Vitamin String Quartet

Biography

The Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) is a Los Angeles-based collective of musicians known for their classical crossover renditions of modern rock, pop, and other genres. Founded in 1999 by Leo Flynn of Vitamin Records, VSQ has evolved into a versatile ensemble that features a rotating cast of skilled violinists, violists, cellists, and sometimes additional instrumentalists. Their career began with string tributes to iconic bands like Metallica and Radiohead, expanding to cover a wide range of artists across genres. A significant breakthrough came with their involvement in Netflix's 'Bridgerton,' where their string versions of contemporary pop hits became fan favorites. Over the years, VSQ has produced over 400 albums, transforming hits from artists like Lady Gaga, Adele, and Kanye West into classical masterpieces. Their music has been featured in numerous TV shows and films, solidifying their place in contemporary music. VSQ's impact extends beyond their music, as they have helped popularize classical crossover and inspired a new generation of musicians to explore this genre.

Fun Facts

  • VSQ's music has been streamed over 2 billion times, with nearly 4 million downloads and over 1 million physical units sold.
  • Their involvement in Netflix's 'Bridgerton' significantly boosted their global recognition.
  • VSQ has collaborated with artists like ThatViolaKid and Simply Three, showcasing their versatility in classical crossover.
  • Seven of their albums have charted on Billboard, peaking at #4 in both Classical and Classical Crossover categories.

Members

  • Amanda Lo
  • Tom Tally

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Leo Flynn - Founder and producer (Initial VSQ projects) [1999-present]

Key Collaborators

  • Tom Tally - Versatile violist and arranger (Various VSQ albums) [Ongoing]
  • Leah Zeger - Violinist and performer (VSQ and other projects) [Ongoing]
  • Jerome Kessler - Cellist (Several VSQ projects) [Ongoing]

Artists Influenced

  • Nina DiGregorio - Inspired by VSQ's style (Femmes of Rock) [Ongoing]

Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (Covers from the Netflix Series) 2023-05-04 Album
VSQ Performs the Hits of 2016, Vol. 2 2016-08-26 Album
VSQ Performs the Hits of 2020, Vol. 2 2020-12-04 Album
VSQ Performs the Hits of 2021, Vol. 2 2022-03-18 Album
VSQ Performs the Hits of 2014, Vol. 2 2014-08-19 Album
VSQ Performs the Hits of 2020 2020-08-21 Album
Vitamin String Quartet Performs the Hits of 2019 2019-08-16 Album
Geek Wedding, Vol. 2: The Sequel 2016-02-19 Album
The World of Studio Ghibli 2017-12-01 Album
VSQ Performs the Hits of 2024 2024-08-09 Album
VSQ Performs Taylor Swift 2024-02-13 Album
VSQ Performs the Hits of 2021, Vol. 1 2021-08-27 Album
VSQ Performs the Hits of 2014, Vol. 3 2015-01-20 Album
Otaku 2024-11-15 Album
VSQ Performs the Hits of 2020, Vol. 2 (Deluxe Version) 2021-03-19 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Dancing On My Own
  2. Cheap Thrills (VSQ Performs the Hits of 2016, Vol. 2)
  3. thank u, next
  4. Girls Like You
  5. If I Ain't Got You (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (Covers from the Netflix Series))
  6. Dynamite (VSQ Performs the Hits of 2020, Vol. 2)
  7. In My Blood
  8. Yellow - Soundtrack Version
  9. Howl's Moving Castle - Merry-Go-Round of Life (Geek Wedding, Vol. 2: The Sequel)
  10. bad guy

Tags: #chamber, #cover, #rock-and-indie

References

  1. violinlounge.com
  2. vitaminstringquartet.com
  3. last.fm

Heard on WWOZ

Vitamin String Quartet has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Feb 23, 202602:05God Only KnowsThe Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis
Nov 3, 202501:33November RainThe Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis
Oct 27, 202501:28It's The End of the World as We Know It and I Feel Finefrom V.S.Q. Performs R.E.M.The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis