Jared Burnett is a consummate self-made, full-time professional violinist, touring widely to perform everywhere from night clubs & corporate conventions to Broadway & Carnegie Hall. With influences such as The Charlie Daniel’s Band, Jean Luc Ponty and more mainstream artists such as Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band, Jared’s musical style has evolved from classical to include bluegrass and jazz, contemporary and modern rock sounds. 

In our interview with Jared he discusses how he built a valuable brand. His 6' 5” muscular physique and long blonde hair are instantly recognizable, and his professionalism and engaging musical performances are his calling card.

Jared plays Wood Violins 6-String Vipers, Zeta Jazz Fusion violins including his own Jared Burnett Signature Series and the Zeta Boyd Tinsley Signature Series violin, and an Aurora Silhouette Silver LED Electric Violin.

Learn more about Jared and book him for your event at jaredviolin.com.

Music in this episode is by Jared Burnett. Tracks heard in this episode include:

The Arrival
Chandelier
Greatest Showman
Not a Bad Thing
Pretty Girl Rock

If you enjoy this podcast, please take a second to like, comment, subscribe, and SHARE this with all your friends. Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 60: Jared Burnett

Exceptional among modern fiddlers for his versatility and depth, Darol Anger has helped drive the evolution of the contemporary string band through his involvement with numerous trailblazing ensembles such as his Republic Of Strings, the Turtle Island String Quartet, the David Grisman Quintet, Montreux,and others. Darol is at home in many of musical genres, some of which he helped to invent!

Darol has performed and taught all over the world with musicians such as Dr. Billy Taylor, Bela Fleck, Bill Evans, David Grisman, David Balakrishnan, Tracy Silverman, Mark O'Connor, Phillip Aaberg, Mark O’Connor, and Stephane Grappelli, to name a few.

In addition to performing all over the world, he has recorded and produced scores of important recordings and has been a featured soloist on dozens of recordings and motion picture soundtracks. He can be heard on NPR’s “Car Talk” theme (along with Earl Scruggs, David Grisman and Tony Rice) and was also the violinist on the soundtrack of the popular Sim City computer games.

An Associate Professor Emeritus at the prestigious Berklee School of music,  Anger now runs an ambitious online fiddle school at ArtistWorks.com and is a regular guest at Berklee's Roots Music program.  You can take lessons with Darol at artistworks.com/fiddle-lessons-darol-anger.

Darol is interested in 5-string violin technology and has built two of his own. 

Learn more at darolanger.com

If you enjoy this podcast, please take a second to like, comment, subscribe, and SHARE this with all your friends. Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 61: Darol Anger

There are lots of amazing players out there but when you talk to the best players about who blows their minds, one name keeps popping up.  Billy Contreras is only in his 30s, but his playing has been raising eyebrows and dropping jaws for over 20 years, from his days as a young fiddle prodigy to his mastery of other genres, including jazz, bluegrass, Western swing and country.

When he was six years old, Contreras attended a local fiddle contest and was encouraged to study violin using the Suzuki method. At the age of ten Billy joined Buddy Spicher's Nashville Swing Band. By the time he was 12 years old Contreras won the National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest. In his teens he studied with classical violinist Rachel Barton Pine and was selected for the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead international residency program.

As an adult, Billy has built an important career as a freelance artist, session player, jazz collaborator, fiddle competitor, and educator.

Tracks heard in this podcast:
- Hot House
- Move
- Oklahoma Stomp
- The Way You Look Tonight
- Hot House (Reprise)
- Start It Over
- Twilight
- Tombstone Junction
- Squirrel Hunters

If you enjoy this podcast, please take a second to like, comment, subscribe, and SHARE this with all your friends. Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 62: Billy Contreras

Seoyeon Im, aka SixMinor, aka V.OLIN is a jazz and pop violinist from Korea. After studying classical violin in Korea she attended Berklee School of Music in Boston and recently earned a Masters Degree in Jazz from Queens College in NYC. She has large and growing audiences on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

Find links to her social media and sheet music sales at linktr.ee/sixminor.

