Alex DePue

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“It’s just beautiful. BEAUTIFUL I say! The general electrified sound, especially with some distortion… it just sounds better than any other pickup system OR electric violin I’ve ever used, that’s for sure. I’m just thrilled and very grateful… I’m gonna destroy the world with this thing!”

Watch Steve Vai and Alex DePue trade scorching riffs at about 2 minutes in!

Alex DePue began taking classical violin lessons at age five. He won his first major competition at age 10, and later (age 14) won a competition that entitled him to perform at Carnegie Hall as Concertmaster for the National Guild Youth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Joseph Silverstein. He has continued to win competitions and appear as a guest soloist with orchestras and at festivals worldwide.

Despite his classical training, Alex became interested in fiddling at age seven, and began competing in old-time fiddle contests at the age of 12. He reigned as the Michigan State Fiddling Champion from 1994-1998; won the first-place trophy at the Walnut Valley National Fiddling Championship in Winfield, Kansas in 1999 and 2005; won first place in the Halletsville, TX “Gone to Texas National Fiddling Championship” in 2000; won first place in the Alabama state fiddle contest in 2006 and 2007; and won first place in the California state fiddle contest in 2007. He has been ranked among the top 10 fiddlers in the nation at the Grand Masters Fiddling Championship (Nashville, TN). In 2005, Alex placed fourth at the GMFC. Alex served as a judge at the National Oldtime Fiddling Championship (Weiser, ID) in 2008. Alex toured with Capitol Recording artist Chris Cagle from 2000-2006, with whom he still regularly appears (re-runs) on the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Television, Great American Country, and VH1 Country.

Alex joined legendary rock guitarist Steve Vai for a 2007 world tour that took him across North America, South America, and Europe. Alex’s YouTube videos are from all parts of the globe, and his #1 YouTube hit, ‘Owner of a Lonely Heart’ (originally recorded by the 80’s rock band, Yes) has been viewed worldwide over a million times. 2010 continued celebration for Vai’s 2009 DVD release, “Steve Vai: Where the WILD THINGS Are” (a live concert music-movie co-featuring DePue), its Grammy nomination (Best Rock Instrumental) for the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards and Gold Record (award issued to each band/cast member) from the Recording Industry Association of America in recognition of “Gold” sales status in both the US and Canada.

Alex recently teamed up with Mexican guitarist Miguel De Hoyos. Their unique international sound has been praised by elected Mexico officials in Baja California South and Baja California North, MX and their spectacular musical performances are being extolled by popular English-written Mexican publications such as the Gringo Gazette and the Baja Times. Alex and Miguel released their first recording ‘Underground Whispers” in 2009 and their new album “Twisted Strings” (2010) are both available at www.depuedehoyos.com <http://www.depuedehoyos.com> or www.alexdepue.com <http://www.alexdepue.com> .

In addition to performing, Alex is a published composer and arranger of music. Alex has a self-produced CD available which features pieces he arranged and/or composed. In addition to his own CD, he has produced recordings for singers and other instruments, and records sessions in his off time from tours.

With his brothers, Alex played on the soundtrack for the Philadelphia Orchestra documentary, “Music from the Inside Out”. Alex also composed one of the pieces recorded for the documentary. With a background in both classical violin and fiddling, and an ability to play not only the violin but also the viola, mandolin, guitar, double bass, percussion, and piano, Alex is an artist that can produce any style of music.

“Alex DePue is described as one of the leading improv violinists of his generation, with legendary prowess in bluegrass, rock, classical, and jazz/blues…” (Kansas City Tribune)

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Emil and Dariel

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Emil and Dariel

Emil and Dariel“Today was the glorious day that we got the King Cobras, and we are just speechless. We absolutely are in LOVE with them! They are everything we expected and more!! Everything about them is top notch, and we are thrilled to represent such phenomenal instruments, and such an amazing company! We can’t wait to rock these on stage and see people’s epic reactions! We cannot thank Joe, Kenny, and the entire team enough on working so hard and professionally with us to make these fantastic instruments… and, of course, HUGE thank you to Mark and Laura for believing in us, and for making this happen! We are so lucky to have met you and we promise to make you proud!”

