Talking with Lindsey Stirling

Your latest Christmas album Snow Waltz is out now on Concord Records. How did you want to approach the album and was song selection difficult?

I love writing Christmas music! My approach for this album was different because I spent a lot of time making the arrangements at home on my own. There is a free exploratory feeling to the arrangements because they came from me just having fun and exploring these songs as I attempted to take them on magical journeys.

The title track also has a music video which was directed by you and includes some stunning choreography. It reminded me of Tim Burton’s work at times. What was your creative process for the video?

I wanted it to be magical and whimsical but also have a hint of Halloween to it. While writing the song, I could imagine skeletons dancing and that’s when I got the idea for the music video. It was so much fun to make because I made the costumes, drew the storyboards, directed it, and edited the whole thing. I think it’s the perfect blend of all the magic of all the holidays.

What does Christmas mean to you?

It’s a time to reflect on my faith and my belief in a savior; a time to turn to light and a time to spend with my family. Now it’s also become a time to share my light through my shows. I love sparkling Christmas magic across the country.

Do you have any favoured stage violins and are there any particular effects/pedals that you use?

I don’t really use effects or pedals aside from A LOT of reverb. My favorite show violin is Arowen, my white Swavorski crystal Yamaha electric violin.

One of my favourite tracks is your original song ‘Christmas Time With You’ featuring Frawley on vocals. It sounds like a Christmas hit that has been out for years and feels like a great choice for a single release. How did the collaboration with Frawley come about?

Frawley actually sang ‘Christmas C’mon’ in my 2020 Christmas special. She did such a killer job and I just fell in love with her voice and learned that she is also an amazing song writer.

Another traditional song you have included is ‘O Holy Night’ which you also sing alongside this powerful cinematic production. How do you look after your voice?

I’m not much of a singer and only do it occasionally. But the most I do to look after my voice is I don’t let myself scream on roller coasters. Haha.

The lyrics for ‘Crazy For Christmas’ made me smile and it features Bonnie McKee on vocals as well as co-writing duties. What was the writing process for that sing like?

I love Bonnie, she is such a boss writer and it was such an honour to write with her. We laughed so much as we wrote this song. We were cracking ourselves up with all our cleave antics.

In doing my research, I discovered that you have an asteroid named after you which is an incredible moment? How did that opportunity arise?

I know right! My fans actually bought it for me for my birthday one year because they said I was a light. So so cool.

Then you have this melodic rock song ‘Ice Storm’ which to me is reminiscent at times of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Do you have any favourite rock artists/bands that have influenced your work as a musician, songwriter and creative?

I definitely love TSO but I also am a fan of Evanescence, Jimmy Eat World, All Time Low, Avril Lavigne and Weezer.

What makes Lindsey Stirling happy and what makes you unhappy?

I’m happy when I’m being creative and when I’m with people I love. I’m unhappy when I burn my toast or when I have to scrape ice off my car window!