Music heard in this episode:

'Up In the Air' unreleased original single by Seoyeon Im
'SWING 42' by Django Reinhardt with Jason Anick and Yeonsong Kim
Bach Double Violin Concerto arranged for jazz quintet by Seoyeon Im
'Wind Blossom' by Seoyeon Im with Berklee World Strings
'Q Train' by Seoyeon Im
'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star' arranged by Seoyeon Im in 6 different styles

If you enjoy this podcast, please take a second to like, comment, subscribe, and SHARE this with all your friends. Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 63: Seoyeon Im

Julie Lyonn Lieberman has helped develop the multi-style string field over the last forty+ years through her work as an educator, author, radio producer, composer, writer, recording artist, and performer. She has performed on and off Broadway as well as in folk and jazz clubs throughout the United States, and Canada, France and Scotland. She is the recipient of the 2014 American String Teachers Association (ASTA) Kudos Award, over two-dozen ASCAP Plus Awards, eight Meet the Composer awards and three American String Teachers Association’s National Citation for Leadership &amp; Merit awards. She produced four American Jazz String Summits in the 1980s and 1990s featuring many of the top improvising string players in America, and co-produced three alternative string festivals within American String Teachers Conference in 2003, 2004, and 2005, serving as the chair for the 2004 component.

Julie is a D’Addario Elite Clinician and an NS Design Performance Artist.

Learn more about Julie, purchase her many publications including method books, sheet music and DVDs, and find opportunities to expand your playing through Strings Without Boundaries at https://julielyonn.com.

Tracks heard in this episode:

- 'Technostrings' by Julie Lyonn Lieberman; Kendor Music
- 'Dance with Celestrana' with Laraaji Venus and Julie Lyonn Lieberman (Huiksi Music)
- 'Blues at Dawn' by Julie Lyonn Lieberman from “A Festival of Violin & Fiddle Styles,” Hal Leonard
- 'Swinging the Changes' by Julie Lyonn Lieberman from “A Festival of Violin & Fiddle Styles,” Hal Leonard
- 'Bollywood Strings Percussion + SR Orch + Electric Violin' by Julie Lyonn Lieberman; Kendor Music
- 'River of Bollywood' by Julie Lyonn Lieberman from “A Festival of Violin & Fiddle Styles,” Hal Leonard

If you enjoy this podcast, please take a second to like, comment, subscribe, and SHARE this with all your friends. Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 64: Julie Lyonn Lieberman

In the inaugural episode of the 'Rockstar Violinist' podcast, Electric Violin Shop's Matt Bell interviews rock violin legend and electric violin pioneer Mark Wood on the floor of the NAMM show. Mark Wood shares stories about:

• his classical viola upbringing
• his entry into rock music
• his experiences performing and touring with world renowned acts like Celine Dion and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
• his invention of the Viper electric violin, first as a performance instrument for himself, then as the flagship instrument for his instrument company Wood Violins.

A big thanks to our sponsors D'Addario, a manufacturer of the finest in strings for violin, viola, cello, and upright bass, and CodaBow, pioneers of carbon fiber bows serving a worldwide network of professional artists and teachers. Visit daddario.com/orchestral and codabow.com to learn more, or visit electricviolinshop.com to purchase their fine products!

Episode 1: Mark Wood

Evan Garr is an up and coming jazz violinist currently touring with legendary jazz fusion and Latin jazz guitarist Al Di Meola. Hailing from Detroit, Evan was discovered at a young age and has spent years perfecting his technical sound and unique style. Evan also writes, performs and records his own music. Enjoy this interview and be sure visit www.evangarrviolinist.com to hear more of Evan's music.

0:00	Music: “Race with the Devil” Al Di Meola w/Evan Garr
2:48	On his musical upbringing and moving from classical into jazz
8:29	Getting into instrument building
9:53	Evan’s current electric violin
11:34	Early gigs (Norman Connors)
13:30	Music: “A New Beginning” from The Chill Out Album, Evan Garr 
15:29	How Evan landed a gig with Al Di Meola
21:26	Evan’s rhythm “guitar” and bowing techniques
26:30	Music: “Play Time” - from The Chill Out Album - Evan Garr
28:50	Playing with Jean-Luc Ponty
29:54	On how he learns jazz lines by ear
32:59	Evan’s practice routine
34:46	Looking ahead to new career opportunities
37:52	Music: 313 - The Live Experience featuring Evan Garr

A big thanks to our sponsors D'Addario, a manufacturer of the finest in strings for violin, viola, cello, and upright bass, and CodaBow, pioneers of carbon fiber bows serving a worldwide network of professional artists and teachers. Visit daddario.com/orchestral and codabow.com to learn more, or visit electricviolinshop.com to purchase their fine products!

