Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

Originally, it was just Veronica (me) and Rob making songs just for the internet, as Rob had another project he was committed to. That project fell apart, so he decided to give the Veronica collaboration more time and effort. In 2016 it became Verónica Lucía by accident. I made a profile in Reverbnation under that name as a band (instead of just an individual artist), so I became the band, in a way. It’s supposed to be a solo act, but I just don’t see it that way. My real name is Verónica, no Lucía (I don’t have a middle name.) I was speaking to my dad one day, and he told me that he almost named me Lucía, after my great grandmother. So, I decided to use it as my artist name. Also, in Puerto Rico (where I’m from) being a “lucío” or “lucía” means that you’re a show off, and I’m all about that!

Rob is an East Coast death metal guitarist, although saying that it’s limiting all he can do. He can play any kind of metal or heavy rock, whatever he puts his mind to do. He is also the one that creates most of the music and records all our songs. It has been a growing process figuring it out how to properly record, mix, etc., as well as distribute the music to be heard worldwide. But he never says “no” to a challenge.

Matthew is a punk/thrash guitarist mostly, but he loves all kinds of music. He grew up in the Northern California East Bay (San Francisco and Oakland) area, so he was around for the birth of thrash in the 1980’s. He joined our project about 5 years ago, and he has become our brother in battle. He believed in us and our music, and we could not imagine Verónica Lucía existing without him.

We have been looking long, far and wide for a drummer, but it has not worked out so far. We could just stay at the studio rehearsing and never play shows, waiting for someone to show up. We are not ones to give up so easily, so we hired a professional drummer to record tracks for our songs. We use those tracks when we play live and it has even fooled some people into thinking there was a real drummer playing (some of that might be the alcohol, but we’ll take it!) We made a joke once about a stuffed monkey that Matt brought to the studio, and how we should have him play drums. Then we thought, well, why not? So Spankey D. Mon Keé was born! We take him to shows and put him on the drum kit of the band playing after us. He has never failed us! Word has it that he is a hit with the ladies, so we must keep an eye on him, so he doesn’t disappear one night.

As far as I’m concerned, I’ve been singing since I was 8 years old, mostly in church. When Rob suggested that I should be singing in a metal band, I thought he might have lost his mind for a moment. But I figured it would be a fun experience, and it has made me a better singer and performer. We also had a hard time finding a bass player, so Rob taught me how to play. I never imagined I would be doing that either. People seemed to be very impressed about the fact that I can both sing and play, but it was not easy at first. I am always learning and getting better all the time.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

We all live in the Sacramento, California area and we met online; Rob and I through a dating site, and we met Matt through Bandmix.

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

My favorite metal singers are Ronnie James Dio and Bruce Dickinson. We do some covers of their songs, and they are so much fun! I do my best to emulate them. They have such epic, unique vocals.

Rob’s influences are Scorpions, Testament, Megadeth, Metallica and Judas Priest. They do things he enjoys and learning how to do those styles has helped him be a better musician.

Matt was influenced by 80s and 90s thrash, hardcore punk and heavy metal, East Bay area thrash especially, and he loved prog rock. He was inspired by Willie Adler (Lamb of God), Phil Demmel (Vio-lence), Doug Piercy (Heathen/Blind Illusion), Rob Cavestany (Death Angel), Randy Rhodes(Ozzy/Quiet Riot), Chris Poland (ex-Megadeth), Brian Tatler (Diamond Head), Pig Champion (Poison Idea), Dr. Know (Bad Brains), Gary Holt (Exodus), Glenn Tipton (Judas Priest), John Petrucci (Dream Theater), Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), and Stephen Egerton (All/Descendants)

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

Originally, I was very happy singing in community classical choirs. Loved hearing all the harmonies coming together as one voice. I thought it would be awesome to be part of a band, but never pursued it. The Universe just dropped it on my lap.

