Who is Lindsey Stirling?

There is nearly no one in the whole world who doesn't know the successful and talented Dubstep violinist Lindsey Stirling. During the last years you could watch much advertising for her albums “Lindsey Stirling” (released 2013) and “Shatter Me” (released 2014) on TV. She also take part in several German telecasts like “Klein gegen Groß”, “Willkommen bei Carmen Nebel” or “Die Helene Fischer Show”. In the years 2014 and 2015 she won the German Music Award Echo in the category Crossover each time. Her songs were already used in German movie productions like “Terra X”. In July 2015 Lindsey Stirling again was on tour in Germany for the fourth time.

 This is Lindsey Stirling's first album which is called "Lindsey Stirling".

This is Lindsey Stirling's second album which is called "Shatter Me".

Because the enthusiasm for Miss Stirling and her music is still unabated all over the world, it's time to potter at the feisty musician who is full of the joys of life.

Who is Lindsey Stirling and how did she arrived to become so successful?

Miss Stirling was born September 21th 1986 as a second-born daughter from Diane and Stephen J. Stirling in Santa Ana, California (USA). There she grew up with her four siblings in an ordinary family relationship, till she moved together with her family to Gilbert, Arizona (USA) in the age of eight. Now she is living in Los Angeles.

Already at the age of six years Lindsey Stirling felt like playing the violin. However her parents weren't able to afford her real violin lessons. That's why Miss Stirling was taught only a quarter of an hour weekly from a student. To be able to play the violin well she had to practice a lot by herself.  Furthermore she learned dancing by herself per watching YouTube videos. When she was invited to America's got talent in 2010, she combined playing violin with dancing for the first time. But at this time she still was unpracticed combining both. That's why she was knocked out at the quarter finals. But she didn't lose hope. She strenuously continued practicing. In the meantime she tried to establish herself in the music industry. She contacted several record labels but at this time no one was interested in a dancing Dubstep violinist. But she still didn't lose hope.

Because of a happy coincidence with Devin Graham who is a professional photographer and videographer she realized that she didn't need any casting shows or record labels to make her music.  Together with Mr. Graham she began to produce her own music videos and released them on her new founded YouTube channel LindseyStomp for free. Already her first music video “Spontaneous Me” which was released in 2011 was a big success. Now this video has round about 21 million views. She accomplished her international breakthrough with her original music video Crystallize which was released 2012. Now this video has more than 130 million views. Her YouTube channel LindseyStomp was visited more than one billion times and she has more than 7 million subscribers. Furthermore she runs the YouTube channel LindseyTime which informs her fans about her live as a musician. This channel was visited more than 25 million times and has nearly 400,000 subscribers. Of course she is active at all famous social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram. There she stays in touch with her fans nearly every day and informs them about news in her live. This close contact between the musician and her fans is certainly one main reason for her constant rising international popularity.

Here you can watch Lindsey Stirling's most famous music video "Crystallize".

For everyone who is interested to deal with the violinist Lindsey Stirling now, is able to visite her website here: http://www.lindseystirling.com/ . There you find the links to all her other pages.

Furthermore there are a vast number of fan pages and fan groups on Facebook and Twitter which welcome every interested fan. On these pages and in these groups you find lots of additional news about the musician such as interviews, fan arts and many more. But even if you aren't looking for news about Miss Stirling, the fan groups may be interested for you because there you are able to talk with other fans. One of many German fan pages is “Lindsey Stirling GER”. You are able to find it at
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LS_GER
and at
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindseyStirlingGermany

I hope you like this article about Lindsey Stirling.

Please wirte your comments below. 

Written by Andreas S. Janke

How a relationship works

Nowadays everyone already knows that so many relationships don't work for long.

But why?

Of course there are many different reasons for this problem and there are no hard and fast rules to solve it.
But in my mind there is one main reason.

Everyone (women and men) has too much expectations on the partner. 

A usual man hopes that the woman stays the same all her life (body and soul). Even if many men never would admit this or even believe that they also think this way in their inside, unfortunately it is so. The woman's beauty is important for men. I don't want to say that the beauty is the most important aspect for them, but it's important. Unfortunately for some men it's actually the most important aspect, but I don't want to talk about these men here. Men also hope that the woman stays the same in her inside.

But all this isn't possible and I'm glad that it is so. Each human develops (the body and the soul). And this is good. In my mind it would be terrible if the humans wouldn't develop. Everyone would look always the same and they would do the same mistakes again and again. I wouldn't want to live in such a life.

But back to topic. Also women have expectations on the men. They expect nearly the opposite. They hope that their partner will become their dreamboat one day, that he will develop and gets better.

