FUSE Violin Band with Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee: An Epic Electric Violin Duo

FUSE is Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee

FUSE is a popular, UK-based violin duo comprised of virtuoso violinists Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee.  In a word, they are electrifying.

When Linzi first got in touch with me, I figured I would write a routine review of some decent tracks.  However, once I started listening I was compelled to listen to the entirety of their material in one sitting, after which I eagerly started perusing their YouTube channel.

There is a certain accuracy in their playing, while at the same time each note they play conveys so much passion.  Some parts are edgy, others are playful, and yet others are emotionally heavy and moving.  Altogether, each section of their music feels well-intended and poses a seamless transition into the next.

For instance, this electric violin/Dubstep composition called "Ignite The Fuse" is one of the first videos that caught my eye for being so creative.  I really enjoyed how they combine classical elements of violin playing with modern effects processing that fits into the genre.

FUSE excels at covering popular songs in multiple genres, and they can put on a great performance while they're at it.  As the Ben mentions on the FUSE website, "We're unafraid to cover classic rock tracks.  Don't forget that all 'classical' music today is cover versions of music by pop stars from the last 300 years! What we do can have a truly global appeal; there are no language barriers. Whilst we're a string band, people can sing along to the choruses that we all know."

An example of such a fearless performance occurred at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England back in 2009.  The duo's rendition of "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" gathered more than 1 million views on YouTube after the event and is still hot today.

Linzi and Ben often play five-string instruments to expand their tonal range on occasion, and they have a multitude of different types of instruments at their disposal.  These instruments are no joke, either.  We are talking Kevlar carbon fiber models, Crystal models, and even 24-carat gold plated violins adorned with sapphire, ruby, and diamonds.  Violin manufacturer, Bridge, and the UK jewelry designer Theo Fennel can be credited with the following beauties.

$2M 24-Carat Gold Violins made exclusively for FUSE

Beyond the instruments, I really respect the commitment both Linzi and Ben have to their tone.  In Ben's words, "I will say that we use guitar amps, combinations of valve heads and transistor heads and speaker cabinets. Other people playing electric violins just plug into a mixing desk whereas we use a series of effects pedals."  This talk about valve heads and guitar amps tells me (and anyone who knows their stuff) that these guys are legit.

Both members in the duo originally learned violin using the Suzuki method, and both have solid reputations playing as solo violinists before 'fusing' together and forming FUSE.  Here is a little more information about both Linzi and Ben:

Linzi Stoppard

Linzi is a talented musician, playing several instruments: the piano, clarinet, and of course the violin.  She began her formal training at an early age and never looked back.  However, before she could get into the Royal College of Music, she was recruited by music producers who wanted her to go straight into the trade without further ado.

Success came quickly for the young girl, as international record deals with companies like EMI and Never Records started to pop up left and right.  She toured America and Japan and fell in love with the life, but wanted more.  Specifically, she wanted to get more into "rock" violin, and soon met Ben Lee who eventually became the other member of FUSE.

Ben Lee

Ben is one of the world's fastest violinists, if not the fastest.  Take a look at the following video to see his lightning-fast performance of "Flight of the Bumblebee":

Like Linzi, Ben was very young when he first picked up the violin and began his formal training.  He won his first competition at age 11 and was immediately thrust into the world of music recording.  Many scholarships and awards followed, after which he took the next natural step to start an award-winning band called All Jigged Out.

Ben continued his education at the Royal College of Music and dove deeply into electric violin.  He continued touring, played during televised events, and was in the studio recording nearly all the time. Then at some point during his lively young career, Linzi Stoppard's manager contacted him to see if he would produce music for her solo acts.  In working together, they eventually determined it would be best to combine forces and form FUSE.

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Linzi and Ben are an incredible, special duo that have a fierce combination of technical prowess and emotive style.  For them, no musical task is too large or small, too simple or too complex.  You can learn more about them on their website or YouTube channel.  Cheers!