Gerry Casey Interviews Carrie Zavala

January 25, 2026

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Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey’s Interview with Carrie Zavala

Zavala Sol is a San Diego–based five-piece band blending blues, swing, Southern rock, and funk into a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Formed in 2022, the group came together with an almost immediate musical chemistry, driven by powerful original songs and a shared commitment to groove, storytelling, and high-energy performance.

At the heart of Zavala Sol is lead singer Carrie Zavala, whose commanding voice and magnetic stage presence define the band’s identity. Carrie brings deep soul, grit, and emotional range to every performance, effortlessly moving between blues intensity, funky swagger, and Southern-rock fire. Her vocals anchor the band’s sound and give their original material its unmistakable personality.

That chemistry translated quickly into success. In less than six months, Zavala Sol recorded and released their debut album of original music and earned a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2022 San Diego Music Awards. Momentum continued to build, and in July 2023 the band won the San Diego International Blues Challenge, earning the honor of representing the city at the 2024 International Blues Challenge, competing against top bands from across the United States and around the world.

Zavala Sol’s focus is firmly on original music, with songs that blend funky blues grooves, driving rock riffs, and soulful melodies. When they do perform covers, they make them their own, reshaping familiar material through the band’s distinct style and feel. The result is a live show that is tight, energetic, and deeply engaging.

Supporting Carrie Zavala is a seasoned lineup of musicians who bring depth and versatility to the band. Mike VanDuyn handles lead, rhythm, and slide guitar, adding grit and texture. Karl Dring contributes guitar, blues harp, and slide guitar, expanding the band’s sonic range. Bill Salisbury holds down the low end on bass with groove and precision, while Jon Price drives the band forward on drums with power and swing.

Together, Zavala Sol delivers a sound that is soulful, funky, and unapologetically alive — a band built around strong songwriting, fearless performance, and a lead singer whose voice demands attention from the first note.