It's Not A Violin...
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vi·o·la ::: A stringed instrument of the violin family, slightly larger than a violin, tuned a fifth lower, and having a deeper, more sonorous tone.
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Meow. Welcome, and thanks for visiting.
My debut album is called Vol I: Battle Cry, and you can listen to the album in its entirety in the Music Section.
I play the viola and harmonica through the guitar effects and looping machine.
The addition of the harmonica is new, and came to birth while I was in the Amazon rainforest recently. I brought a harmonica instead of a viola, and now the floodgates have opened. I’m so excited to record and soon share these new songs with you!
News and updates:
- I was recentlyfeatured in a 3-part NPR’s KPCC (89.3FM in LA) story about my music, projects and activism… and most of all how MLK inspired the vision behind Vol. I: Battle Cry. You can listen/watch the interview here.
- My first music video will be released in February.
- Amazing high-definition footage from the concert in the Diego Rivera Courtyard of the Detroit Industry of Arts is being compiled into a DVD that will be available for purchase. In February we will release two songs online as a sneak preview of the performance in front of Diego Rivera’s incomparable “Detroit Industry” mural.
The collection of compositions on Vol. I: Battle Cry are personal interpretations of all the different emotions that I experienced before I was able to find my own battle cry. In some way, I hope the music makes you think of yours…
Using guitar effects and looping with a classical instrument, experimenting with techniques, collaborating with the most unexpected musicians is bliss. I’ve been rocking my ass off. I hope the work does the same for you.
Enjoy, and thanks for your support and interest!
~ Christen Lien
P.S. Thank you to all who made this album & website possible:
David Ralicke for the recording, mixing and mastering of the music, to Raúl Peña, Patrick Forringer and Jun Loayza of Future Delivery for the website, to Meredith Zielke, Leslie Dreyer, Danielle Barnett, Lou Lesko and Chris Weeks for the fantastical photos, Jana Lynne White for her feminine prowess and expertise, to those who created a bio for me in “The Backstory” section, and to the supporters who want to remain anonymous behind the curtain of Oz… from the depths, I thank you.
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Hey, listened to your demo CD on the way home. I picked up a young hitchhiker who had been woofing on a farm on Cortez and he was a guitar player. He was blown away by your music. I’d hear it before, of course, so I wasn’t blown away — just grateful! Play on
Bob
Thanks for bringing your demo CD to Hollyhock. Love it!! Also very much enjoyed the pieces you played there. Looking forward to hearing more of your beautiful music. Claire
Here’s a joke I think you’d like…
Q: “What’s the difference in size between a violin and a viola?”
A: “There is no difference; the violinist’s head is just bigger.”
I’m looking forward to your performance in DC tomorrow!
-Christopher
Nice Christopher! I usually see viola jokes. I wholeheartedly support sharing the punchline with the violins… did you know there are websites dedicated to viola jokes? I will not promote them here.
See you tomorrow!
Yeah the background is fixed and i can read your page with ease.
Christen, I took my family to your performance at the Detroit Institute of Arts, great show. It was an awe inspiring evening with your music and the venue of the Diego Rivera Courtyard. Where will the video tape of that performance be used? I do hope that you get some of the still shots up on your website, I am using one of mine for my desktop. They should be beautiful. Good luck in your craft.
Tom – Glad your family enjoyed the DIA performance, it was one of the more inspiring performances for me too! What a night that was… the video will be posted on this website, and on YouTube of course. I haven’t seen much of it, but the filmmakers in Michigan said it’s stunning and some of the best work they’ve ever done. What I saw of it was so incredible.
So if there is enough good footage, we’re going to make a DVD of the performance, too. Stay tuned… the filmmakers have a ton of footage to go through, so it’s gonna be in the editing room for a bit longer.
Beautiful Christen.
I am listening to your Unconditional while the tradewinds breeze through our South Pacific home. I have purchased three of your Battle Cry cds to send to three different countries with the message that
"The violin sings, the cello is deeply profound and in between, we are left with the sensuous void that only the viola can fill"
mc
Hi Christen!
I was at the salon last week and your mom told me about your cd so I looked you up. Looks like you are doing great. Keep it up girl!
Hi,
I really enjoyed your CD and wanted to buy one.
But I live in Brazil and don’t know where to find.
Can you help?
Wow, Christen, what a beautiful website! I like the way you included the blog and I went there to read more of your Amazon journey. I know we can only taste a morsel of the feast you experienced, but what a delicious morsel it is.
Lots of love,
Dawn
Dearest Christine,
I am the red-head admirer of yours at your Seattle debut concert! You have an increadible presence and energy! Your music seems to pour out of every pore of your body and your amazing skill with the viola and harmonica are mesmerizing!
I bought your CD and have been listening to it over and over again whole day today!
On the cover you said: "In each of us lives a unique passion.. it is critical for your dream to be manifested, for your gift to be given, for your power to be brought forth…" Your music and these words move me to my CORE and indeed give me the impetus to act!
Many Blessings,
Leo
Christen, I went to your performance in Seattle at the gallery and absolutely loved your music. I was wondering why you didn’t charge for the show? I’d love for you to be supported financially for what you do. Abigail