Award-winning rock violinist Antonio Pontarelli is notorious for his signature shred-like style that sends a surge of excitement through audiences of all ages. He is one of the many collaborators on the October 23 solo release of Serj Tankian, who is the voice of "System of a Down". Tankian heard about Pontarelli's fiery and soulful performances on the electric violin and was immediately impressed.
"From the beginning, I knew this project was going to be epic," said Pontarelli. "Serj is such a genius when it comes to masterminding hit music and I am privileged to have worked with an
artist that has such vision and focus; it was an amazing experience." Pontarelli performed on many of the tracks for "Elect the Dead" which has singles "Empty Walls" and "Unthinking
Majority" climbing the charts on Billboard, radio and the Internet. Both releases have become the most requested songs on KROQ in Los Angeles.
Most of the album was recorded at Tankian's home studio in Calabasas, CA with Dan Monti engineering the project. Tankian presented Pontarelli with the material and let him add his unique
sound. Pontarelli is best known for his engaging alternative rock sound by blending baroque music into modern day rock. He is also a singer/songwriter and producer that has worked with
many top industry players like producer Howard Benson, songwriters "The Wizardz of Oz" and Grammy-winning artists such as Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. Earlier this year Pontarelli won the
ASTA (American String Teachers Association) "National Alternative Styles Award" for his impressive rock improvisation and in July he won "Best Performance" in the Unisong International
Songwriting Contest. Currently he is a music industry major at USC.
Pontarelli will be performing his "wild" violin style in Los Angeles with Serj on October 27 for KROQ Kreep Show at the House of Blues Sunset. For additional artist information about
Antonio Pontarelli, please visit www.myspace.com/antoniopontarelli where you can view images and listen to
his latest music.