Spotlight: L-Stringz – Redefining Black Music Month with Strings and Soul

This June, in celebration of Black Music Month, we’re shining a light on an artist who’s rewriting the rules of genre and performance. Leanne “L-Stringz” Holmes is a classically trained violinist with a flair for blending Hip-Hop and R&B into her electrifying performances. Launching her solo career at just 16, L-Stringz quickly made history at Hampton University as the only violinist to perform the National Anthem at the Honda Battle of the Bands. Now leading her band “The Gentlemen” and making waves from Baltimore to Pennsylvania, she’s graced legendary stages like the Apollo Theater and collaborated with icons like Def Jam and Rolling Out Magazine. With appearances on hit shows and at major events—including the NFL, WNBA, and New York Fashion Week—L-Stringz is dedicated to delivering a “New Music Experience” and championing arts education.

What inspired you to start playing the violin?

L-Stringz: Nothing inspired me directly to go towards the violin; however, when I started playing, my mom told me about her being unable to participate in these types of activities. At the age of 10, I was able to understand how fortunate I was, and as a result caused me to focus a lot that first year to be the best that I could. When I actually discovered the violin, I had just started a new school, walked into the doors, and heard someone playing an instrument. I went over and asked them what they were playing, and they told me it was a violin. That same day, when I got home, I asked my mom if she would buy me one, and of course, she said no, but allowed me to rent one, and in exchange, I was told I must play it for a year. As we see, 17 years have gone by, and I haven’t put it down since!

How did you develop your unique style blending classical violin with Hip-Hop and R&B?

L-Stringz: I have been taking private lessons since a little after I started the violin. In lessons, you learn how to read the music more than learning to play by “ear,” so my focus was more classical. When I was in my first year of high school, however, I developed a relationship with Ashanti Floyd, “The Mad Violinist,” who taught me how to play by ear and encouraged me to learn hip hop and R&B music. It was then that I realized I could fuse some of the classical music with the Hip Hop and R&B music, which developed my style.

It’s Black Music Month. Who are your biggest Black musical influences?

L-Stringz: Of course, it goes without saying that my top Black musical influence is Prince, especially as he played 27 different instruments. I would also say groups such as Earth, Wind, and Fire and Mint Condition are big influences on me as well! Oh, and on the classical side, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention violinist Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

What advice would you give to younger musicians wanting to follow a similar path?

L-Stringz: My biggest piece of advice to all of my young musicians would be to always put yourself out there. Do not be afraid to make connections and network, and be open to thinking outside the box. No matter how small a performance may seem, you’re always being watched, and you never know where you’re gonna go if you don’t try!

 

How can readers connect online?  

L-Stringz: https://www.instagram.com/l.stringz?igsh=N2YwMXRieXBjMWJj