Emil and Dariel with Mark Wood at MWROC Music FestivalEmil & Dariel Rock Cellos represent a new era in music that join together the past with the future. The orchestral rock duo genre bends the classical cello, taking it to new heights; plugging in and ripping out solos with a ferocity that awakens the senses.

The teenage rock cello sensation gained worldwide exposure on the NBC-TV Nationally syndicated program America’s Got Talent in 2014. The brothers’ live performance of the Hendrix classic tune- “Purple Haze” created an instant viral video and garnered over 3 million views on YouTube. The boys finished as finalists and became a part of AGT live shows in Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas.

Emil and Dariel work for many hours each day exploring new and undiscovered cello techniques, trying to stretch it to unknown depths. The brothers come from several generations of classical musicians. Their extensive classical training comes from their grandfather, Leonid Rubanchik*, Principal cellist, cello Professor, and a student of Piatigorsky. They began playing the cello when they were 4-years old while being home-schooled. Their long hours of practice were under the strict guidance of their grandfather who instilled hard work, dedication, and passion in pursuit of their career. They’re extremely grateful to their grandfather for inspiring them to play the cello and for his selfless dedication in teaching them. They also credit their abilities to years of intense practice, patience, perseverance, and disciplined commitment which has made them worthy of the great recognition they’ve received at such a young age.

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Lila Hood

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“Since I started using the Viper, I feel so free!  After playing for as long as I have, it has been a relief to not have to overwork my chin, neck, and shoulder!  My performances have been elevated to a higher level with the use of this amazing instrument!”

Lila Hood is a captivating performer and recording artist. Now residing in Los Angeles, the Memphis native is a seasoned, professional multi-instrumentalist whose dedication is shown through her many accomplishments involving her craft. Although her primary instrument is the violin, Lila is also skilled on piano and other members of the string family. Adding even more gravity to her impressive musician’s resumé, her classical training has made her very capable of composing and arranging for strings, and serves to propel her in performing on both acoustic and electric violin.

While in college at Georgetown University, Lila was selected to participate in the New York String Seminar Orchestra, where premier violinists, Maestro Emeritus Alexander Schneider and Maestro Isaac Stern, mentored and coached her. Through consortium, she went on to become a founding member of The Howard University String Quartet and a student at The Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University. After participating in classical performances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, Lila felt a strong desire to explore different musical genres, including jazz, blues, rock, reggae, soul, Afro-Cuban, Latin, and hip-hop.

Click here for Lila’s full bio.

Facebook: Lila Hood
Instagram: @lilahoodmusic
Twitter: @lilablueviolin
Website: lilahoodmusic.com

Yorch Violinista

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“My Viper is simply perfect. As a child I always dreamed of a violin that would allow you to play freely and the viper did it. The Viper is a modern violin with a host of new possibilities for violinist. When you play the Viper, you feel free. the sound is brilliant and the aesthetics is just amazing. Also, with my Annie Haslam finish I get a unique piece of art made for me. Can’t wait to receive my second Viper!!!”

Yorch, a native of Madrid, has grown up in a family surrounded by renowned musicians who has instilled in him, since childhood, the passion that he feels for music today.

With more than 20 years of experience, his extensive musical training has made him part of the best classical orchestras, such as the Phylarmonic Orchestra of Spain, and also has made him succeed not only in the world of electronic music at national and international level with his live shows, but also in the pop music sharing stage with famous artists like Laura Pausini, Alejandro Sanz, Ara Malikian, 2 Cellos, and also acting in TV programs like “Qué Tiempo Tan Feliz”, “Got Talent España” or “Radio Nacional de España”.

