Lindsey Stirling performing during the Duality Tour at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on July 24, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Lindsey Stirling is a true embodiment of boundless creativity. A multi-award-winning musician known for her genre-bending virtuosity on the electronic violin, she also dazzles audiences with her extraordinary talents as a dancer, integrating this element into her spectacular live shows. Stirling tours with stunning frequency, consistently selling out iconic venues worldwide. Beyond music, she is a New York Times bestselling author and creator of her own comic book.
For her seventh full-length effort, Stirling felt compelled to push her boundaries even further, embracing a new level of freedom in her songwriting. The result, "Duality," is a visionary meditation on inner wisdom, personal strength, and the ever-shifting nature of identity. This album stands as her most sonically daring and emotionally complex work to date.
“For a long time I was trying to limit this album to a specific sound, but finally I decided to stop containing myself—and that’s when I started writing the songs that I loved the most,” says Stirling. “Over time I realized that those songs were coming from two very distinct parts of me in terms of their sound, which made me think about how we all have multiple sides of ourselves that we can choose to share with the world. I ended up creating what feels like two different albums in one, but at the same time it’s all completely me.”
Made with producers and co-writers like Graham Muron (Thirty Seconds to Mars, Skrillex) and Lucky West (Walk the Moon, Dreamers), "Duality" encompasses a dozen songs that showcase Stirling’s refined musicality and gift for crafting deeply expressive melodies. The first half of the album centers on a grandiose, elaborately composed sound informed by Celtic music and other global influences. In contrast, the latter half leans toward a boldly original form of left-of-center pop. Stirling explores intricate questions of intuition and truth, making brilliant use of each sonic setting.
"I called this album 'Duality' because I’m so intrigued by the idea that we’re all so multifaceted, and that sometimes those different sides of us are in direct conflict with each other,” she says. “One moment we feel brave and powerful, and then very quickly we feel small and insecure. It all comes down to asking yourself, ‘Which part do you want to nurture? Which part will end up serving you best?’”
Although Stirling recorded most of "Duality's" violin parts on her own at her home studio, her songwriting process took her to cities like Stockholm and Paris. Traveling and collaborating with new people helped her to break through creative blocks, leading to tracks like “Untamed.” This piece blends her mesmerizing violin work with ferocious guitar riffs, bombastic rhythms, and bursts of otherworldly vocals.
“Untamed” catalyzed the writing of the album’s opening track, “Evil Twin.” This song plays with pizzicato notes from “Untamed,” creating a darker sound that explores the concept of duality. Stirling's work frequently incorporates themes of internal conflict and the multifaceted nature of identity.
“Eye Of The Untold Her,” produced by Mako and co-written with Steve Mazzaro, offers a glorious, mystical epic that conveys the struggle of self-doubt and the triumph of inner truth. Stirling hopes the song reminds listeners that overcoming struggle leads to personal growth and empowerment.
"Inner Gold," a pop-tinged counterpart to “Eye Of The Untold Her,” features the unique vocals of alt-pop artist Royal & the Serpent. This song, written after the end of a three-year relationship, emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s inner voice and emerging stronger from deception.
“Survive,” featuring Walk off the Earth vocalist Sarah Blackwood, reimagines Gloria Gaynor’s classic “I Will Survive” with sleek beats and vibrant violin melodies. Stirling wrote this song as an anthem of empowerment following her breakup, emphasizing resilience and personal growth.
In creating "Duality," Stirling drew inspiration from books like Martha Beck’s "The Way of Integrity." Stirling believes that despite societal constraints, everyone has inherent magic and potential. Through her music, she hopes to empower listeners to reconnect with their truest selves and embrace their inner strength.
Fan reviews:Setlist for the show at the Moody Center
This ranks right up there among one of the best concerts ever! The energy she has is mind blowing! The mix of acrobatics, dance, and music was phenomenal! She has a very talented team, and her drummer is outstanding! Highly recommend. I hope to see her again!
Lindsey's shows are always amazing, her music is powerful and moving, and she always knows how to provide a great show to her fans. This one was no exception. My kids and I had a wonderful time.
One of the best shows I have ever seen. I was doubtful of it, I mean how many things can you do with a violin, I was wrong. It was amazing how she dances, does acrobatics and aerial stunts all while playing and the music is gorgeous.
Lindsey Stirling puts on a fantastic show that is not all about her playing violin there is also a theatrical quality to her show that I really enjoyed.
Spectacular! What an incredible show! I can’t put into words how talented she is and superbly entertaining! We will definitely go to another of her shows!
- Eye of the Untold Her
- The Arena / Underground
- Firefly Alley
- Surrender
- Roundtable Rival
- Evil Twin
- Serenity Found
- Between Twilight
- Shatter Me (with "Imposter" speech and hoop solo)
- Kintsugi
- Crystallize
- Purpose
- Untamed
- Inner Gold
- First Light
- Les Fées
- Survive
Lindsey Stirling was the main act at the Moody Center with guests Walk Off The Earth. They continue across the United States and Europe with the last stop at the Master Of Tides Cruise in Miami, Florida on May 13, 2025.
Lindsey Stirling
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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