Linzi Stoppard

Linzi Stoppard, is one of the most exciting and edgy electric violin artists, who pushes the boundaries of musical convention with her passionate, live sets of rock, dance and contemporary melodies. Linzi has transfixed audiences the world over with her performances on the electric violin. Each live set sees musical influences from The Stones through to Cafe del Mar bursting to life through the electric strings and a bow that she wields like a magic wand. Events Linzi has performed at include: Playboy - Hugh Heffner’s 80th Birthday Party, Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, Blush Ball - performing with Dita Von Teese, BAFTA ScreenDreams Gala, official opening of Harrah's new Casino in Chicago, Microsoft in the South of France, Glastonbury 2008, Cartier, and Ivana Trump’s birthday as well in front of Russian Oligarchs in Moscow, Prince William Royal Audi Polo, Princes Trust Bonhams. Linzi has been playing the classical violin from the age of four when she attended the prestigious Suzuki Violin School which eschews traditional learning techniques for violin. From eight she adopted a more traditional route and learnt to read music as well as mastered the clarinet and piano. In her mid teenage years she rebelled against her classical training and the hours of practise it demanded, forming a band at school and her first move into popular music. Her dad’s love of rock had always had a strong an influence on Linzi’s as did her mothers passion for classical music. Growing up to the sounds of the Stones, Pink Floyd and Santana as well as Chopin, Beethoven and Bach, produced a melting pot of creative ideas and direction that could be realised when she took up the electric violin at the age of 18. Her musical success began in her late teens she was then spotted by two music producers who convinced her to front and record Tattoo of Pain (vocals/electric violin) which was a spin off from cult American group “Lords o Acid”. This led to record deals around the world including EMI Europe, Avex and Never Records (Geffen, USA), followed up by tours in the States, Europe and Japan. After the success of the alternative album she looked for a more commercial sound and formed Babe Instinct recording "Disco Babes From Outer Space" (UK top 20 hit, Positiva, EMI) and follow up “Fade To Grey” which was a dance hit across Europe and featured on numerous compilation albums including Ministry of Sound’s The Annual. Having enjoyed her foray into the dance world Linzi wanted to nurture her own sound and style on the electric violin, forging a successful solo career for over a couple of years before teaming up with fellow electric rock shredding violinist Ben Lee to form her new band FUSE. Linzi is currently in the studio with FUSE finishing off their debut album. Taking inspiration from their classical roots while combining it with modern well known melodies. FUSE believe it is possible to narrow the gap between the classical and pop audiences. Their repertoire includes contemporary arrangements of well known hits and film sound tracks. FUSE are the 'face of' the new international classical chillout music video channel, C Music TV, which they launched in April at the Cannes Television Festival. Children’s charity CLIC Sargent have approached FUSE to front their national Practice-a-thon campaign aimed at encouraging kids to pick up a musical instrument while raising money for the cause through sponsored practice. FUSE’s dynamic and innovative approach to what is largely regarded as a marginalised instrument means FUSE are uniquely positioned to appeal to the younger and mainstream audiences. From May this year FUSE have also are partnered up with young people's social networking site Piczo.com to promote the band and their CLIC Sargent activities to the site's members throughout 2008. Married to Will Stoppard, son of Sir Tom Stoppard, Linzi has also landed her first Hollywood feature film role in the White Rose, with FUSE contributing to the soundtrack.