Lindsey Stirling is one of the most exciting artists on the music scene right now, and has now released her second album through Island Records.
In a new and exclusive interview with Female First, she tells us about her career to-date, her time on America's Got Talent and much more.
How does it feel to have released your second album?
Amazing, I put so much hard work into it and I'm glad the rest of the world can hear it now.
For those who may not have heard your work yet, how best would you describe yourself as an artist?
I'm a dancing violinist, a filmmaker, costume designer, a creative director, and through my unique entertainment, I hope to encourage people to love themselves for who they really are.
How important is it for you to have creative control over what you do?
It's extremely important for me to have creative control over what I do because I live every process. I love writing the music, and then being able to bring it to life through the videos and then even more so - 'how do I make it a new magical experience on a stage?'.
The reason I made it as an artist was because I knew how to work hard through the 'DIY method'. I did everything and now I have a hard time letting go because I want to be involved with everything. But really that's part of the fun and satisfaction for me - is knowing that everything is fully representing my creative vision.
What was it that led to this career path for you?
I was TRYING to be a professional musician but meeting Devin Graham changed everything for me. He was the first YouTuber I ever met and when I went to his YouTube workshop I immediately got so excited because, here was a world where I could do things my own way and on my own terms. I didn't have to wait for someone to believe and invest in me; I could invest in myself.
You were a quarter-finalist on America's Got Talent, how was that whole experience?
It was a really hard experience. I literally had my heart broken and it almost broke me as an artist. I had put so much stake into really believing that this was my make or break moment and I felt like I had blown the biggest moment of my life. But it made me such a stronger musician and person because I had to look in the mirror and decide that I wanted this, that I believed in myself and I wasn't ready to give up.
What is it about music that you love?
I love that music connects people. It crosses every boundary be it culture, gender, language, or status, and it covers and heightens every emotion.
If you could work with anybody going forward who would you choose and why?
I love Katy Perry. I would love to do a really fun pop dance song with her. She is such an amazing artist because she is so self-stylized. You can tell that all her looks, her videos and music is really drive by her vision. I would be so excited about the music video.
Do you have a definitive aim for your career?
I love what I do and I'm just sprinting and working as hard as I can to get as far as I can. I have lots of goals but as I go they just keep getting bigger. I strongly believe that the greatest moments in life are always ahead of you. I strive to enjoy the moment, be propelled by the past and reach for the future.
You use YouTube to connect with fans, what have been some of your favourite videos to make?
I have made so many fun music videos. Holy cow I've gotten to go everywhere from Kenya to ice caves and I've dressed up like everything from a gypsy, to Link from Zelda. I just finished one of my favorite shoots which was a really fun steampunk western.
How does it feel to be one of the most-subscribed channels on YouTube?
It's amazing and I am so thankful that I live in a time where the tools are available to give anyone a chance to create and share their art.
Why should we come and see you on tour this November?
I can confidently tell anyone that they have never seen anything like my show. It's high energy, fun, but at the same time, I share parts of my story to hope to inspire others to reach for their dreams. It's also very theatrical through the use of costume changes, backup dancers and choreography, a light show, and at one point there are pirates.
Finally, what's next for you?
I want to keep doing bigger tours, I want to collaborate with more artists in a variety of genres, and win a Grammy this year.
Lindsey Stirling's album 'Shatter Me' is out now, and she'll play three dates live in November - November 6 in London, November 7 in Manchester and November 8 in Dublin.