He is also known for his covers on the internet and social networks, with more than 1 million and a half visits to his videos this year. You can find his music on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Music, YouTube, Instagram…

Website: https://www.yorchviolinista.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/yorchviolinista
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0m3EUvMCBLTjtLFiVVJGSr?si=hnrkBl0hRzSpV-IC0OD62A
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YorchViolinista

Judith Mateo

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judithmateo-3web“I love playing with my lovely Wood violins! They are cool, they are hot, and they are sparkling, and their designs are the coolest in the world. The sound is perfect and very light and comfortable for performance situations. If you try them, you will die until you have one!” [Judith owns a Viper and a Katana Sabre.] 

With more than one million listeners on Spotify, Judith Mateo is a superstar in Spain and is getting even bigger with her fifth album “Rock is my Life,” recently released on Warner Spain.

Not surprisingly, Judith’s sold-out concerts throughout her country and abroad speak for themselves. Since her first tour, she has conquered the public with her appearances at many Spanish festivals: Festival of Mondo Celta de Ortigueira, Viñarock, Folk Festival Plasencia, Folk Festival of Getxo, Legends of Rock, International Music Festival Ainsa, Folkinvierno Las Rozas, and more.

judithmateo-2webThe international career of Judith Mateo began in Ireland, where she spent three years working on traditional music and playing first violin in the Orchestra of the University of Waterford, in addition to participating in various festivals.

Her efforts to help the Saharawi people were demonstrated through several benefit concerts in the Western Sahara with local and international artists. No less important are her performances in Belgium, France, Palestine, Italy , Egypt, Portugal, Morocco and Tokyo. From the European Parliament to the beaches of the Algarve, through Manger Square in Bethlehem and natural parks of northern Italy, Judith is taking the world by storm!

Judith Mateo is proudly sponsored by D’Addario, LetUsA, New Rock Boots, and Skechers Spain.

judithmateo-1webConnect with Judith:
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Abigail Stahlschmidt

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“Performing everything from country to rock, the first time I encountered one of Mark Wood’s violins, I was in search of an electric violin that would comfortably allow me to sing and play at the same time. It was one of his Vipers that caught my eye with its striking look and innovative design. I knew this was unlike any other electric violin I’d seen. Once I plugged the Viper in and started playing it onstage, I was even more impressed! The chest-support design allows me to run around the stage, jump up on platforms, sing and perform with an ease I hadn’t experienced before. On top of that, I hardly have to retune as the instrument holds pitch beautifully…even in a high energy, hair-flipping setting. The Viper violin has really been a “win” for me in so many ways and I can say I’ve never been more impressed with an instrument. Thank you to Mark Wood for creating an electric violin that really has the serious performer in mind!”

Singer, songwriter, violinist and professional model Abigail Stahlschmidt started playing violin at the age of 4 along along with private voice lessons. Her many years of experience in chamber music have included holding the title of concert mistress in 3 orchestras starting at the age of 6 and winning the Marie Stilwell Young Artists Concerto Competition at 12 years old-where she performed as featured soloist in concert with the Alton Symphony.

Abigail received a full ride scholarship at the University of Missouri-St. Louis at the age of 15 where she studied under Julliard-trained violinist John McGrosso and his colleagues of the renowned Arianna String Quartet. Realizing that she had a passion for more than just classical music, Abigail started to explore alternative styles in her early teens. She says, “I started fiddling for almost any band that would have me and delved into everything from country to rock to jazz to contemporary christian.” Her first big show was at the Family Arena in front of 10,000 people where she performed as guest artist with a BonJovi Tribute Band on the famous “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” Of the show she says, “The place was packed and the adrenaline rush walking onto that stage was like nothing else. That show was a real catalyst and solidified for me that I wanted to be a performer.” Since then, Abigail has joined many artists and bands playing shows at venues such as the Missouri Botanical Gardens (also in front of 10,000 people), the Touhill Performing Arts Center, Jazz at the Bistro, the Kranzberg Theater, and the Old Rock House among many others.

