For Dalia Razo ’20 MM, ’24 PhD, “folk music is as human as it gets.”
With her band d.a.l.i.a., she performs music that draws on many influences: Western classical, Mexican folk, and even ’90s bands like Radiohead. Offstage, Razo is assistant professor of music education at UNCG. Likewise, her band members are UNCG affiliated: Zach Baker ’20 on drums, Professor of Music Composition Alejandro Rutty on electric bass, Cameron Rabb ’24 on guitar, and Assistant Professor of String Music Education Scott Glasser on violin. Jennifer Aikey ’26 PhD joined the band on electric bass for the NC Folk Festival.
Razo’s musical influences are so diverse, you might ask whether d.a.l.i.a. is folk music. She says, “My use of the Spanish language and storytelling definitely makes my music folk music.”
This fall, she was the winner of the 2026 Not Your Average Folk contest and performed at both the NC Folk Festival and UNCG Homecoming.
Photography by Sean Norona ’13