In this episode of MyMusic, Graham Coath sits down with London-based violinist Julia Brüssel for a conversation that moves from childhood practice rooms to avant-garde stages and electronic live sets.

Julia began playing violin at just six years old, an instrument that, as she openly admits, is far from beautiful in its early days. What follows is a thoughtful exploration of discipline, muscle memory, and the slow transformation from “screeching” beginner notes to expressive, emotionally charged sound.

Growing up in Cologne, later moving to Berlin during the pandemic, and eventually relocating to London on an artist visa, Julia’s path has been shaped by risk, curiosity, and instinct. Berlin introduced her more deeply into the experimental and free-improvisation scene — music that initially confused her as a teenager but later became a vital part of her voice.

Graham and Julia dive into:

• Why the violin demands years of physical and emotional patience

• The freedom — and vulnerability — of improvised music

• How experimental sound can move audiences even when they “don’t get it”

• The contrast between groove-based electronic influences and abstract expression

• Recording for film and shaping emotion through sound rather than strict notation

• Building a live electronic setup with loopers, pedals and Ableton

• The tension between writing music and actually finishing and releasing it

There’s talk of drum & bass parties, minimalism, Berlin’s underground scene, and the possibility of collaborations that bridge cinematic tension with melodic beauty.

More than anything, this episode captures a musician in motion — not fixed in one genre, not chasing one label, but continually exploring where expression can go next.

As always on MyMusic, the conversation reminds us that “my music” isn’t about ownership... it’s about connection.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when classical training meets electronic experimentation… or how it feels to stand in front of an audience playing something that doesn’t yet have a name, this one is worth your time.

Listen, expand your ears, and maybe — just maybe — let a little discomfort turn into curiosity.