And this is the problem.
Everyone is only focused on the other one but doesn't see his/her own problems/flaws.

Exactly in the moment you expects something from your partner the problems begin. You shouldn't and you don't have the right to expect that the other one stays the same (even if this would be possible) or to become the dreamboat.

For a working relationship you have to accept your partner the way he/she is at the moment and will be in the future.

But this is only the first step on the long way to a working relationship.

The next step is to work on yourself. 

You have to realize that you aren't perfect. You have many flaws which are a problem for your partner. And in the case you want to live in a relationship, I take for granted that you love your partner. If this is so, you certainly don't want to have these flaws which are a problem for your partner. Then work on them! I know that this isn't easy. Unfortunately it's the only way for a working relationship. But stay realistic: You never will resolve all your flaws but you should try your best.

Now you know two very important and in my mind the most important steps for a working relationship.
But there is only one problem left.

How could you find your flaws? 

It is very hard or even impossible to find your flaws on your own. The problem is that noone likes to see his/her own flaws. Everyone prefers to think that he/she is perfect and only the other one has such flaws. But the fact is that noone is perfect and everyone has many flaws. That's why you should talk with your partner as much as possible because he/she is able to see your flaws easier. And I don't think of talks about daily things like what you want to eat for dinner her. I think of real talks about your feelings, wishes, worries, your good and your dark side. I know especially men don't like talking about their feelings and so on. But there is no other way to find your flaws and to develop yourself. That's why talk with each other as much as possible.

I know that all this is very theoretical but I hope that you see what I want to tell you.

This photo shows Lindsey Striling, her family and her crew.

I chose this photo to illustrate that all the things which I exlpained above works in each relationship 

(love relationship, friendship, family and even colleagues)

Please write your comments below.

Written by Andreas S. Janke

The life is a road through fog

The last days I wrote this short text. It's about my thoughts of how to master a life

The life is like a road through fog. You don't see where the road will lead you. You sometimes also don't know how you could get so far. Only the part of the road, you are passing right now, is visible for you. Humans try to use their mind to find out where the road is leading them, what will happen in the future. But they don't know it.

Sometimes the road goes up or down, there are simple and difficult parts, dead ends, crosses from several roads and forks where you have to choose a way. But even you don't know what to do, you can't stand still or go back. You are always walking the road step by step.

Now you perhaps ask how you should master this road. Is there anything which could help you? Of course there are three tools you already own since your birth or which you could learn during your live.

The first tool is your moral/character. This tool helps you not to fall from the street. With the help of your moral you are able to create borders (crash barriers). When you are reaching a fork, your moral also helps you to eliminate some of the wrong ways.

The second tool is your love. This tool helps you to find the right way when you are reaching a fork. The love always tells the truth and leads you the right way. But it is very difficult to hear the voice of your heart. It is your softest voice.

The third tool is your faith. The faith is like a lantern, which is shining softly from far away through the fog. It shows you where your destination is and sometimes it is able to show you a part of your road in the future. Faith is the hope that there is a road somewhere in front of you without fog.

To master your road you will need all of these three tools. Your moral creates a framework or you also could say structures. With the help of your moral you are able to stay true to yourself. But if you only uses your moral, you are cold as ice. You are acting very logical but you aren't flexible.
If you only use your love, you are very soft and want to make everyone happy. But you will loose yourself. There is no structure which helps you to stay true to yourself.
You need both, moral and love, to master the road. But without the faith you don't have a goal a reason why you are doing everything. Your live is forlorn. Without your faith you never will be able to leave the fog.

I also mentioned that there are crossing roads. Each road is a life from one human. And while you are walking on your own road you will pass many other roads. You pass some of them only for a very short time, but one day you will meet a very special human. You want to walk together with this special human your whole road.

What do you think? Do you have another opinion? Did I make some mistakes? Please write down your thoughts as a comment below.
 

This photo shows Lindsey Stirling.
Her way to master her life was my inspiration for this text.

Thanks for reading my text.

Written by Andreas S. Janke

Second interview with Lindsey Stirling

In summer of 2015 our team again had the possibility to interview Lindsey Stirling. Here's my second interview:

Lindsey Stirling GER:
What do you do to avoid or to work off stress during your tour?
Lindsey Stirling:
I try to plan fun activities to do with the crew, film LindseyTime videos, play games, call my mom, sleep :P read scriptures, exercise, and meditate.