Episode 2: Evan Garr

When the members of Black Violin first learned to play their signature instruments--Wil Baptiste at the viola 14 years old and Kev Marcus the violin at the tender age of 9--neither could have foreseen that it would become their livelihood, though it was already becoming their passion.

With influences ranging from Shostakovich and Bach to Nas and Jay-Z, Black Violin breaks all the rules, blending the classical with the modern to create something rare-a sound that nobody has ever heard, but that everybody wants to feel.

In this interview:

Intro Music: “Stereotypes” from the album “Stereotypes”
0:45 - Sponsor shoutout - D’Addario and Codabow
1:45 - How they got started playing
9:00 - How they got known before the age of social media
9:45 - The “Showtime at the Apollo” story
11:00 - Shows with Alicia Keys, Linking Park, P. Diddy, Kanye, Jay-Z
12:12 - Writing original music
13:20 - Kev talks gear and tone
19:45 - Wil talks gear and tone
23:00 - Discussion on improv
24:40 - Live improv - from Portland, Oregon.  April 3, 2017.  From YouTube
27:00 - More on improv
30:30 - How to make the instrument your own
34:00 - How to inspire young kids to practice
37:54 - Tour life
41:12 - What’s after this tour?
44:40 - Vivaldi 4 Seasons Remix
45:00 - D’Addario giveaway info
46:35 - Endorsements - CodaBow info
48:50 - How to put on a great show
53:00 - Authenticity
55:25 - “We got arrested in China”
1:00:00 - Adventures in Thailand
1:02:00 - Traveling with family
1:03:30 - “A-Flat” from the “Classically Trained” Album.

For tour and other info, please visit http://blackviolin.net/.

A big thanks to our sponsors D'Addario, a manufacturer of the finest in strings for violin, viola, cello, and upright bass, and CodaBow, pioneers of carbon fiber bows serving a worldwide network of professional artists and teachers.

D’Addario is giving away a set of Zyex strings to a lucky Rockstar Violinist listener! Debbie Roper, Anatoliy Khomenko, and Mia Herlinger were randomly selected as winners of the first giveaway. To enter in the new giveaway go to https://daddario.formstack.com/forms/rv2.

Visit daddario.com/orchestral and http://www.codabow.com to learn more, or visit https://www.electricviolinshop.com to purchase their fine products!

Episode 6: Black Violin

In this episode of the Rockstar Violinist podcast Shana interviews our first rock star VIOLIST, and truly one of the most prolific musicians we've had the pleasure of sitting down with. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson is a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, composer, music director, producer, DJ, and educator based in his hometown of Los Angeles, California.

Miguel writes and records and produces his own music but has appeared as an arranger, session player and featured soloist on so many records with so many famous artists that we could not begin to list them all here. (Visit http://miguelatwoodferguson.com/ to learn more.)

Miguel is a musical philosopher and a great interview. Sit back and enjoy his conversation with Electric Violin Shop's Shana Tucker. Musical excerpts heard in this episode are (in order):

"The Lung" - Hiatus Kaiyote (string arrangement by MiguelAtwood-Ferguson)

"Mezame" - Miguel Atwood-Ferguson

"Twelve O'Clock Shadow"  - FLAKO feat. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson

"Reminisce" - Miguel Atwood Ferguson

Special thanks to our sponsor, CodaBow, pioneers of carbon fiber bows serving a worldwide network of professional artists and teachers. Visit electricviolinshop.com to shop the full line of CodaBow models.

Episode 12: Miguel Atwood-Ferguson

Joe Deninzon has been hailed by critics as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” because of his innovative style on seven-string Viper electric violin. Joe has worked with Sheryl Crow, Bruce Springsteen, Phoebe Snow, Everclear, Ritchie Blackmore, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Robert Bonfiglio, Les Paul, and as a soloist with the NY City Ballet and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Joe is the lead singer and violinist for the progressive rock band, Stratospheerius is also a member of the Sweet Plantain String Quartet, which combines Latin Jazz with hip-hop and Classical music, and has toured throughout Europe and the U.S. As an educator, Joe has taught rock violin at Mark O’Connor’s String Camp and Mark Wood’s Rock Orchestra Camp.

