There are musicians, and then there are creators who reinvent themselves with every riff. Since our last conversation, Sacra Victoria has stepped boldly into darker sonic worlds—blending death and black metal influences with her neoclassical shred roots

Guitarist

Sacra Victoria 🇺🇸

Since your last interview with us, how has your musical journey evolved?

My journey has taken some exciting new turns. Lately, I’ve been leaning more into shred guitar with a darker, heavier edge—blending in more death and black metal influences, rather than focusing purely on neoclassical like I used to. I’ve also been riffing a lot more and pushing my writing in new directions. One of the biggest changes is that I recently joined a band called Area 51, and it’s opened up an entirely new creative chapter for me.

What can you tell us about your latest or upcoming releases—any new sounds, themes, or stories?

Sacred Symphony just dropped six new instrumental tracks, and they’re available now for streaming. Each one comes with bold, eye-catching artwork that adds a visual layer to the music. With Area 51, we’re in the thick of recording our debut album, produced by Joost van den Broek. It’s been amazing—this band blends a mix of genres in a way that’s really refreshing and inspiring as both a guitarist and songwriter.
I’m also working on my debut solo EP—a collection of neoclassical-inspired instrumentals. And there’s a brand-new project in the works, but that one’s still under wraps for now. All I can say is it’s something I’m incredibly excited about… and it’ll be revealed soon enough.

How do you stay inspired creatively, especially during tougher times or plateaus?

Whenever I hit a block, I shift gears and focus on something else that fuels me creatively. If music isn’t flowing, I’ll jump into clothing design, painting, or writing—anything that keeps the spark alive. That shift usually helps me come back to music with fresh energy. I’m constantly rotating through the things I love: recording, making fun covers, teaching, designing… it keeps everything exciting.
I rarely feel bored because there’s always something new to dive into. Staying connected to why you fell in love with music in the first place is key during uninspiring times. Guitar is like a relationship—if it starts to feel routine, you have to revisit the roots and reignite that fire. Listen to music that inspired you to pick up the guitar or play some of your favorite songs!

Is there a message or emotion you aim to communicate with your music right now?

A message I try to share is that being a musician isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. There’s a lot of work behind the scenes—rehearsals, recording, shows, social media, managing a band… it can get overwhelming. Ironically, the more music becomes your full-time life, the less time you have to just play for fun. I try to stay mindful of that and protect the joy of playing. I also believe in evolving as an artist while staying true to your core, even if who you are continues to change. Growth is part of the journey.

Have you collaborated with any artists recently? If so, how did it shape your sound or perspective?

I do collaborate occasionally with other musicians on social media and similar platforms, but not as much as I’d like to—mostly due to time constraints. I’d definitely love to do more in the future. Every collaboration brings a new perspective and teaches you something about your own style.

How has your audience grown or changed over the past year—any new connections or feedback that stood out?

There’s been a big spike in interest from black and death metal fans lately. I’ve been posting more covers in that style, full corpse paint and all—and it turns out that’s pretty rare for women doing shred guitar with corpse paint on. The response has been incredible. I’ve always been drawn to the dark aesthetics and energy of black metal, and lately, it’s felt like a more natural part of how I express myself.

What do you think the role of a female shred guitarist is in today’s rock and metal scene?

Being a woman in the music world has been a really positive experience for me. I’ve always felt respected and supported. When I first picked up the guitar, I didn’t even think about gender—I just wanted to play. If my playing can inspire other women or young girls to go for it, that’s amazing.
I know not everyone has had the same experience, but I’ve been fortunate to receive support from fans, fellow musicians, and the community. I’m truly grateful for that.

Have your practice habits changed recently, or do you still keep a 10-hour day?

I definitely don’t have time for those 10-hour practice days anymore! But I do keep a structured routine. I still play about two hours a day, and the rest of my time goes into writing, recording, developing new material, working on my guitar book, designing for my clothing line, managing social media, teaching, filming content, and more. It’s a full plate, but I genuinely love every part of it.

You’ve been hand-painting guitars and creating art—has visual art blended into your music at all?

Absolutely. With Area 51, I designed and sewed both my costume and Wena Velasco’s costume. The whole band concept is inspired by alien experiments and Area 51 lore, so I got to visually bring that story to life with design and face paint. That crossover between visual art and music is something I love—it’s a powerful way to create a full experience.

If you could tell your younger self one thing about being a woman in music today, what would it be?

I’d tell her: Go for it! Jump in with everything you’ve got. Being in music is empowering—you get to express yourself in a way that’s raw and real. With all the platforms and tools available today, there are so many ways to get your voice out there.
Yes, it takes balance, and it can be a lot, but if you stay grounded in your passion and keep evolving, you’ll find your own rhythm. You can build something that’s truly yours, and that’s the most rewarding feeling in the world.

Photo credits
Instagram: @ericklsmith / @FHerxz / @jarkiphoto / @alfredo_alv14