Please introduce yourself. What do you do? Why? What do you want people to know about you?
My name is EMILY V. I am THE Rock N’ Roll violinist. I am #notyourtypicalviolinist. I have been playing violin most of my life. I was raised on classic rock. I perform with several bands playing my violin as the lead instrument like the lead guitarist in a rock band. Think “Jimmy Page” or “Jimi Hendrix” BUT on the violin.
I have performed with artists such as: Walter Trout, Lukas Nelson and The Promise of the Real, Blind Melon, The Adicts, Donavon Frankenreiter, members of The Who, members of Oingo Boingo, members of Crosby Stills and Nash, etc just to name a few. This year, I am recording my first ever solo album!!! I am coming out as a Rock Singer AND Rock Violinist. My album is heavily influenced by Stone Temple Pilots, Led Zeppelin, Alice In Chains and Mad Season.
My current album features other artists such as Nik Hughes drummer for Bush, John Avila bass player for Oingo Boingo, and Eric Dover guitarist and singer for Slash’s Snakepit. I am currently gearing up to release my first single and music video along with new merchandise! It is a very exciting year planned! Lots of performances booked and will be headlining for the first time as my own self titled artist as “Emily V” for some festivals coming up.
What qualities make you different and unique from everyone else in the industry?
I am one of one. There is literally not a current “Rock Violinist” alive that plays like I do. My passion and energy for being on stage is one of the most eclectic and exciting performances for anyone. I have experimented with many guitar and bass pedals to create a unique tone collaboration of deep guitar like sounds with sensual violin singing mixed in. There is nothing I was put on this earth to do other than to open people’s minds to the possibility of what the violin can really do. I want to take them on a journey every time they see me perform.
Describe THAT moment when you realized you’re doing what you were born to do.
I’m not sure there is just ONE moment. I can think of a few… but there is on that sticks out in my mind: I was performing with a band I ended up playing with for several years. It was near the beginning of my era with them. We had a residency every Sunday and we packed the place to the brim literally every show. One day we played a song that featured me heavily.
I closed my eyes and felt my solo come from the deepest part of my soul. As the solo climaxed, I opened my eyes to a sea of excited eyes and waving hands. When the solo ended, the whole entire room erupted into a thunderous applause accompanied by hoots and hollers. It took me by such surprise, I broke into tears. The energy in the room was palpable and had taken over us like a zombie apocalypse but that was a true moment I knew I was on my most perfect path.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to go through and how did you grow through it?
My biggest challenge has been that I am so unique in what I do. It is both a blessing and a curse so to speak. When people see me, they are so enthralled and captivated. If people don’t see me, they literally don’t know that someone like me exists. I have had to make sure I am present on as many platforms as possible for other artists, bands and promoters to see me and collaborate with me.
If I can keep my visibility high, then I can conquer every stage of my dreams! It takes a lot perseverance to keep working through this struggle. I have grown to be more confident in finding my voice and sound and presence on stage to keep sharing videos of myself performing. You have to have thick skin to keep up in the entertainment industry, and that’s exactly what that’s done for me.
Who are the TOP 3 people you’d want to meet that could elevate your career or business? Why these specific individuals?
Dave Cobb – I love his work as a producer and love the Rival Sons (who he has produced as well). My dream is to also perform with the Rival Sons.
Linda Perry – I have watched her work for years and love her energy and the musicians she has produced and worked with. She is extremely talented. I would be honored to work with her and I believe she would connect me with some amazing talent!
Shep Gordon – Shep has been such an influential person in the music industry and has done so many amazing things. I would love to work with him. I believe he would be able to elevate my career by introducing me to so many people in the industry.
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Drop your social media links.
Instagram: instagram/emilyvofficial
Facebook: facebook/emilyvmusic
Tiktok: tiktok/emilyvofficial