Track list: (Intro)Take Your Medicine - Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius - Guilty of Innocence Album • Excerpts from Dream Diary, Concerto for Electric Violin - Joe Deninzon • The Simpsons - Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius - Live Wires Album •Chunga Changa - Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius - The Adventures of Stratospheerius Album •Guilty of Innocence - Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius - Guilty of Innocence Album • Behind the Curtain - Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius - Guilty of Innocence Album • Hysteria - Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius - Guilty of Innocence Album • Dream Diary Cadenza - Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius - Guilty of Innocence Album • Parallel Reality - Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius - Guilty of Innocence Album • Affluenza - Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius - Guilty of Innocence Album • The Prism - Joe Deninzon Live in Matt’s Apartment • The Prism - Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius - Guilty of Innocence Album

This episode of 'Rockstar Violinist' is generously sponsored by Wood Violins, makers of the Viper electric violin (played by Joe Deninzon) and other fine electric bowed string instruments. Shop the full line of Wood Violins products at www.electricviolinshop.com.

Episode 13: Joe Deninzon

Ned Steinberger, inventor of the headless Steinberger basses and guitars that became quite famous in the 1980s, founded his current company NS Design in 1990 with a primary focus on bowed instruments – the violin, viola, cello and double bass. Ned explains, “Bowed electric instruments have been made since the mid-thirties. Unfortunately, most of these instruments are the victims of the misplaced idea that an electric instrument should sound exactly like its acoustic predecessor. I want to take it a step further, I want to see what these instruments can do when they are set free.”

We hope you enjoy Matt Bell's conversation with this instrument design genius and trailblazer in the bowed strings field. Follow our podcast on SoundCloud or subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher or Google Play music.

The full line of NS Design instruments is available at electricviolinshop.com.

Episode 14: Ned Steinberger

As a solo cellist Jenn Cornell delivers a progressive groove oriented experience through intricately spun looped compositions. You may have heard her music before--she was half of the genre-bending fusion duo Montana Skies, whose music was featured on the Travel Channel and NPR. These days Jenn records in her Atlanta studio and can be seen performing at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest airport! Jenn's playing is equal parts music and performance art, as she emotes a true joy for life where rhythm and movement become a dance of instrument and body.

Learn more about Jenn at www.jenncello.com/.

If you enjoyed this interview, please subscribe to Rockstar Violinist on your favorite listening platform, and be sure to check out www.electricviolinshop.com for great products and information.

Episode 18: Jenn Cornell

Derryck Gleaton, better known as DSharp, is an American violinist, DJ, singer and producer based in Los Angeles. Known for his trademark colorful violins, he writes his own music as well as performs cover versions of popular songs, focusing on hip hop, electronic dance music and classical pieces.

DSharp has played in clubs around the world, where he has performed with Smokey Robinson, American DJ Kaskade, Dutch DJs Afrojack, Chuckie, Nicky Romero and R3hab, and Swedish DJ Sebastian Ingrosso. He has played with The Dave Matthews Tribute Band, and on four tracks of rapper Rick Ross's album ‘God Forgives, I Don’t.’

Follow @whoisdsharp on Instagram and at youtube.com/iamdsharp. Find upcoming dates at www.whoisdsharp.com.

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 22: DSharp

Rob Flax is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator with a playful heart and an open mind. He has performed nationally and internationally with groups of many different styles, including opening for B.B. King and Tower of Power, playing viola and violin with the Trans Siberian Orchestra and YouTube star Jacob Collier, upright bass in an Argentine tango ensemble, mandolin and fiddle in various bluegrass bands, electric violin in several rock bands, collaborations with modern dancers, and more.

As a composer Rob has written music for choreographers, film (including work on the soundtrack of James Franco’s film As I Lay Dying), and several original projects. Rob is a graduate of the New England Conservatory and he currently lives in Boston, MA.

Learn more about Rob’s music at www.robflax.com.

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 40: Rob Flax

Born in Nashville, TN, Lars began playing fiddle at age six. He started gigging around Nashville at age fifteen and by seventeen was working the Broadway circuit. He studied violin performance formally at Berklee College of Music before returning to Nashville to pursue a career as a touring musician.

In addition to fiddle, Lars plays banjo, mandolin, acoustic guitar, Dobro, resonator guitar, electric guitar, baritone guitar, and sings background harmonies. His Nashville success can be attributed in part to his versatility--he's comfortable as both a rhythm and lead player, live or in the studio, and can help to create textures and sounds for artists when recording and recreate those studio sounds in a live performance situation.

