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Rockstar Violinist Episode 3: Rachel Grace
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