Her discography includes recording on albums like TransSiberian Orchestra guitarist- Christopher Caffrey’s “Your Heaven is Real” and her own EP collaboration with Eric Strothers entitled “ The Merge: Subliminal Intent.” Abigail’s music has been featured on the soundtrack of the full feature film “Four Color Eulogy” and her voice-over work can be heard as the voice of Lara Croft in Lara Croft: Relic Run for iOS and Android.

This summer Abigail headlined as the lead violinist for 50 Symphonic-Rock shows in Branson all the while working on her own Country-Rock music. She will be coming out with this original music soon which features her talents as both a vocalist and instrumentalist.

Abigail recently received the endorsement of Mark Wood- the creator of the Viper violins- and now joins his “Artist” roster alongside other world-class Wood instrument players.

In addition to her music, Abigail is a professional model signed with six agencies across the United States and can be seen frequently in commercials, on magazine covers and in advertisements for major designers, department stores and boutiques. She is currently the face of Mary Kay’s new perfume Clever.

Abigail just released her music video- a violin cover of Prince’s Purple Rain. Stay tuned for more to come!

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Jared Violin

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Jared Burnett“The moment I first saw a Viper in 2004 I knew I had to not only try and play such a unique instrument, but hopefully own one, too! Finally in 2007, that dream became a reality for me and I haven’t looked back at another electric violin since. The custom built green Viper I play has become an extension of me both on and off stage. As a full time touring musician it gives me the freedom I demand to move effortlessly around the stage without worry. The innovative chest support system relaxed my neck and shoulders from the moment I put it on. Anyone that wants to set themselves apart in the bowed string instrument community has to get a Viper!!”

Jared BurnettInfluenced by the likes of The Charlie Daniel’s Band, Jean Luc Ponty and more mainstream artists such as Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band, Jared’s musical style has evolved from classical to include bluegrass and jazz, contemporary and modern rock sounds. With featured performances on Live! with Regis and Kelly, MTV, NBC, CBS and Fox News, in addition to appearances with live Dj’s in various night clubs and corporate conventions around the world, Jared enjoys being a full time touring musician. He performed nightly in the Broadway acclaimed, “Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy” at the Broadway Theatre in New York City, and most recently opened up as a solo artist for Natasha Bedingfield and The Plain White T’s.

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Cierra Hill

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Cierra Hill“I LOVE my Viper. When I discovered Mark Wood’s innovative Viper violins many years ago after seeing Mark perform at a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert, I immediately fell in love with them! When I finally acquired my 7-string fretted Viper, I was amazed by the endless possibilities. The initial clean tone is fantastic, and with added effect pedals, it can become anything I want it to be! Since the Viper is self-supporting, I can sing and play at the same time with ease. I love that with the 7 strings, I can cover the entire range of violin, viola and cello, all in one instrument! Not to mention, it looks amazing! My Viper has helped define who I am as a musician and performer. I can’t wait to see where it takes me in the future! Rock on!!”

Cierra Hill is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, recording artist, arranger and educator, currently residing in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. She is an alumna of McNally Smith College of Music in Saint Paul, MN (BM Strings Performance ’12) and is a full time member of many local acts in the Twin Cities including the video game band, Do a Barrel Roll!, Rainy Days and Mondays – The Music of the Carpenters and her original band The Brains of This Operation?. Cierra specializes in many styles and is a teacher of classical and alternative styles in Violin, Viola and Cello at Simply Strings Studio in Saint Paul and Schmitt Music in Minnetonka, Minnesota. In addition to these full time positions, Cierra also performs as a solo artist, and has performed with many other groups around the country, including Randy Sabien and the Fiddlehead Band, the Grammy Award Winning Okee Dokie Brothers, Story City, and Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra. With her music, Cierra has performed in venues across the United States, Europe and South America. From performing at festival events such as the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, the American String Teachers Association Conference, Country USA and the Jazz Education Network Conference, to gamer conventions such as MAGfest in Washington, DC and CONvergence in Minnesota, Cierra is an ambitious and spirited musician of the alternative scene.

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Twitter: @jazzyviolinist
Instagram: @cierraalisehill