To learn more about Lars and his music, visit www.larsthorson.com.

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 43: Lars Thorson

Matt Vanacoro is one of New York’s premier musicians and an expert at studio music recording production. With a strong understanding of technology for today’s modern musician, Matt is able to utilize the latest equipment and software to make his rig work for any situation. Experienced in both hardware synthesizers and software-based samples, Matt is able to call up the perfect sound every time.

In this interview Matt discusses recording, music technology, and content creation with a focus on information specific to bowed strings players, with whom he has a lot of experience recording and producing.

Learn more about Matt at www.mattvanacoro.com.

Intro – Groove by Matt Vanacoro
1:10 - Why are we interviewing a non-violinist?
4:35 – Forefront of tech for years. Content creation and how tech is relevant for string players in 2019
6:38 – What advice would you give string players who are wanting to get into content creation?
12:10 – BREAK – Vulcan Worlds by Mark Wood
12:10 – You have to know what you know and know what you don’t know
14:50 – Mixing my CD – you were so fast with mixing this stuff.  I can tell you’ve spent a lot of time on that gear.
17:00 – BREAK – Exile by Matt Bell
17:00 – How to record an acoustic.
32:32 – BREAK – Long Time with Chuck Bontrager
32:32 – Know Your Gear
35:02 – What mic or gear would you recommend?
42:28 – BREAK – Hot Water
42:28 - Sponsorships
57:10 – BREAK – It’s All Good by Matt Bell
57:10 – Advice for young string players
OUTRO – Groove by Matt Vanacoro

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 44: Matt Vanacoro

Dr. David Wallace is a fiercely eclectic musician, award-winning composer, and master teaching artist who currently serves as Chair of the String Department of Berklee College of Music.

Known for his mastery of eclectic styles ranging from all classical genres to fiddling, rock, and free jazz, David has also gained widespread acclaim for his ability to connect with audiences in diverse community settings, including schools, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, houses of worship, and prisons. Symphony magazine hails his book Engaging the Concert Audience: A Musician’s Guide to Interactive Performance (Berklee Press), as “an invaluable manual for all musicians, classical or otherwise.”

Learn more about David Wallace at docwallacemusic.com.

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 45: David Wallace

This episode of Electric Violins Shop's "Rockstar Violinist" podcast features one of our own--EVS staff cellist Shana Tucker! Sadly, we don't see as much of Shana in the shop as we'd like to these days, but that's only because as an in-demand performer, recording artist and educator she is practically always booked!

Above and beyond playing the cello, Shana is also a talented singer-songwriter. With a deep respect for lyrical storytelling, she delivers a unique voice through her self-described genre of ChamberSoul™. Shana's melodies weave strong hints of jazz, classical, soulful folk, acoustic pop and a touch of R&B into a distinctive rhythmic tapestry.

An NPR interview about Shana's debut CD, "SHiNE" and her ChamberSoul style prompted an invitation from Cirque du Soleil to join the company as cellist/vocalist for their show, KÀ in Las Vegas, where she stayed and performed for five years before returning to North Carolina.Shana is currently a featured artist performing with legendary jazz saxophonist/composer Bennie Maupin;  jazz drummer/composer Shirazette Tinnin and Sonic WallPaper; Grammy-nominated NuSoul collective, The Foreign Exchange. Her newest project, Women's Work, a female-led collective of jazz, soul and pop singer-songwriters and musicians representing both east and west coasts. 

Having opened for internationally-acclaimed artists including Norah Jones, Lisa Fischer, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Hamiet Bluett, Javon Jackson, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and Indigo Girls, Shana's vocals and cello are featured on several studio and live recording projects by both independent and signed label artists and producers. She also devotes a considerable amount of her time to working with students in schools & universities, community centers and summer camps throughout the year as part of her mission to promote arts education programming for students of all ages.

Shana Tucker is an NS Design artist and plays a 'US5' 5-string electric cello, which is the US-made predecessor to their current CR5 model. You can learn more about her at shanatucker.com.

Music heard in this episode:

Intro Music - "The Precious Ones” from the Shine album
"No Get Back" from the Shine album
"Be Still My Beating Heart" - from YouTube
"In the Moment" - Single
"What’s Love Got To Do With It" - Single
"November" from the Shine album
"Shine" from the Shine album

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 46: Shana Tucker

Kishi Bashi is the pseudonym of singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Kaoru Ishibashi. Kaoru studied film scoring at Berklee College of Music before becoming a renowned violinist.

