Cocktails with Linzi Stoppard
Linzi Stoppard is one-half of the United Kingdom electric violinist band FUSE. Ahead of the musical duo’s exclusive performance at the launch of the Audi A6 at the Sandals hangar, Tinson Pen Aerodrome, last Wednesday, the brunette musician, whose father-in-law is Academy Award-winning writer Sir Tom Stoppard (Shakespeare in Love) graciously entertained our questions over cocktails.
What are you sipping?
A dry martini.
Who does your hair?
Daniel Galvin in Central London. It’s the same salon Princess Diana used to go to have her hair done.
Who does your nails?
A nail specialist close to where I live. The establishment is called The Nail Station.
Jeans or LBD?
It really depends on the event. As I do a lot of travelling, jeans are great. But I do love LBDs. Azzaro makes the most amazing little black dresses.
Flats or stilettos?
Stilettos. I always perform in stilettos — Swarovski encrusted shoes by Gina.
What’s your must-have accessory?
Definitely my Swarovski violin, also designed by Gina.
What’s in your car stereo/on your iPod?
I do love Beyonce, Katy Perry and Pink and I like ’80s rock like Guns ‘n Roses and Def Leppard.
In a sentence, who is Linzi Stoppard?
I’m an electric violinist showing the world the violin is far more versatile than just a classical instrument.
What’s your idea of the perfect man?
My husband, William Stoppard, who’s also the manager of FUSE.
What’s your idea of the perfect date?
My most perfect date was when my husband and I were in Singapore and it coincided with my birthday. He made arrangements for a private dinner in a concealed room on the 21st floor of the hotel we were staying at. The room had only been used once before by David and Victoria Beckham.
How was the experience performing for a Jamaican audience?
The people here are amazingly friendly and warm, nothing like in London. We had several nice comments, after we had performed, from members of the audience. I found that in Jamaica, you can start a conversation with almost anyone.
Who is your musical idol?
Madonna, in her earlier years. I was a big fan. When she released her first album, she was going against the grain and was subjected to a lot of criticism but she just forged ahead.
What’s next for FUSE?
We have a tour ahead in the United States. We have some play dates in Arizona and Philadelphia. Also, we are going to the Middle East for performance dates. We are also recording a new album in West London that is going to be very different from our first album. We’re also working on a film soundtrack with a company called Fairbanks Productions.
What has been your absolute favourite venue to perform at?
The Royal Albert Hall in London. It has an amazing history and the sound is wonderful. Although it seats thousands of people, it feels intimate when you are performing. I also have fond memories of FUSE performing as the back-up act for Bryan Adams in 2009.
Where do you go when you want to escape it all?
My mother-in-law has a beautiful country home in the South of France, so I enjoy going there for a weekend.
When and where last were you at your happiest?
Spending time with my family this past Christmas.
Who or what inspires you?
My husband, because he’s a workaholic, and my band mate Ben because he’s so talented and our fans because of their support.
You’re stranded on a deserted island and can have your pick of any four persons, living or dead, to be there with you. Who would they be?
Michael Jackson because he is a legend and it would be amazing to be in his company. Kurt Cobain because I would love to pick his brain. Elvis Presley because he was able to successfully cross over and go mainstream music, and Madonna because she’s always been my inspiration.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
If you think you are doing alright, you’re comparing yourself to the wrong people.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
We would have put out a few more FUSE albums and hopefully, I would have started a family as well. And I would love to do some more film work.