THE FUSION...

"VIOLIN IS THE HERO" (part I)

innovation ['ɪnəv'eɪʃən] a noun
1. An innovation is a new thing or a new method of doing something.
o...the transformation wrought by the technological innovations of the creative age.
2. Innovation is the introduction of new ideas, methods, or things.
o...we must promote originality and encourage innovation.

Words like innovation, originality and world class are used all too frequently, and more to the point undeservedly.

With their original sound and approach FUSE are the most innovative string act around today. Pioneering a new method for a traditionally classical instrument while inspiring a new breed of electric violinists. FUSE are setting the bar.

It comes as a surprise that an act with such potential and vision was approached to take part in reality TV shows, but the drive to emulate the routes their heroes took and self-instilled integrity played a key role in resisting such invitations. And it paid off - FUSE has signed a groundbreaking global record deal with Edel Records, the likes of which are normally reserved for established platinum selling artists. Edel is a major player that can proudly boast legendary artists such as Prince, Deep Purple, Simple Minds and Kiss to name a few. And if that's not enough this is the first time a UK string act has signed a major deal to a pop/rock label through "traditional" channels.

Never before has a string act dared ventured into the world of electric guitars like FUSE in 2009 its a first. Dont be fooled by the incredible guitar-like sounds, arrangements, techniques and solos these are not guitars you are listening to but electric violins FUSE-STYLE.

FUSE is electric violinists Ben Lee & Linzi Stoppard, the Prince and Princess of the rock violin world. When Ben and Linzi set out to break the mould and push the boundaries they realised they had two choices: to be followers or to show the way with initiative. The latter was the only real option. While following their instincts the band recognised their competition had all failed to conquer the same conundrum - how does a new violin act avoid sounding exactly the same as the one before? Other string acts call themselves electric but often record using acoustic instrument or with no effects which limits them sonically. This narrow path leads to most violin / cross-over string acts covering the same music again and again and in the same style.

Not so with FUSE the answer to the conundrum was a fresh progressive approach using the most up to date techniques, original guitar valve amps, sonic processors and of course their bespoke gold Bridge electric violins - the FUSE sound was born. More importantly through these original methods the instrument comes alive like never before opening up a whole new genre of music ROCK!

FUSEs unique and authentic sound, the components of which and their combination are a close guarded secret, couldn't be achieved using acoustic violins - after months of experimenting with soundscapes and recording techniques Linzi and Ben are adding the final touches to their breathtaking album (co-produced by FUSE) for release later this year. Gone are the days of churning out classical cliches, FUSE's album will be a rock anthems "best of" fit for Guitar Hero, except this time it's VIOLIN HERO!

And when FUSE perform they bring their distinctive sound to their audience, using the same elements to reproduce the experience live - once again setting FUSE worlds apart from all other string acts and in the process rewriting the tired stereo-type, breaking old records and setting new ones. For the truly "original and most innovative string act for over a generation" there is no substitute for FUSE.

Linzi Stoppard Electric rock violinist captivating audiences worldwide!