Kishi Bashi is also the singer and founding member of the New York electronic rock outfit, Jupiter One. In 2011, he started to record and perform as a solo artist, opening for Sondre Lerche, Alexi Murdoch, and of Montreal. He supported of Montreal on their spring 2012 tour.

Shortly after Ishibashi debuted his full-length solo album "151a" on Indianapolis label Joyful Noise Recordings, NPR All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen listed Kishi Bashi as his favorite new artist of 2012 noting that he created "a radiant, uplifting soundscape" with songs such as "Bright Whites." 

Kishi Bashi has since been invited to play in major festivals such as SXSW and Austin City Limits and gone on an extensive US tour with supporting acts such as The Last Bison (from his native Hampton Roads, Virginia). In early 2013, Kishi Bashi held a North American tour across the United States and Canada, continuing in EU and UK in spring 2013.

In 2014 Kishi Bashi released his own line of coffee through Jittery Joe's called Royal Daark Blend. Each purchase comes with an exclusive song download. 2016 saw Kishi Bashi release his new album  "Sonderlust" live on NPR's All Songs Considered.  

His latest album Omoiyari was released May 31st and available on all platforms.

Learn more at www.kishibashi.com.

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 47: Kishi Bashi

Even if you haven't heard the name Jimmy Mattingly you've probably heard his incredible playing as a touring and recording fiddler for some of the biggest Country acts of all time, including Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Brooks and Dunn, Garth Brooks, Rascal Flats, Keith Urban, [pause for breath], Reba McEntire, and Trisha Yearwood...to name a few!

In addition to supporting some of the biggest acts in music, Jimmy and some of his best friends from the Bluegrass Music world formed a band back in 2003 called The Grascals, who won 2 Grammy Nominations, 2 Entertainers Of The Year awards at the International Bluegrass Music Association, as well as the Emerging Artist Award and Song Of The Year award.

Currently you can catch Jimmy on tour with Garth Brooks along with Trisha Yearwood.

Jimmy uses Warm Audio microphones and preamps. You can read his full artist bio at https://warmaudio.com/artist-jimmy-mattingly/.

Songs heard in this episode:

0:00:00 - "Fever" from Garth: Live from Central Park
0:12:15 - "Me and John and Paul" by The Grascals
0:24:00 - "Halos and Horns" by Dolly Parton
0:35:18 - "Amarillo by Morning" with Garth Brooks
0:42:51 - "Callin' Baton Rouge" with Garth Brooks
1:00:00 - "Sally Goodin" with The Grascals
1:08:10 - "Consider Me Gone" with Reba McEntire
1:23:48 - "Stairway to Heaven" with Dolly Parton

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 49: Jimmy Mattingly

Brian King Joseph is a self-taught and self-produced electric violinist who rose to fame in season 13 of America's Got Talent, when he advanced to the finals and finished the competition in 3rd place. BKJ has made a name for himself in the music scene since the age of 4. He has performed with major touring acts such as George Clinton & P Funkadelics, Machine Gun Kelly, He has toured the country with his charting Reggae band Lucky Dub, were personally requested to perform for the Mayor of DC and Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor. He has appeared on hit TV shows such as "MTV Real World" and several commercials. In 2012, he was offered a Full Presidential Scholarship at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. ​BKJ consistently collaborates with lifestyle brands, independent designers, and event programmers for both sponsored and private events such as weddings (reception & ceremony), ribbon-cutting events, club openings, private parties etc ​ Brian King Joseph composes and produces all of his music independently.

Learn more about BKJ at https://www.briankingjoseph.com.

Music heard in this episode:

Intro: Brian’s first televised audition for AGT
Everything I Wanted - Billie Eilish Cover - Brian’s YT channel
BKJ and Lindsey Stirling performance on AGT
Centuries - Fall Out Boy Cover - AGT
Lucid Dreams - Juice Wrld Cover - Brian’s YT channel
Finals Performance on AGT
Semi-Finals Performance on AGT
Spark - Original Track by BKJ
Rebellion - Original Track by BKJ

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 50: Brian King Joseph

Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) is a prolific and endlessly collaborative composer, performer, educator, and social entrepreneur. Known for his signature violin sounds infused with myriad electronic, urban, and African-American music influences, DBR takes his genre-bending music beyond the proscenium. He is a composer of chamber, orchestral, and operatic works; has won an Emmy for Outstanding Musical Composition for his collaborations with ESPN; featured as keynote performer at technology conferences; and created large scale, site-specific musical events for public spaces.