LSG:
What does your mind crosses right before the Meet&Greet?
LS:
I actually like to say a special prayer before I go out; I ask for strength. It surprised me when I started doing Meet and Greet events how much it actually takes out of me; I’m pretty wiped out after meeting 50-100 people. I understand that the people coming have sacrificed their time and funds in order to attend the event, so I want to present my very best self and make each person feel important and special, even just for the few minutes we have contact.

LSG:
What was the best gift from a fan which you get till now?
LS:
OOo that’s tough…I’ve received a lot of thoughtful gifts. I always enjoy unique food, and I’ve gotten some t-shirts over the years that I love to wear over and over again. The Czech Republic/Slovakia Fan Group adopted red panda from the zoo in my behalf a couple of years ago; totally made my year!

LSG:
Do you remember a special moment during one of the Meet&Greets?
LS:
I absolutely love getting to meet little kids. They’re just so little and cute and pure and genuine and their honesty makes me laugh.

LSG:
What is your biggest fear (except sharks :-) )?
LS:
Dropping my violin most definitely haha; sigh…no actually I would have to say my biggest fear is my influence…and the fact that I am, in fact, a very imperfect human being. I want to be an example of staying true to myself amidst a world that often attacks old-fashioned honesty, modesty, and morality. And believe me it’s hard! It’s really hard sometimes to uphold my faith and live up to those values in a career that puts so much emphasis on appearance and popularity and entertainment value. I’ve noticed how easy it is for me to rationalize and to allow subtle, often imperceptible changes to chip away at my conscience. And so I’m constantly reminding myself of why I started doing this in the first place and strive to do the simple things like pray, read scriptures, and go to church because it helps keep me grounded and reminds me to look to the man who gave me my gift; the man I’m really working for (God).

LSG:
What does your mind crosses when you are on stage and watching the reveling fans?
LS:
Joy, awe, an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude for those who came to watch me perform, and lots and lots of adrenaline.

LSG:
What do you face first when you enter the stage?
LS:
I always get super nervous before I go on stage, but once I hit front and center the adrenaline kicks in, I find my focus, and then I’m just able to give my all and have fun up there.  There’s honestly nowhere I’d rather be.

LSG:
Do you have any wishes for the Meet&Greets and for the shows in the future?
LS:
More kids in attendance. And one of my dreams is to play for sold-out stadiums.

LSG:
Do you prefer outdoor concerts or concerts in buildings? Why do/don't you prefer one of them?
LS:
I prefer indoor usually because weather isn’t a factor. I’ve performed some outdoor shows where wind, humidity, and heat made things pretty uncomfortable. It also tends to be easier to manage sound/projection/lighting indoors.  However, some of my biggest shows have been outside and I love the energy of the crowds!

LSG:
What are you doing right after a show?
LS:
Whew! Cooling off, drinking water, trying to tone down and relax.

LSG:
Do you already have ideas for your next album?
LS:
Yes ;)

LSG:
Do you like singing?
LS:
I do, although I’m not super confident in my strength as a singer (I’m not trained in that area at all), I do like to exercise my vocal chords from time to time and give my violin fingers a break. I like to push my limits and try new things as an artist/try my hand at new things. Most recently I decided to feature my own voice on my new single “Firefly.”

LSG:
Of course you are very busy and you have many dates. But are you in general a morning person or a night owl?
LS:
Night owl…even off tour I’m always up doing projects.

LSG:
If you have a day off without any dates, when do you get up and when do you go to bed usually?
LS:
Off tour I usually get up before 9 am and go to bed before 12 midnight.

LSG:
Could you imagine to make a music video in a German castle one day?
LS:
If the opportunity presents itself; sure!

LSG:
Did you make your Bachelor's degree or are you going to make it? Which topic does your Bachelor Thesis have?
LS:
I literally just signed up and paid for my Internship this semester haha; been trying to do it for years, but it’s been a little tough do an internship while on tour. BYU wants to add me to their alumni list so they are now working with me so that I can complete my internship in L.A./on the road and I’m grateful. Looking forward to finally graduating!

LSG:
Do you have a favorite flower?
LS:
I love the combination of yellow, orange, and pink flowers in a bouquet. I think it’s pretty and fun/perky.

LSG:
Are there fruits, vegetables and meals you absolutely don't like? It would be great if you would mention two things in each category (fruit/vegetable/meal).
LS:
Papaya is kinda ick, I’m not a huge fan of okra but it’s ok. I used to despise bacon but I actually love it now haha. Meat in general I’m not crazy about, but I like it in small amounts, like in a teriyaki bowl or salad.

LSG:
You like Mexican food. Does that mean you like spicy food?
LS:
I prefer mild spicy, not toooo hot.

