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Rockstar Violinist Episode 3: Rachel Grace
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Podcasts
Los Angeles based Dutch violinist Rachel Grace has been a pioneer in mixing virtuoso violin skills with electronic dance music.
Rachel studied at the Royal Conservatory of the Netherlands, plays anything from classical music to EDM, and is known for her improvisational skills. She plays both electric and acoustic violin and loves to arrange, compose and produce music.
Rachel recorded with and performed for: DJ Tiesto, Annie Lennox, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, Juanes, Daughtry, Tonight Show, Jane the Virgin, Usher, Will.I.Am, Marc Anthony and many others.
She also plays solo shows/events and tours with her electric string band Saga Strings. Learn more about Rachel Grace at www.rachelgracemusic.com.
| 0:00 | Intro: 'Aerodynamic' by Daft Punk, performed by Saga Strings | |
| 2:36 | Rachel's musical upbringing | |
| 4:14 | Unfortunate mishap with an 18th-century violin & a high heel | |
| 7:23 | "Sketchy places lend themselves better to electric." | |
| 10:46 | Rebelling at conservatory / improvising by ear | |
| 12:42 | First electric violin | |
| 14:48 | First EDM gig | |
| 19:59 | Coming to the U.S. -- meeting Usher & other music celebs | |
| 26:15 | Music: 'Sing2Me' by Thomas Gold, performed by Saga Strings | |
| 28:20 | Backstage with Elton John | |
| 30:00 | Some of the stars Rachel has played with or performed for | |
| 34:30 | "Would you do this with an electric guitar player?" | |
| 42:13 | Playing with Saga Strings | |
| 44:24 | On the importance of learning electric violin technology | |
| 45:50 | Rig rundown | |
| 49:21 | Emulating sounds without using effects processors | |
| 52:03 | Outro music: a spontaneous improv in Rachel's studio |
Rachel performs and records on a Yamaha SV-250 Silent Violin Pro
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!
