Electric violinist Susan Aquila’s rendition of Van Halen’s “Eruption” consolidates her talent into two dazzling, emotional minutes, allowing her to reveal she can do the equivalent of the best guitarists and go beyond.
Aquila hardly needs to show off. Her résumé speaks for itself. She’s played with the best, including Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin, Kanye West, and Metallica. Her energy, intelligence, formidable chops, and ability to synthesize musical styles on the fly have made her a favorite of musical directors,
Playing “Eruption” is always a risk, and Susan Aquila loves to chase the impossible. Her take on the track has no shortage of flash: notes come in a mind-bending flurry, the articulation is crisp and precise, and Aquila explores the sonic range of her instrument from the soaring high tones to the devilish bottom end.
The video depicts a solitary Aquila onstage suffused in an aura of violet light, violin tucked under her chin, and her long blonde hair cascading down. When viewers see her face, they perceive pure joy as she displays her virtuosity. Enhanced by her incredible technique, her violin weaves intricate sonic patterns, evoking visceral sensations. It’s a bravura exhibition of sheer genius.
Tattoo.com caught up with Susan Aquila to find out what motivated her to cover “Eruption,” and how she got started in music.
What three things can’t you live without?
I have to admit it. I can’t live without chocolate!! Yeah… it’s a bit of a problem. I can’t live without music and without sunshine!
What motivated you to cover “Eruption?”
I wanted to show what the electric violin could do. With all the electronic effects, there are so many options for sound and expression. It’s bad ass! It’s not your grandmother’s violin anymore. I also wanted to challenge myself. When I made this video, no other violinist had recorded this. It was difficult to figure out how to get it to work on the violin. I love challenges and I enjoy trying things out and pushing myself.
How did you get started in music? Were you classically trained?
I did not come from a musical family. I was really lucky to be plucked out of my third-grade class and given a violin. I loved music right away and knew early on that I wanted to be a musician. I went on to high-level classical training including attending Rice University and The Juilliard School of Music.
If you had to describe your sound to the uninitiated, what would you say?
I like to say that my sound is full out ‘Balls to the Wall’! It’s fierce, unapologetic, and charged with raw emotion.
Why do you make music?
It’s a calling. I knew that I was born to be a musician, and I couldn’t ignore the longing to play. I am drawn to making music. I love being able to express emotions and bond with other people through my music.
Susan Aquila
Which is your favorite: composing, practicing, recording, or performing live?
Performing live is my biggest joy. I love the excitement and love feeling the energy of the audience. I do enjoy practicing. I like to keep my chops up in both classical and rock music. It’s like taking vitamins. I feel stronger and more confident when I practice every day. I love being in the studio too. It’s similar to playing for a live audience. You have to be creative right at that moment in time. I’m working very hard to get my composing skills equal to my playing skills.
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
Taylor Swift has taken over the world. I really respect her abilities in writing music, delivering a show, and being a confident strong woman. Beyonce is an institution. Her body of work is unparalleled. She continues to be an icon in songwriting, vocal performance, and dance.
You’ve played with Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin, Kanye West, and Metallica. Is there an artist you’d like to play with? Why?
Yes. There are several artists that I would love to play with. Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Lenny Kravitz, and Guns N’ Roses are artists that I would love to work with.
Knowing what you know now, if you could go back and start your music career over again, what would you do differently?
I would have studied music theory and songwriting much earlier. It did take all my energy to gain expertise on my instrument throughout my life. However, I have learned that being able to write your own music is important. You are completely self-reliant if you can create your own music.
How do you define success?
Success is getting up every day and fighting the good fight. For me, it’s becoming a better musician than I was the day, and creating something new, and …. Enjoying the process.
What’s next for Susan Aquila?
I am working on new music, creating a new show, and, hopefully, playing a lot more live performances.
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