Meet JLynn | Lead Electric Violinist, The Violution

We had the good fortune of connecting with JLynn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JLynn, how do you think about risk?
As a musical artist venturing outside the box of what is normally done on a traditional violin, I’d say that my career path is a risk in itself. I did not envision my life as an orchestral musician (although I was put on track for that while at USC) and after graduating I had to blaze my own trail performing with my electric violin. Every day there is a hustle to see my endeavors through and I have to create my own work as an independent artist. Without risk there wouldn’t be the possibility of great success and that drives me to keep going!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Music isn’t just an art, it’s a lifestyle. It’s passion, it’s emotion, it’s everything you want to say without words. I held a violin for the first time in my hands when I was six years old and was completely mesmerized. What began as a means of getting a scholarship to college became my profession and way of life (and yes, I did get that scholarship to college).

The beautiful thing about music is that your instrument acts as an extension of yourself and each performance is a chance to express what you have to say. I found that I had a lot more to say by performing in much smaller settings like chamber ensembles than in a large orchestra where I felt that my voice was just one of many.

My father bought for me an electric violin when I was 15 years old and that was my first introduction to trying something new and “out of the box” when it came to classical music. Vanessa Mae and Bond were wonderful influences and inspiration to become a confident female violinist in my own right. During my time at the University of Southern California (where I earned three music performance degrees) I was invited to join an all-female classical crossover band to tour Australia for six weeks on electric violin. I was introduced to guitar effect pedals and my life would never again be the same.

Today I’m known as JLynn of “The Violution” — the redhead electric violinist that wails like a guitarist on her six-string fretted electric violin. The road to get here has certainly not been easy, but then again, as they say, if everything was easy, everyone would be doing it! Because of my career in music, I’ve performed all over the USA, in India, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, the UAE, Grand Cayman, Cambodia, Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Chile, Peru, Columbia, Argentina and Mexico. I’ve been on national television for numerous awards shows and shared the stage with multiple celebrity musical artists (Foo Fighters, Adele, Ariana Grande, Kanye West, Richard Marx, Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, etc) and I currently perform with Aerosmith and Journey as First violinist in addition to being the contractor of The Violution Symphony Orchestra created specifically for Journey. I am Co-Owner and President of Violution Music Alliance, a Las Vegas-based music production company which focuses on all-female string productions in both live and studio environments and which strives to shift the narrative when it comes to empowerment of females within the world of music.

As the front woman of The Violution, my dream is to perform guitar solos with and alongside the guitar virtuosos of today and for my band to tour as many stages and dates as possible around the globe. The Violution aims to inspire music fans around the world as female heroines of music, wielding electric violins in place of guitars and vocals, breaking through all language barriers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a Southern California native, my go-to beach in San Diego is hands down La Jolla and my favorite coffee hang is The Living Room. I’m probably biased because it’s also my mom’s favorite, but the view and the coffee never disappoint! Food-wise, I’d hit up Trilogy Sanctuary Cafe on a health kick for lunch (they’re 100% organic, vegan, dairy and gluten free) and then stroll on down to the beach to watch the ocean waves and the lazy seals sun themselves. For dinner I’d head to Piazza 1909 on Fay for some delicious and authentic Italian when craving carbs (Hello, I’m a pasta fiend).

Next day I’d head downtown to Embarcadero to walk off those carbs on the Seaport Village Boardwalk, soak up some more sun and feel the cool ocean breeze while grabbing a bagel and Cinna-bee oat latte from Spill the Beans Then I’d drive down to Little Italy for some pizza and Italian goodies from Mona Lisa’s. Stopping by the eclectic and sensual Love and Aesthetics is always a must-have for some potential jewelry, fragrance and home decor shopping. Next stop, Downtown San Diego to Cafe Sevilla for Happy Hour Sangria and Tapas with live music!

With LA just a few hours’ away, I’d drive up the PCH for the scenic route (never want to leave that water view!) and before lunch, head to my favorite second-hand store for the best designer finds, Crossroads Trading! Then it’s over to True Food Kitchen for another delicious healthy lunch, followed by 3rd Street Promenade for the sights and sounds and more shopping. I’d pop into Barney’s Beanery for a pear cider before heading across the street to the beach. For dinner we’d enjoy some mouthwatering rolls and at Sushi Roku, then end the day driving into Hollywood and checking into the Roosevelt Hotel.

Second day in LA, we’d start with breakfast burritos at the Oaks Gourmet on Bronson, then walk it off with a hike at Runyon Canyon. Back to the hotel for some vegan tacos, cocktails and pool time! A trip down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and dinner and drinks at Birds would make the evening complete.

Best SoCal vacay ever!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother Betty who is no longer physically with us — she is responsible for putting the instrument in my hand that is now my profession and lifestyle. She was my biggest supporter and she invested so much of her time and efforts in making sure my sisters and I received the best education. I grew up with integrity, kindness and love due to her example.

Patrick, my Producer, business and life partner — we’ve spent the past 9 years together in work and life prevailing through ups and downs, challenges and accomplishments, and I couldn’t imagine anything I’ve done without him. Patrick has believed in me and my project from the start and the amount of time and effort he has invested could never be repaid. To be grateful is an understatement.

My family for always believing in me.
And my incredible following on social media that continually inspires me to keep creating!

Website: www.jlynnviolin.com / www.theviolution.com

Instagram: @jlynnviolin / @theviolution

Facebook: @jlynnviolin / @jointheviolution

Youtube: www.youtube.com/theviolution

Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@theviolution

Image Credits
Tolga Katas Patrick Rivera Imad Rhayem David Casteel