Learn more about DBR and his music at https://www.danielroumain.com/.

View show notes with time stamps at https://www.electricviolinshop.com/blog

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 51: Daniel Bernard Roumain [DBR]

Ariella Zeitlin is a world renowned violinist and singer-songwriter, known for her upbeat original style and combining virtuoso classical music with upbeat rock originals. Originally from Baltimore, MD, she moved to Israel at the age of 17 where she quickly became a musical representative of Israel, being flown internationally to represent Israel in performances across the world. She received a MA in violin performance from the Jerusalem Academy of Music, sponsored in part by scholarships from the Israel-America Cultural Foundation, and has hundreds of thousands of views on her YouTube channel.

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 52: Ariella Zeitlin

Violinist Trevor Dick cultivates a successful career as solo artist as well as being a prolific composer/arranger. Trevor's reach extends beyond just playing the violin though. Since 2005, Trevor has acted as a Compassion Canada artist and actively promotes the cause of child poverty at his concerts. He is the founder and artistic director of the non-profit charitable music missionary organization, Flyingbow Music Ministry. Additionally, he is a worldwide ambassador for the electric bowed strings community and is the creator and manager of the growing Electric Strings Players Facebook group.

Born in Nigeria to missionary parents, and later growing up on culturally rich Vancouver Island, Trevor benefited from his musical upbringing in the music-soaked city of Nanaimo. Developing relationships and performing with international musicians are career highlights for Trevor.

Trevor is an enthusiastic gear head--you can find numerous gear and instrument reviews on his YouTube channel. His main electric instrument is an NS Design CR5 violin, and he uses an earlier generation Cantini violin for MIDI applications.

Learn more about Trevor, his music, his ministry and his charitable work at trevordick.com.

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 53: Trevor Dick

Celtic fiddler and award-winning singer-songwriter Kiana June Weber has headlined the largest Celtic festivals in the world. She reached No.1 on the Billboard World Music charts multiple times as a member of Gaelic Storm. She later spent three years touring with the world famous violin troupe, Barrage. Since leaving Barrage to pursue her own career Kiana has toured widely both as a featured soloist with the Grammy-Award-Winning artist Carlos Nunez and in the touring cast of Tony Award Winning musical Come From Away.

Learn more about Kiana June and her music at www.kianajune.com.

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 54: Kiana June Weber

*This is part 1 of our 2-part extended interview with Rachel Barton Pine. Find part 2 on our channel.*

Rachel Barton Pine is one of the most recognized names on the classical music scene today. She made her debut as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at age 10. Since then, she’s gone on to perform with orchestras all over the world, as well as with many of rock’s biggest names such as Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and Steve Vai. 

She performs on the “ex-Bazzini, ex-Soldat” Joseph Guarnerius del Gesu (Cremona, 1742), and when plugging in Rachel plays a 6-string Wood Violins Viper electric violin.

Tracks heard in this episode:

INTRO - Blood Drunk - Earthen Grave
BREAK #1 - Little Diamond - Bird on the Wing Jigs - Blues Dialogues album
BREAK #2 -  Dismal Times - Earthen Grave
BREAK #3 - Black Sabbath/Ozzy Rock Quartet - Recorded at MWROC, 2013
BREAK #4 - Organic Metal Framework - Solo - Family Fridays with RBP - Nov 13, 2020

Learn more about Rachel at rachelbartonpine.com.

Listen and subscribe to Rachel's wonderful 'Violin Adventures with Rachel Barton Pine' podcast at rachelbartonpine.libsyn.com.

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 55: Rachel Barton Pine (part 1)

*This is part 1 of our 2-part extended interview with Rachel Barton Pine. Stay tuned for part 2, coming soon!*

Rachel Barton Pine is one of the most recognized names on the classical music scene today. She made her debut as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at age 10. Since then, she’s gone on to perform with orchestras all over the world, as well as with many of rock’s biggest names such as Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and Steve Vai.

She performs on the “ex-Bazzini, ex-Soldat” Joseph Guarnerius del Gesu (Cremona, 1742), and when plugging in Rachel plays a 6-string Wood Violins Viper electric violin.

Tracks heard in this episode:

INTRO - Viola d’amore Concerto in A Minor RV 397 I. Vivace
BREAK #1 - STAR SPANGLED BANNER
BREAK #2 - Theme and Variations on the Glow of the Lamp - Rachel’s YouTube
BREAK #3 - Metallica One - RBP and Mike Block

Learn more about Rachel at rachelbartonpine.com.

Listen and subscribe to Rachel's wonderful 'Violin Adventures with Rachel Barton Pine' podcast at rachelbartonpine.libsyn.com.

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 56: Rachel Barton Pine (part 2)

Welcome to another episode of Rockstar Violinist, the podcast from Electric Violin Shop that brings you the biggest stars in the world of electric strings.  There may be no bigger star in our world than Lindsey Stirling.  From regular appearances on the biggest stages to over 3 billion views on YouTube, she is...everywhere.

We recently loaned Lindsey a Viper for what, at the time, was a top secret project.  We did this interview a month or so before her Christmas show came out and we’ve been sitting on it so we could share some behind the scenes info.  But now we can share it - as well as a really cool look into the mind of one of the most visible people in the violin community, Lindsey Stirling: Rockstar Violinist!

Tracks heard in this episode:

    INTRO - 'Guardian' from the Artemisalbum
    10:44 - 'Crystallize'
    22:52 - 'Something Wild' from the Disnay film Pete’s Dragon
    32:17 - 'Violin Rock' from Lindsey's first ever live dance + violin performance at the Junior Miss Pageant
    42:31 - 'Underground' from the Artemisalbum
    48:56 - 'Iris' with Johnny Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls from Lindsey's String Sessionspodcast
    57:10 - 'Til The Light Goes Out'
    OUTRO - 'Carol of the Bells'

Visit lindseystirling.com to hear more music, subscribe to Lindsey's aweseom podcast, and see when her tour schedule is bringing her to a venue near you.

If you enjoy this podcast, please take a second to like, comment, subscribe, and SHARE this with all your friends. Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 57: Lindsey Stirling

Cremaine Booker, aka ThatCelloGuy, is a cellist who hails from Dallas, TX. Whether you know it or not, you’ve almost definitely heard Cremaine play.  He was on the new Lion King soundtrack.  He’s recorded with Black Violin, Lauren Daigle, Keb Mo, Sheryl Crow, Michael McDonald and so many more.  He’s performed live with Hans Zimmer, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, LeAnn Rimes, Chris Stapleton, Martina McBride, and many more. As an outstanding classical player, Cremaine serves as principal cello for the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra.

Tracks heard in this episode:

Music from the 'Darksiders: Genesis' video game
'Hallelujah' cover by Matt Bell feat. Cremaine Booker
'Time' by Hans Zimmer from the movie Interstellar
'Petrichor'
'Aya'
'Arrival of the Birds'
'Fly'

Visit thatcelloguy.com to learn more about Cremaine and his music.

If you enjoy this podcast, please take a second to like, comment, subscribe, and SHARE this with all your friends. Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 58: Cremaine Booker

With performances often described as passionate, vivacious, electrifying, and innovative, Billboard-charting international recording artist Chelsey Green brings the vibrancy of violin and viola playing and unique, rich vocals to worldwide audiences in a whole new way.

Dr. Green is an Associate Professor in the String Department at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. She and her ensemble, The Green Project, tear down all stereotypes of the violin and viola by fusing traditional classical technique with popular favorites and enticing original songs in various genres– including R&B, Pop, Soul, Funk, Jazz, Alternative, Hip Hop, Gospel and more!

Tracks heard in this episode:

Intro: Dr. Funk
Break #1: Pizzicato Part III
Break #2: Summertime
Break #3: Groove Ready
Break #4: People Make The World Go Round
Break #5: Soundcheck
Outro: It's Not What It Seems

Learn more about Chelsea and her music at chelseygreen.com and follow her on social media:

Instagram – @GreenViolinist
Twitter – @GreenViolinist & @GreenProjectTGP
Facebook – www.fb.com/greenprojecttgp
YouTube – www.youtube.com/chelseygreenproject

If you enjoy this podcast, please take a second to like, comment, subscribe, and SHARE this with all your friends. Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at info@electricviolinshop.com for advice.

Episode 59: Chelsey Green

Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists.

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