Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Aquila.

Susan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I started out as a classically trained violinist. I spent years making a name for myself in the free lance world. I gradually got opportunities to work for celebrities as a sideman soloist. I was able to add more and more skills to my tool chest breaking out in to Rock, Blues, Jazz, and learning to improvise. I finally wanted my own voice so I went out on my own. Writing, producing and performing, I put out several albums and am touring the world in concert .Here is my bio:

New York based violinist, electric violinist and singer, Susan Aquila has stepped on stage with the Best. She played the “Last Play At Shea” with Billy Joel and has backed up artists Paul McCartney, Josh Groban, Steven Tyler, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Roger Daltrey, Elton John and Whitney Houston to name a few. She recently performed at Radio City Music Hall with Miss Diana Ross and just completed a 5 month tour as solo violinist for Mr. Joe Jackson.
Ms. Aquila has toured the world as a classical soloist and chamber musician. As winner of the Maccabaeus Mutual Life Young Artist Competition, she performed recitals at The White House for Presidents Bush and Clinton. She has appeared on iconic stages such as Carnegie Hall, David Geffen Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall. Her Broadway credits include The Lion King, Wicked, Annie Get Your Gun and Amazing Grace. She has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, the Today Show and Live with Kelly.
She is now branching out on her own and is shaking up the Rock World. Ms. Aquila has completed several national tours. Her on stage killer performances from Maine to Florida had her paired with important Rock artists Lita Ford, Tantric and Soil.
Her music blends metal, rock, punk and classical music. Ryan Martin from Jazzerzine Magazine states, “her incendiary electric violin solos are being heralded as the hottest thing to hit Rock since Van Halen recorded Eruption! She’s like the Jimi Hendrix of the electric violin and her vocal style is vibrant and dripping with soul. She combines the artistry of Blondie with the raw power of Janis”.
Rock Cellar Magazine’s Michael Mascioni concurs he writes, “She’s taking the Rock world by storm, stepping out from her sideman role and into the spotlight…. Aquila’s playing is like a raging wind. She plays with abandon and fire, shifting from rock to classical with ease and panache. Gyrating everywhere, she’s a whirling dervish of energy with an irrepressible personality…. (She has) high octane performances replete with dazzling violin pyrotechnics. Her voice has considerable texture and grit, reminiscent of Joan Jett and Pat Benatar at times”.
Susan just released a new Holiday song and is sharing it with New York’s children. The soon to be New Holiday Classic, “(I Wanna Make It With) Santa Claus” is a fun, catchy, upbeat pop rock tune. With its tongue-in-cheek lyrics and rock edge, it might be what the world needs as an alternative to “Santa Baby” and Mariah Carey. Ms. Aquila wants to share the Christmas gift of music and more. She will be giving the proceeds of this song to children’s charities on NYC.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

It has never been a smooth road. I’ve had to pick myself up and start over many times. One of the struggles of being an independent artist is raising money. I am a music person and not a finance person. Over the years, I’ve learned how to raise money and manage a budget for each project. Also, a big struggle for me was being able to explain what I wanted and to demand that I get that from people I hire. I am a people pleaser and I would always indulge other people’s opinions and guidance. Because of that, I have many recordings that don’t represent my artistic vision. I have learned the hard way to believe in myself and my vision. It’s okay to ask for what you want and to demand the result.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am a violinist, electric violinist and vocalist. I am known for my high octane, hard rock stage shows featuring the electric violin. I believe what sets me apart from other performers is the ability to let go, feel the passion and deliver it on stage freely, uninhibited while connecting to the audience. I am free and unhindered from all rules on stage. I am most proud of being able to deliver solos as a sideman for celebrity artists and for finally stepping up this year in creating the music that I desire.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

I learned to really value the connection with people in a live audience. For musicians, the joy is to share your music with other people and to bond. We were robbed of that experience for a long time during Covid. I will never take for granted being able to perform live.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanaquilamusic?igsh=ZDRqOW1vOWI0MjBr&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.aquila.3?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr