Chilean jazz artist Camila Meza will perform a solo show at the Savoy in Denver on May 22nd, a day before releasing her first album in six years. Meza discussed the album’s layered recording process during the pandemic, her recent Carnegie Hall performance celebrating Latin American heritage, and her musical evolution from rock to jazz. Now splitting her time between New York, Chile, and Guatemala, Meza continues to captivate audiences with her evocative sound and storytelling. (Interview: 5/14/25)
Greg Schultz: We wish you were here, but we know you’re coming to Denver. Let me tell everyone a little about what we’re discussing this morning. Camila is a Chilean jazz singer, songwriter, and guitarist. We want to talk about your upcoming show in Denver on May 22nd at the Savoy and some of your new music. Welcome to the show. How are things going for you?
Camila Meza: Thank you so much for having me. I’m incredibly excited to play for everyone in Denver. This is the start of a series of shows leading up to the release of my new album — my first in six years. In Denver, I’ll be performing a stripped-down, intimate solo show with just my guitar and some pedals. The show is on May 22nd, the day before the album’s release. I’ll also be performing some of my previous songs, which I don’t think I’ve had the chance to play in Denver before.
Greg Schultz: We’re looking forward to having you. The venue is a beautiful listening room. You’ll love it, and people will love you. Your music is incredible. I read in your bio that you performed at Carnegie Hall. Can you tell us about that experience?
Camila Meza: Absolutely. That was in November last year as part of a series called Unidos Our Sounds, celebrating Latin American heritage in New York. It was a unique setup where the audience surrounded me from all angles, and there was a wellness aspect to it. People were on mats, closing their eyes, and immersing themselves in the music. Many of the songs I performed there will also be part of the Denver show. It was a beautiful experience.
Greg Schultz: That’s a huge milestone for any artist. Incredible. I can just imagine that intimate setting. It’s almost like performing in the round, where the audience is fully engaged. You must’ve felt a strong connection.
Camila Meza: Definitely. It felt less like a performance and more like a communal experience. It wasn’t just about me; it was about everyone being in that space together, connected through the music.
Greg Schultz: Your father played piano, right? And you started out playing rock music in high school. How did that transition to jazz happen?
Camila Meza: Music was always present in my home. My dad is a musician, though he pursued journalism. My siblings and I are all musicians too. In my teens, I got into rock because it had that rebellious edge. I started with Jimi Hendrix and other guitar-heavy bands. But after a while, I felt stuck and started searching for something that would challenge me more. My brother introduced me to jazz, and it was a revelation. I couldn’t believe that those incredible solos were improvised. Jazz felt like home — it had the freedom, textures, and complexity I was looking for.
Greg Schultz: You mentioned Pat Metheny and Joni Mitchell as influences. That’s an interesting mix. How did they shape your sound?
Camila Meza: They’re from different genres but share a common thread. Pat Metheny and Joni Mitchell both collaborated with artists across genres, and that fluidity resonated with me. They weren’t confined to one style, and that really inspired me to break out of the genre mold.
Greg Schultz: You picked two exceptional musicians. Joni Mitchell’s work, especially with her unique tunings, is not easy to play. And Pat Metheny — what a phenomenal guitarist.
Camila Meza: Absolutely. They both had a huge impact on me, showing me that you could be a jazz player and still make folk or rock music, or vice versa. It gave me the freedom to explore different sounds and create my own path.
Greg Schultz: Let’s talk about your new album. We just played ‘The Nurturer,’ one of your singles. This album was a long time coming — six years. How does it feel to finally release it?
Camila Meza: It’s surreal. I almost forgot what it felt like to release music. This album was recorded during the pandemic while I was pregnant, so it was a slow, layered process, completely different from how I usually record. We did it track by track, remotely, over a long period. It was both challenging and rewarding, and I’m so excited to finally share it.
Greg Schultz: Sounds like a painstaking process. Would you consider recording that way again, or was it too much?
Camila Meza: It was a test of patience, but it also allowed for more experimentation. I don’t know if I could do it the same way again, but the layering aspect was fascinating. There were moments when we had 90 tracks on a single song. You can’t capture that in a live studio setting. So, I’d consider it, but maybe not for every project.
Greg Schultz: You mentioned being a new mom. Congratulations! How did that affect the recording process?
Camila Meza: Thank you! It definitely influenced the pace. I’d record late at night after putting my son to sleep. It became a sort of meditative process, and I think that emotional state seeped into the music.
Greg Schultz: You live in New York, right? But you also spend time in Chile and Guatemala?
Camila Meza: Yes, I have a place in Brooklyn, but I also spend time in Chile to see my family and in Guatemala. It’s a bit of a tri-continental life at the moment.
Greg Schultz: Wow, a true world traveler. Where can people follow you and learn more about your work?
Camila Meza: I’m pretty active on Instagram and Facebook — my handle is Camila Meza Music. I also have a website where you can find upcoming shows and more information.
Greg Schultz: Perfect. Well, we’re thrilled to have you come to Denver. The show on May 22nd sounds fantastic. Good luck with the new album and safe travels. Thanks for joining us.
Camila Meza: Thank you so much. It was great to talk to you. I can’t wait to share this music in Denver.
