Music

This dubstep violinist made $6 million on YouTube without a record label

by Jesse Locke

Dear struggling rock bands: You might be doing it wrong. Meet Lindsey Stirling (a.k.a. Lindsey Stomp), a violinist, dubstep musician, and fantasy enthusiast who has created a mini internet empire.

Stirling brought home $6 million in 2015, according to Forbes’ list of the world’s top-earning YouTube stars. Watch her Wild Wild West and Game of Thrones inspired videos for “Roundtable Rival” and “Dragon Age” for an example of Stirling’s amazingly nerdy sensibilities:

After the major labels passed on Stirling back in 2007, she began posting her own videos and building a likeminded fanbase. As her view counts skyrocketed, Stirling started to bring home the big bucks from YouTube ad revenue, direct music sales, sponsorships, and live performances. Now, record labels are reportedly desperate to sign her, but she plans to continue her entrepreneurial efforts without the support of the industry or streaming services. It’s a real wubs to riches story.

[h/t FACTMag]