Lila Hood is a captivating performer and recording artist. Currently living in Los Angeles, the Memphis native musician is a seasoned, professional multi-instrumentalist whose dedication is shown through her many accomplishments involving her craft. Although her primary instrument is the violin, Lila is also a skilled pianist and string arranger. She has extensive classical training which has propelled her in performing on both acoustic and electric violin. She has become an expert with online music training and ensures "Arts Access for All" through her blueviolinclasses.com website.
In 2018, Lila recorded in a session with Lady Gaga for "A Star Is Born", and via Instrumental Casting Company in LA, Lila has performed with an orchestra to a sold out crowd at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood with Persian Artist Shahkar and guest artist Andrea Bocelli. Lila also has appeared as a violist in national commercials for iPhoneX, Humira, Microsoft, and in a Will & Grace promo commercial. She also appears as a violist on the FX TV show called Better Things and she played viola for a special Austria Airlines promo event in Hollywood. Other previous bookings include national commercials for Avengers Infinity Wars/Infiniti Cars with Clayton Music Management, orchestral performances backing Deadmau5 and recording sessions for AIVA via CMG Music Group.
While in college at Georgetown University, Lila was selected to participate in the New York String Seminar Orchestra, where she was mentored by premier violinists, Maestro Emeritus Alexander Schneider and Maestro Isaac Stern. Through consortium, she went on to become a founding member of The Howard University String Quartet and a student at The Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University. After participating in classical performances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, Lila was introduced to the music of Jean-Luc Ponty and Noel Pointer. She felt a strong desire to explore different musical genres, including jazz, blues, rock, reggae, soul, Afro-Cuban, Latin, and hip-hop.
That exploration set the foundation for her current project, Dreamcatcher EP.
Dreamcatcher EP brings a fresh new sound to the surface of the music world. Produced by Lloyd L. Tolbert with legendary Grammy Award winning producer, James Carmichael, Lila felt the urge to showcase all original tracks influenced by hip-hop, jazz, blues, rock, reggae, soul, and Afro-Cuban sounds. Tolbert has worked with artists such as Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Babyface, Norman Brown, Atlantic Starr, Regina Belle, Cheryl Lynn, Trenyce and more.
The title track, "Dreamcatcher" is an instant classic for smooth jazz fans. "It was written to reflect the great feeling that I experienced upon relocating to Los Angeles to follow my own dream,” proudly claims Lila.
Actor/Poet, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, flows with amorous spoken word verses on “Faithful Lover.” Lila’s string arrangements are supported by a soulful chorus of harmonies vocalized by youtube sensation, L. Young. The song effectively utilizes the powerful nuances of music to reflect love's pledge.
"Memphis Blue," another outstanding track on the project, features Memphis rapper, Al Kapone, who was also a guest artist on the “Hustle & Flow” soundtrack. Multi-platinum lyricist and songwriter, Tony Haynes II, provided the lyrical and vocal composition which showcases Lila's vocal talents. Haynes has lent his talents to Earth Wind & Fire, Jeffrey Osborne, Bobby Brown, George Duke, Kool and the Gang, Chante Moore, and more.
Season 2, American Idol top 5 finalist, Trenyce Cobbins, gives a heartfelt rendition of the original composition, “Used To” on the project. A fellow Memphian, the sultry Cobbins' vocal prowess delivering Tony Haynes” II passionate lyrics coupled with Lila’s violin create a sonnet for the Gods!
Then there's "Ghettoracle," a conversation between violin and hip hop, featuring Lila and fellow artist Ankh Imani (The Pharcyde). This track urges the listeners to seek self-knowledge and to master the gifts within us all. It's insightful and reflects on the state of our communities today.
“I am so proud of what we have accomplished with Dreamcatcher", Lila praises. “We put so much work into this project. I’m so very lucky to have creative partners like Lloyd L. Tolbert, Tony Haynes II and James Carmichael involved. Who can fail with a team like this?”
Lila’s love and commitment for music extends beyond the stage and the recording the studio. “After what seemed like a lifetime of being the only person who looked like me in any classical music environment, I was moved to start the a community program,” Lila says.
Lila's "Blue Violin Classes" attempts to close the gap between classical music and the urban community: “We change lives and create unprecedented outcomes through the implementation of violin lessons, piano lessons, and orchestra training, beginning at age of 3,” she continues.
Throughout her performance career, Lila has performed in numerous venues locally and nationally including Carnegie Hall, Blues Alley DC, The Jamaica Ocho-Rios International Jazz Festival, The Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference Jazz Forum, International Jazz Day at The Creative House, The California Music Fest, L.A. Fashion Week, The Pacific Design Center, and The National Civil Rights Museum. She was also featured in SKIRT Magazine in the “Women to Watch” issue and considered “reminiscent of Jean-Luc Ponty” in a Jazz Times review.
Lila resides in Los Angeles, and she believes that through music we can embrace and appreciate the sharing of diverse cultures.
Dreamcatcher is sure to awaken and captivate music lovers near and far who have love and appreciation for quality musicianship and dynamic artistry.