LSG:
What is your biggest weakness?
LS:
Will work for ice cream.

Here's a photo from Lindsey Stirling and me (Andreas Janke)

Written by Andreas S. Janke

First Interview with Lindsey Stirling

2014 our team had the chance to interview Lindsey Stirling. Here it is:

Lindsey Stirling GER: 
What is your favorite violin?
Lindsey Stirling:
I prefer the sound of acoustic violins, like my Roth.  As for electric violins, Yamaha’s newer models just keep getting better and better.  I’ve been really happy with them.

LSG:
Which hair color do you prefer most? We know that you asked your fans if you should keep your original brown hair or if you should dye them orange and the fans chose the orange hair.
LS:
Right now I’m fond of the orange; it’s spunky and reminds me of my grandma, who dyed her hair orange till the day she died.  She was so cute and happy and I really miss her.  I was actually thinking of going purple, but as much as I’ve done to my hair lately I’m a little hesitant due to the damage bleaching, etc. would cause.  We’ll see.

LSG:
Are you going to have brown hair again one day?
LS:
I don’t see why not.

LSG:
What is your inspiration for your costumes?
LS:
Shannon Cheek was my main designer when I first started out; we would toss around ideas and eventually come up with a concept we both loved and go with it.  Coming up with modest costumes definitely isn’t easy, but it certainly gets the creative juices flowing haha.  I do the same thing now with whoever I’m working with; I like to have a lot of say/creative control over the final product.

LSG:
In which music video could you implement your original idea for the video best? Before you create a video for one of your songs you have an idea what you want to show in this video. Then you try to interpret your idea in the video. But of course you have to compromise because you don't have the money or something like that to interpret completely your idea.
LS:
Early on I definitely had to improvise and think realistically how I could pull certain things off on a very limited budget.  Ironically though, despite my limited funds at the time and inability to pay 3-D animators at the time, etc., I’m the most proud of the concept behind “Shadows,” and I consider it my most creative work.  I came up with the idea to have a “violin duel” of sorts between myself and an un-cooperative shadow.  All we had to work with was an empty garage, Devin Graham and his film equipment, and a green screen.  Super low-budget haha, but it worked!

LSG:
Do you do any special sports like yoga, kick boxing or something like that?
LS:
I have done both sporadically just for fun, but not consistently.  I used to run cross country and I played soccer in high school.

LSG:
What are your favorite fruits (2 indications)?
LS:
Strawberries and I love apples and bananas with peanut butter. Sometimes I’ll even have a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

LSG:
You are a long time on the road because of your new album and tour. Where do you get all this power?
LS:
Honestly touring is incredibly energizing for me; I love it more than any other aspect of my career.  I think that my lifestyle facilitates my ability to perform as much as I do (I pray for help and strength often, I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, I don’t drink alcohol or smoke, I don’t eat a lot of meat, I don’t drink caffeine or soda, I exercise regularly).  The one thing I could use more of is sleep.

LSG:
Are you able to cook and do you like it?
LS:
I’m a decent cook when I take the time to do it.  I’m no master chef, but I’m pretty good at coming up with simple, healthy meals.  When I have time to cook I enjoy it, as long as I have someone in the kitchen with me to talk to.

LSG:
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
LS:
I’m not sure; I mean right now I’m focused on short/medium term goals, i.e., the things I want to accomplish in the next year or so.  I would love to see myself still touring and creating music ten years from now, but who knows?  I would love get married and have a few kids.  Maybe do some public speaking.  Or help motivate and change lives of troubled youth through a foundation of some kind….


LSG:
Do you have a technique to reduce your jitters?
LS:
I like to be alone in a room alone where I can focus and warm up, I snack on fruit, and I always pray before I go on stage.

LSG:
Do you already have plans what you want to do after your tour?
LS:
Spend time with family, relax, go to Disneyland, write a Christmas cover, make another YouTube video, and I quite a few publicity things have been set up and are waiting for me when I get back home.

LSG:
What is your most difficult/elaborate music video?
LS:
I think Stars Align took the most time and effort due to all of the special effects and animation; but as far as production, Roundtable Rival definitely took the most organization and collaborative effort as a whole.


LSG:
What was your favorite show in Germany?
LS:
Impossible to choose; Germans are an amazing crowd all around!

LSG:
When is your biography going to be released?
LS:
It’s hard to say; Brooke is still tweaking it and we are working on finding a publisher right now.  If we can’t find someone to publish it in the next year or so I will probably self-publish.   Brooke is a master; the way she writes and how she tells the stories is hilarious!

Written by Andreas S. Janke