Youka Snell

Classically trained, jazz-converted and pop crazy, this electrifying violinist will tantalise your eardrums from every angle imaginable with her eclectic style. Most at home with her foot on a Crybaby wah-pedal, Youka delights in turning tradition on its head in her approach to the violin… with only one condition: a stubborn insistence on playing a traditional wooden instrument rather than its toneless modern counterpart. Youka’s specialty is hip hop, but don’t be fooled – she can dance her way around latin, flamenco and jazz, and is certainly no stranger to rock and folk.

A graduate of Queensland Conservatorium, Youka completed her training in classical and jazz and has played in numerous professional and contemporary music ensembles since 2004. Her professional performance credits to date include: The Saruzu Quartet (flamenco dance & music ensemble), Well Strung String Quartet (classical/jazz string quartet), Musica Alegre (latin/flamenco/jazz violin and guitar duo), Deep Blue (contemporary string orchestra), Grassroots Street Orchestra (hip hop band), Shisha (experimental world music trio), Red Eye Moon (folk/soul band), Parlourvice (soul/rock band), and Loren Dent (folk artist). Her studio credits include QUT’s 2007 advertising campaign, SBS documentary ‘Donkey in Lahore’, and award-winning short film ‘One Giant Leap for Mr. Larkin’.