Lindsey Stirling
She shattered the mold of classical music by merging violin pyrotechnics with high-energy dance on YouTube, creating a wildly successful new genre.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American musician·Birthday: September 21·Millennials
Biography
Lindsey Stirling didn't just play the violin; she built a universe around it. A self-described "hip hop violinist" from Gilbert, Arizona, she faced rejection on television talent shows for being too unconventional. Undeterred, she turned to YouTube in 2007, becoming a pioneer of the platform. Her videos, which feature intricate choreography set against fantastical backdrops, transformed the violin from an orchestral instrument into a centerpiece of electronic and pop performance. She didn't follow a path—she hacked one, blending dubstep, classical, and cinematic themes into a visual and auditory spectacle. Her 2012 self-titled debut album went platinum, proving that an artist could achieve massive commercial success entirely outside the traditional music industry system. Stirling's story is a testament to artistic stubbornness, proving that the most compelling niches are the ones you invent yourself.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Lindsey was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lindsey Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Lindsey's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Her self-titled debut album reached platinum status and topped the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart.
- She received a Billboard Music Award for Top Dance/Electronic Album in 2014.
- Her YouTube channel has amassed billions of views, making her one of the platform's most successful music creators.
- She was a finalist on the fifth season of 'America's Got Talent' in 2010.
Did You Know?
She is a dedicated gamer and has created original music for video games like 'League of Legends'.
She wrote a memoir titled 'The Only Pirate at the Party,' co-authored with her sister.
She performed as a featured violinist on the track "Shatter Me" with the rock band Halestorm.
She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
““I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that you can’t let failure define you. You have to let it teach you.””
