Episode 19: Val Vigoda

Rockstar Violinist Podcast

“Val Vigoda is a compact bundle of talent. She plays a strapped-on electric violin like a demon. She sings with a voice that pushes the walls into expanded dimensions. She acts with great charm.” This is how drama critic David Finkle opens his HuffPost review of our guest’s rock musical ’Ernest Shackleton Loves Me.’ An electric violinist, singer, writer, former Army lieutenant, and founding member of the band GrooveLily, Val has toured the world with Cyndi Lauper, Joe Jackson and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and is now launching her solo live-looping multimedia project, Just Getting Good. In this episode, sponsored by Wood Violins, Val and Matt—both Viper players—sat down to discuss her projects, her unique theatrical approach to the electric violin, and her proficiency as a singer/player and complex live looper. Learn more about Val's current and past projects at https://www.valvigoda.com/ Special thanks to Wood Violins, makers of the Viper, for their sponsorship of this episode. Visit https://www.electricviolinshop.com to shop our selection of instruments and gear. Music heard in this episode: •Intro music: “Just Getting Good” from the Album “Just Getting Good” by Val Vigoda •Opening Number from Ernest Shackleton Loves Me: video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIOWm2XUD2Y •Apocalyptic Love Song (I Don’t Care) - Groovelily •Striking 12 at 54 Below - video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PniqNsBpHXg •Money and Musicians - preview track from the upcoming Cast Album “Ernest •Shackleton Loves Me" •Outro music: “This Sucks (from Ernest Shackleton Loves Me)” from the Album “Just Getting Good” by Val Vigoda