You're dying to know. Michael Shulman is your answer. The man is an insane musical genius on the electronic device that is his light-up violin. So much so, that I didn't really believe it was a violin when I heard the blissful music that he emitted coming up through the subway vents of Union Square. The truth is that my suite-mate warned me of this man and his, literally, glowing music. The moment I heard it on my way home from work one night last week, I decided to stray from my path home to venture down to the subway. What I encountered was something like this:
Certainly had me interested. And it wasn't like anything I'd heard down in the subways before. I wanted to talk to him, but I didn't really have a chance to...he seemed kind of busy and wrapped up in moving from piece to piece swiftly without much of a break in between. Which was fine, because I knew that as long as I had his name written down, I'd go home and google the shit out of him.
I guess what was particularly interesting about this subway performer, was his ability to embrace his inner-crazy, (wild mane of hair, unique sense of style) and produce a truly awesome sound from an instrument that looked so bizarre. I also took to liking him because I played classical violin for 10 years before I came to New York. I've always had a soft spot for the electric violin, because in some strange weird fantastical fantasy world that I live in, I envisioned myself taking my skills with the violin to the next level. Electric violin certainly would have been a groovy path to take, no? Maybe. I don't know. Just go with me here.
I did find some cool background on Michael Shulman, through some research which can be found on his website, (previously linked) along with several other cool and interesting facts about the Russian-born heavy-metal violin king.
Surprise, surprise! He's on Facebook. And he's totally friendable. So add him if you please, (my friend has confirmed that they are now "Facebook friends" so it's definitely possible.) Go to his website too, and if you never find yourself in Union Square, then youtube him. Because you can do that too! Cool!
I'm reading your comments and I want to improve! I just don't really know how...I keep asking myself week after week, what it is that I have to say that no one else says. And the thing is, that I think my opinion is totally different from what other people have to say. I also think that I shed light on subjects that not many people take note of. Or if they do, they certainly don't dedicate an entire blog to it. So I guess what I'm trying to say, is that when you read my blogs, keep in mind that I'm trying to find this niche...I just can't tell you if I've found it yet.
ReplyDeleteAshley, to your comment up above. yes! I see you working towards it. and believe me, many a professional writer struggles with the same thing. It is not easy what I'm asking of you. I push because it's so, so important. It's what could allow you be a successful blogger.
ReplyDeletewhat I like a lot about your column is the enthusiasm. Your joy in music more and more comes out and it's infectious . Also, I like this route your going towards the truly obscure - like a street musician. And your personality is starting to emerge. You as this woman so passionate about music, she'll go by a certain subway corridor to hear a violist she's heard of. Keep developing this character that is you.
the links are basically good. I especially like the one where you use teh youtube of the acapela group to contrast what you're used to seeing in the subway. That was unexpected and made me laugh. Well done.
Really, don't get down on your self. I think your blog is getting better and better! I think this was the best one yet!
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The violin has two types of adjuster to modify the sound: the tuning pegs by the scroll and the fine tuners behind the bridge. violin tuner
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