We love watching you rock it on violin – You have been coined as not your typical violinist. How did you find yourself in that genre of rock n’ roll `music?
I grew up on classic rock n’ roll: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Beach Boys, It’s A Beautiful Day, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Hendrix, SRV… etc.
I always loved the music I grew up listening to and still do to this day. When I started playing violin, I started in the classical world, but I always knew I wanted to be an alternative violin player. I think because I grew up with this music is the way I ended up wanting to emulate it. I heard the violin by David Laflamme in the band “Its A Beautiful Day” and thought “I can do that!”. Then I heard Hendrix and thought “HOW can I do that on violin?”. I’ve always been inspired by guitarists and seeing what I can create on violin with new tones and how they play.
What inspired you to pick violin over other instruments?
I remember seeing an orchestra on television when I was very very young and there was this beautiful, black woman playing the cello. I just remember seeing her joy and passion as she played with strong arms and emotion. I really latched on to the idea of playing a string instrument. My dad played violin in grade school and a little in high school. He kept those violins his parents bought him and when I was about five years old, my parents pulled them out. I picked one up and messed around with it and just fell in love! I asked my parents for lessons and when I was eleven, my mom got me lessons.
Do you have a favorite song to play live?
I’m not sure I have a favorite song. I go through cycles of loving different songs, but usually there are these magical moments on stage where the band melts together as one and my solo feels like it comes through me from the universe. I feel like those moments are these out of body experiences, it will literally give me goosebumps on stage. The audience is feeling it and I know that everyone is on the same trip with me.
When you need to get your creative juices flowing – what is something you do?
Usually being in nature or listening to music (or both) are the two things that really do it for me. I’m constantly listening to music on my drives to local gigs and I always feel very inspired by who I’m listening to.
Tell us something about yourself – a fun fact or a hidden talent you have!
Hmm.. That’s a tough one. Well, I love to cook!! It’s sort of a passion of mine. My parents always made home cooked meals, so that’s where I get it from. Also, I love to be in nature and turn off all electronics. I love camping, going to the beach, body surfing, boogie boarding, surfing, hiking, fishing, riding bikes, riding horses, etc. Oh yes, and also, I absolutely LOVE sprinkles!!! Hahaha! I’m not really a huge sweets person, but if I ever get frozen yogurt or a cupcake or a doughnut, it HAS to have sprinkles!!!
What do you hope listeners take away after seeing your perform?
I hope my listeners will get to feel the freedom that I feel when I perform. It is so mystical and I hope everyone can experience their own version of that. I love how music brings us together! It is truly the universal language. Nothing better!!!
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/emilyvofficial
End of Interview