dori robinson

wolfwithviolin:

The Violin Monster

One interesting musical staple is Zachary Storey, a man who is unrecognizable without his monster mask and is known simply as the Violin Monster. The Violin Monster is a fairly recent addition to the streets of Ann Arbor and can be seen expertly fiddling around the South University area.  The Michigan Review sat down to interview this unconventional violinist and question why he creatively pushes the boundaries of musicianship.

THE MIGHIGAN REVIEW: Where are you from?

ZACHARY STOREY: I’m originally from Connecticut.

MR: Have you ever been to college?

ZS: I went to Western Connecticut State University and studied Elementary education and Sociology.

MR: How long have you been doing this?

ZS: I’ve been playing with the mask for about six months.

MR: Why Ann Arbor?

ZS: I’ve been in Ann Arbor a year and made many close friends and feel connected to the community.

MR: What dimension does the mask add?

ZS: It brings more of a performance aspect to it and captures people’s attention.  I’ve found that people enjoy it and I’m glad I’m able to make them happy.

MR: Why this, why not “normal” orchestra route?

ZS: I’m just not that type of player.

MR: Do you want to do this professionally?

ZS: I don’t really have a plan. It’s kind of taken on a life of its own right now.

MR: What kinds of reactions do you get?

ZS: Mostly positive but a few negative reactions. There have only been a couple times where I’ve been confronted.

MR: What are your influences?

ZS: Folk rock, minimalist and Celtic music. I hope to release an album someday.