Nationally acclaimed, KAT V has been re-defining the classical violinist image with the help of some strings and needles. Born to a family of musicians, she started classical violin training at age 5. Her inspiration to change the way people experience classical instruments started when she was exposed to the world of house, hip-hop and experimental music. KAT’s curiosity (and frequent appearance) in the Chicago nightclub and DJ scene opened up new outlets and possibilities of musical expression. A prolific electric violinist and DJ, KAT has been a featured performer for the Art Institute of Chicago, Bird’s nest at the Phoenix Open, Chicago Bulls Halftime Show, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Golden Globes, Electric Forest Music Festival, JAS Aspen, Kentucky Derby, Mountainfilm, LA Philharmonic, North Coast Music Fest, NPR, Vogue, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Sundance Film Festival and many more.
Brands/Clients/Partners: 900 North Michigan Shops, American Express, BCG, BMW, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Christie’s, Coca Cola, Four Seasons Hotels, Goldwell, GOOGLE, Harry Winston, Hyatt Corporation, Lexus, Luis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, Marriott, McDonald’s, Modern Luxury, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Patron Tequila, Saks Fifth Avenue, Salesforce, Starcom, Starwood Resorts, Vogue, WCIU the U, Wework.
Q & A
Who are you?
I’m an electric violinist and DJ, yes I DJ and play violin live at the same time.
Where did you study?
I studied at the Conservatory Prep and the Emila Darzina Music Academy in Riga, Latvia, as well as DePaul University’s School of Music.
What type of music do you play?
I curate my sets for each event with deep love and appreciation for my audience. I always leave room for improvisation, because you never know where the party will take you! My goal for every performance is to see everyone on the dance floor.
Do you have any super powers?
I know what you are thinking…
Why do you love playing music?
I like seeing people respond to music. Music is such a subconscious feeling…a language. Words can’t express certain feelings the way music does, so to play a few notes and get that emotion out of a human being is exceptional.
How are you different from classical music?
In classical concerts, there is no interaction or response from the audience until the very end of a performance, however during my sets, I feel instant response from the audience. If they love what they hear, I know it.
Where have you performed?
I’ve been a featured performer for the Art Institute of Chicago, JAS Aspen, MOUNTAINFILM, United Center for the Chicago Bulls Halftime Show, Telluride Aids Benefit, WM Phoenix Open. Plus, if you’re reading this, it probably means I’m about to perform for you.
Do you collaborate with other Artists?
I have performed with Rod Stewart, opened for Steve Aoki, Duran Duran, Journey and Don Henley of Eagles. I have recorded with Probcause and Manic Focus. My favorite collaborations have taken me to the Electric Forest, North Coast Music Festival, Red Rocks Amphitheater, and other sold out venues in the country.
What does V stand for?
Violinist, Virgo, Venus(my nickname), Visnevska, VIP, Versailles.
Where else can we hear you?
My debut solo EP OPUS ONE is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify.