KYTAMI is a "violinistextremist. Arguably, Canada’s most diverse and engaging fiddle player, she is an unbelievably energetic performer." Kytami's range and styles span from classical, punk, metal, hip-hop, Reggae, Celtic and any "fiddle styles" in between. Her skill and energy have moved audiences to stand up and embrace her music. From Canada to Europe, to the Near to the Far East, crowds groove to her sometimes melodious, sometimes strident, always energizing and engaging musical styles.
Kytami began violin lessons when she was 3 or 4 years old. She picked it up and never put it down. In college, she trained to be a classical violinist at the Vancouver Academy of Music. While attending the Academy, she participated in "orchestra, chamber groups, theory, private lessons, technique and master classes." From her training, she emerged a master violinist.
She has recorded with established artists in
diverse musical genres. From reggae, hip hop, drum and bass, to punk
and metal. She has performed with Third Eye Tribe, Blackie LeBlanc, the Kytami Revolution, the indie pirate-rock group, Lownote and delhi2dublin.
Kytami is featured on a number of Delhi2Dublin CDs, also on albums released by The Swollen Members and The Rebel Spell. She has collaborated with a number of bands, which include Third Eye Tribe, Goatsblood, delhi2dublin
and FUC. These collaborations also include performing with the legendary dub producer The Mad Professor. More recently, Kytami can be seen performing with DJ Phonograff as "Violin vs Vinyl".
Reviews:
Kytami: Violinist extremist (excerpt) "It’s no secret that Kyla “Kytami” LeBlanc is a music revolutionary. Her songs are striking, worldly, and innovative, and her performances are equally dynamic and mesmerizing. Her stage name, Kytami, is a blend of both her first and middle names: a true homage to her Japanese heritage. This Canadian born artist who has been described as “explosive” is indeed an exotic musical powerhouse in every respect."
~ Abbie Glick - What's Up! Magazine, Bellingham's music scene magazine
Something Else, Something Fierce -First Annual Benefit Concert for the National Alliance of Philippine Women in Canada (excerpt)
“Kytami is a violin revolutionary. An unbelievably energetic performer, she
bounds between classical and fiddle styles, pitting them against heavy bass
and electronic dance beats and then commits a 360, executing her skills
against the pounding of skins in punk rock and metal. With her abilities,
style and devilish smile, she has won over audience after audience,
appearing at most major festivals across Canada and the Western U.S. as well
as performing overseas in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Berlin and Dubai.” —
~ Suzi Pratt - seattleshowgal.comVideos: Violin vs Vinyl - DNB shredding
Kytami: Rapping in solidarity with PWC
F.U.C Interview 2011
Kytami and Phonograff aka Violin vs Vinyl teamed up with J.O Beats, DJ A-Trane, & Jay Tablet to form F.U.C. They are a very talented group that mixed live music, vocals, and DJ's.Bands:
Kytami has appeared on albums released by The Swollen Members and The Rebel Spell, collaborated with bands such as Third Eye Tribe, Goatsblood and legendary dub producer The Mad Professor as well as written and toured extensively with the multi-cultural, award winning band Delhi 2 Dublin.
Kytami is touring Canada and the U.S. northwest billed as "Violin vs Vinyl" with The Phonograff and MC Mista Chatman.