Rob always wanted to be a musician in a band, ever since he was a teenager. His dad took him to the Martin guitar factory and bought him a guitar. That’s when he knew this was his destiny.

Matt wanted to study bugs; he was super passionate about it. His mom bought him a guitar at 11 years old and he fell in love with music.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

I love all the 80s pop music, I also love Afrobeats and spiritually uplifting songs (although I don’t go to church and I’m not religious, I do believe in energy and spirituality.) I’ve been listening to “Universe” by The Arrow & The Bow, “Easy” by Diversity of One, “Wasted Years” by Iron Maiden, “Holy Diver” by Dio, “Situation” by Yazoo, and “Calm Down” by Rema.

Rob has been listening to “When Satan Rules His World” by Deicide, “Hammer Smashed Face” by Cannibal Corpse, “Blood Pus and Gastric Juice” and “Shrunken and Mummified Bitch” by Pungent Stench, also “Feasting on the blood of the Insane” by Six Feet Under.

Matt’s playlist has “Dehuminizer” album by Black Sabbath (with Dio), “Echoes of the Soul” album by Crypta, “Defiled in Oblivion” album by Crypta, “Deceiver of Gods” album by Amon Amarth, “No Comfort” album by Monolord, “Terrasite” album by Cattle Decapitation and “H.R. Tapes ’84-‘86” album by H.R.

Do you sing in the shower?

I do very seldom. Rob does not. But Matt does!

Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?

We have a few local shows coming up this summer. We are also starting to write new songs, but we can’t really pinpoint when they will be released. We don’t normally like to rush the creative process, although we can become unmotivated if we don’t try to do something! Unfortunately, we have day jobs and time constraints that distract us from creating. Our album “Burn Me Alive” took two years to come to fruition. We hope to at least have an EP sometime this year.

Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?

We’re at the beginning stages of construction for the next gen of songs. We are always trying to recreate ourselves in our music, and that process takes time, seeing what works and what doesn’t. We do have about three songs we are currently working on.

If you could play at any venue in the world, where would you choose?

I would love to play in Carnegie Hall. Just to be in the same stage as so many greats!

Both Rob and Matt would love to play Wacken Open Air in Germany. That would be super epic!

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

Rob’s favorite is Megadeth’s “Rust in Peace.” Matt could not decide, too many favorites! If I really had to pick one, it would have to be “Holy Diver” by Dio.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Rob was listening to some White Lion for the guitarist (super underrated, in his opinion.)

I listen to a lot of 80s new wave and freestyle.

Matt listens to My Chemical Romance “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge.”

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Anthrax, Scorpions, Megadeth, Lacuna Coil, and Jinjer for me!

Rob would have Testament, Pantera, Megadeth, Overkill, and Judas Priest.

Matt chose us, of course! Plus Lamb Of God, Jinjer, Metallica (but first four albums only) and GWAR. He wants them to attack him on stage.

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

Oh boy… my first album was either “Make It Big” by Wham or “Chicago 17” by Chicago. I do not have either one of those cassettes.

Rob’s was Scorpion’s “Love At First Sting.” He does have it in cassette.

Matt’s first album was Def Leppard’s “Pyromania.” He does not have it as the cassette was lost in a fire when he was around 16 years old. Ironic, isn’t it?

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

I do appreciate our fans and every single word of encouragement and support. The fact that someone out there appreciates what we do is so meaningful! I will always remember every single person who came up to me after a show and said that they enjoyed what we did. It fuels my soul!

Rob would like to say that we are there for our fans as much as they are there for us!

Matt says, “Keep your eyes to the skies. Follow your dreams. Life is too short. Not everything is what it seems. Question everything! Support local music!”

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

Our website is www.veronicalucia.rocks and it has all the links for Facebook, Instagram and the rest, as well as more information about us.

We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

Thank you, The Metal Asylum! We love interviews, as we learn more about our bandmates. Your questions were interesting and thought provoking. We appreciate the opportunity to be featured!

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum