Black Violin

Black Violin is composed of classically trained violist and violinist Wil B. and Kev Marcus, who combine their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as “classical boom.” Black Violin has shared stages with top names including Kanye West, Aerosmith and Tom Petty, and has creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean and Alicia Keys. The duo composed music for the television series “Pitch” which debuted on FOX in 2016, in addition to appearances on HBO’s “Ballers”, “The Tonight Show”, “Tavis Smiley Show”, “The Wendy Williams Show”, and “The Ellen Show”. In addition to their public concerts, Black Violin has performed for more than 100,000 students in the past 12 months throughout North America and Europe. The band is endorsed by Yamaha Music, and has partnered with the National Association for Music Manufacturers (NAMM) to continue their advocacy for accessible music education.

Black Violin was born when Marcus heard the music of violinist Stuff Smith, considered to be the first violinist to use electrical amplification techniques on a violin. His professor sat him down at a lesson and told him to listen. Marcus said Smith’s music was “unbelievable”, saying “classical violin with soul and fire. I loved it.” He passed the music on to Wil-B and together they decided to form a band, calling it Black Violin, named after Smith’s eponymous soulful solo album. Inspired by Smith’s music, the two realized that they could synthesize all the styles they loved: classical, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and even reggae and gypsy music.

Black Violin has announced their Classical Boom Tour. The 29 market tour is a follow up to the successful Unity tour, which saw 28 sold-out public performances. After serving as the house band for the ESPN’s hosted 82nd Annual Heisman Memorial Trophy Presentation, the network recently selected Black Violin’s track “Stereotypes” to promote the upcoming 2017 US Open.

Black Violin is currently writing and recording their next studio album, due out in 2018. The band’s most recent record, Stereotypes, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart and #4 on the Bill-board R&B Chart. NPR praised the album and band, saying “their music will keep classical music alive for the next generation.”