirations? Why?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one influence because so many artists shape my sound. However, if I had to choose, I’d say Amy Winehouse is one of my biggest inspirations. Her raw emotion and honesty in her music resonate deeply with me. I also draw a lot from the Motown era for its soul and energy, and I admire Frank Ocean for his storytelling and unique approach to production. Avril Lavigne and Alabama Shakes are also big influences, as well as other artists like Vasco Rossi, Djo, and Sam Fender. Each of them contributes to the way I create and express myself through music.
How do you create music? Are you lyrics/story driven, or does the music/melody come first? Explain your process.
For me, the songwriting process happens simultaneously. I might start with a sentence or idea I jot down in my notes while walking—something that resonates with me. Then, I grab my guitar or sit at the piano to capture whatever I’m feeling or need to express, weaving together words and music. I believe the greatest songs emerge when lyrics and melodies marry each other, creating a powerful emotional connection. It’s a beautiful balance that makes the song come alive.
What has been your greatest challenge so far in performing/creating music?
My greatest challenge in performing and creating music is, quite frankly, myself. I often find myself grappling with self-doubt, especially during those low moments when I question my abilities, wondering, ‘Why would anyone like this if I don’t even like it myself?’. Writer’s blocks definitely don’t help getting rid of those feelings. However, once I write a song that I’m proud of, all that doubt fades away. When I’m on stage performing, I’m reminded of my love for music and why I do this. I think the German word for passion, Leidenschaft, sums it up perfectly—leiden means “to suffer”, and in many ways, passion involves enduring those struggles.
Tell us about your new release Slot Machine, how did it come about?
The first and only time I heard the analogy of slot machines being compared to phones was while watching The Social Dilemma on Netflix. When you use a slot machine, you never know when you’ll hit the next jackpot. The same applies to scrolling on social media: you never know when the next funny or interesting post will appear. So, you keep scrolling, hoping for that next rewarding moment to pop up on your screen. That’s why it’s so addictive—our brains crave those brief hits of dopamine. So yeah, to me, Slot Machine is about the pixel-perfect world created by social media and the way it shapes how we think and live. I describe the emptiness and dissatisfaction that comes from constant consumption – never truly making me happy. The song is a cry for deeper meaning in a world shaped by both abstract and literal superficiality. This was the first song I wrote for my second album, and it marked the end of a long writer’s block—so it feels especially rewarding to have written it and now share it with the world as the first chapter of my new album!
What advice do you have to artists who are just starting out?
Easier said than done, but really be yourself. Don’t try to run after trends, just make the music you truly love to make.
Tell us your favourite Zen practice.
Breathing, deeply. Like, really fill your lungs. I think we forget to breathe correctly sometimes. It feels good, I promise.
