Lindsey Stirling
“I've used L.R. Baggs pickups and DI's for years. What can I say? They're fantastic! I use the iMix with Element and iBeam in all of my touring guitars. The Baggs system has a completely natural amplified soundIn attempts to amplify my violin I tried many electric violins and multiple pickups but I have never found anything that can compete with the LR Baggs sound. The Baggs pickup creates a warm acoustic sound and it is sensitive enough to pick up and project the dynamics in your performance. It allows me to rock out while creating a beautiful sound and unlike most other pickups, the LR Baggs does not amplify the bow noise.”
– Lindsey Stirling
YouTube sensation Lindsey Stirling is perhaps the first – and only – artist in the world to blend classical violin, modern dance, and…The Legend of Zelda?!
On September 19th 2012, Lindsey released her self-titled debut album, Lindsey Stirling, coming off the heels of an incredibly successful presence on iTunes. Comprised of 10 original tracks, the album showcases Lindsey’s signature violin-electronic-dubstep style – opening with “Crystallize,” her most popular piece.
Prior to releasing her album, Lindsey had already sold over 300,000 songs, several of which have hit the iTunes Top 100 as well as the top of the digital electronic charts. Lindsey also has plans for a follow-up album of covers, an acoustic album, and possibly a Christmas album, putting her unique twist on everything from existing video game themes to pop music.
“My musical style is a reflection of my personality,” Lindsey shares, “and through it I hope to share my belief that no one should be afraid to be themselves.” She adds “All my songs were created to depict specific themes that I pulled from my own life experiences. ‘Spontaneous Me’ is about having the courage to love yourself for who you are.”
“‘Crystallize,’ on the other hand, is a much deeper song: the crystallization of water is affected by its surroundings to create either beautiful patterns or meaningless masses. Similarly, I believe that through our thoughts, beliefs and the environments we create, we each possess the power to make a positive change within ourselves and others.”
Adds Lindsey, “’Transcendence’ was one of the first songs I ever wrote and it to depict my own triumph over some significant trials I have faced. I feel that the lack of lyric-driven content makes my music powerful. I have put my own personal experiences into each track, but it’s for the listener to decide what the music means to them.”
Lindsey composes, choreographs, and directs all of her original music and videos — merging unique violin stylings and electronic dub-step beats with animated contemporary dance. Her wide array of videos are all available on her Lindseystomp YouTube channel, which rings in at nearly 1,600,000 subscribers — and has tallied over 233 million hits. (Viewership is enthusiastic: the ice-themed “Crystallize” at 47 million; her snow-scaped “Skyrim” at 17 million; and the silhouette-performing “Shadows” at 17 million.)
Between her YouTube Channel, social media outlets, and strong word-of-mouth buzz, Lindsey has gained legions of fans worldwide. She appeared as a finalist on “America’s Got Talent,” performed more recently at video game convention E3, and has played globally in such places as London, Italy, and Kenya. Lindsey’s first headlining performance at historic Webster Hall in New York City sold out in a matter of days. With her unique classical takes on such video franchise themes as “The Legend of Zelda” and “Skyrim”, Lindsey has also endeared herself to masses of gamers, who are among her most avid fans. After a successful US Tour in Fall of 2012 and a sold out European tour in 2013, she now looks forward completing her US tour this spring which will bring her talents to over 40 of the largest entertainment centers of the country – from Chicago, New York and Washington D.C.
A classically-trained violinist, Lindsey’s love for music began with free community concerts and the sounds of Tchaikovsky, Beethoven and Mozart played daily in her home on an old record player. At age five she begged her parents for violin lessons. After a year of her incessant pleading, Lindsey’s mom found a teacher she could afford who would give her daughter 15-minute lessons every other week. She hoped that young Lindsey – now six – wouldn’t grow bored. She never did, and has played ever since.
Young Lindsey’s passion for the violin was matched only by her love of dancing. Having to choose violin rather than dance lessons, Lindsey decided to train for the latter in a more unconventional way: YouTube videos. She studied footwork, practiced moves and techniques, and even taught herself to Moonwalk, becoming the world’s first unofficial YouTube-trained dancer.