Interview With Lindsey Stirling

Getting your start on playing music on YouTube isn't easy, even if you already have an audience from the time you were on television, gathering an audience can be one of the most difficult parts of your YouTube Career. You have to do something different, something huge or, in Lindsey Stirling's, case appeal to all demographics of nerd, whether it be Lord of the Rings fans, Skyrim fans, Zelda fans or Phantom of the Opera fans, Lindsey has got you covered. She's made many videos of not only covers of already existing songs, but original songs of her own as well. At the moment she has 7,080,962 subscribers on her YouTube channel and is steadily gaining more as time goes on.

I had a chance to sit down with Lindsey Stirling, to speak with her about her career as a violinist and as an internet sensation.

NoobFeed: What gave you the idea to start a YouTube channel based around you playing the violin?

Lindsey Stirling: Soon after I finished America's Got Talent, Devin Graham (devinsupertramp) contacted me and asked if he could film me for his channel.At first I was skeptical, but after he explained YouTube to me I realized it was a win-win.He would have content, and I would get exposure.So of course I agreed.Shortly after the video was released (“Epic Violin Girl”), he taught me about YouTube and helped me set up my own channel.

NoobFeed: Have you ever had dance lessons along with your violin lessons? Is there any style of dance you enjoy doing the most, or do you just freestyle with whatever works in synch with your piece?

Lindsey Stirling: Honestly, I never really had dance lessons; my dance lessons consisted of one summer tap dancing class when I was 7 or 8, and years of watching professionals do it on TV, figure skating, et cetera.I also watched YouTube dance tutorials.I like all styles, I do whatever I can while holding a violin with two hands.

NoobFeed: You often mix genres of music together, showing your classical training alongside your love for other genres, do you ever get criticized among your fellow musicians for not sticking with a classical style?

Lindsey Stirling: Sure, I have seen comments about my faulty bow grip, my lack of professional training, and so on.I will never claim to be the world's best violinist.I am simply a passionate musician creating music I love and sharing it with whoever wants to listen.

NoobFeed: How many different sets of violins and bows do you own? Do you have a favorite?

Lindsey Stirling: I have several Yamaha models right now that I love; the electric violins I use on tour are custom models.

NoobFeed: What type of violin do you use the most often for your videos or live performances? Do you have a preference?

Lindsey Stirling: I love my acoustic violin, but performing every night is really hard on it (I sweat a lot when I perform and violins are NOT supposed to get wet!)I use several different electric violins, including a bedazzled black one I call Cleopatra, and another I covered in white tape.His name is WallyJ.

NoobFeed: Recently you wrote a book, which will be published in 2016, titled “The Only Pirate at the Party”. What was it like writing a book the first time?

Lindsey Stirling: Honestly Brooke, my sister and co-author, did all the technical work; I obviously provided the stories and content, but she brought them to life.It's been a lot of work; idea throwing, cutting, re-wording, trying to decide how to get the stories to flow together… definitely a challenge at best.

NoobFeed: You've shown yourself to be a fan of all things geek or nerdy, is there any game, book or TV show you haven't done yet that you'd really like to do?

Lindsey Stirling: I've been trying to make time to do a Dr. Who cover, fans have been asking for that one for a long time.

NoobFeed: Since you've done western-style video, have you thought of doing a film noir-style video?

Lindsey Stirling: I have never really considered it; maybe.

NoobFeed: Where do you go to think of the ideas of your videos? Do they just flow out of you like a river or do you need to ponder upon them for a while?

Lindsey Stirling: I usually start with an emotion or a storyline I want to convey, and then I let my mind go. If I allow myself to think and feel whatever comes into my head, the pieces start coming together, and then the music to accompany my thoughts starts coming into focus.

NoobFeed: You've done various covers and medleys of video game music, which has been your favorite?

Lindsey Stirling: That's a tough one!Zelda has a special place in my heart; it was the first, plus I got to wear cute elf ears.

NoobFeed: Last year you worked with Cirque Du Soleil with the performance of One Last Drop in Las Vegas on World Water Day. How was it working with them? Would you do it again?

Lindsey Stirling: Absolutely!I had so much fun and the performers were so nice to work with!

NoobFeed: What has been your favorite video to make?

Lindsey Stirling: “Roundtable Rival” was a blast to make, I had so much with the storyline and characters.

NoobFeed: Which of your videos required the most time and effort for you?

Lindsey Stirling: “Minimal Beat,” actually.I made it over the course of several months.

NoobFeed: You've been producing a lot of content and have been touring all around the world. When you get time to relax, what do you like to do?

Lindsey Stirling: I love hanging out with friends and family, playing games, scrapbooking, sewing costumes, planning silly parties, eating cereal, sleeping, and exercising.

A big thank you to Lindsey Stirling for taking the time out of her busy schedule to speak. If you want more from Lindsey Stirling you can go to her website, YouTube, Twitter , Facebook, Google Plus and Instagram.

Angelina Bonilla, NoobFeed (@Twitter)