From hip-hop violin covers to self-produced concerts, Windy Indie is redefining what it means to be a violinist (Photo Credit: Mike Jue/Makeup Artist: Sheena Marie Studios)
The story of how this Black woman became a professional violin player is one of destiny.
It’s about a woman who grew up in Austin off Ohio and Pine, who had to traverse through rough blocks, the doubts of non-believers and her own hardships to come to a place where she now thrives—instrument in hand, clear on the other side.
And this Black woman, whose stage name is Windy Indie, is doing what few violinists ever get to do: carve out her own path to self-sufficiency sans an orchestra.
In short, this sister is booked and busy.
But before she became Windy Indie, she grew up under a mother, a CPS teacher who instilled in her a love of learning and appreciation of music and all the grit and perseverance required to walk a path that few would dare to trod.
A Name That Represents the Journey
“My mother named me after herself, so my government name is Brenda Gilbert. But my whole life, I was called ‘Little Brenda,’” said Windy Indie in a recent interview. “Once I decided to take my violin career seriously, I wanted to create a persona that was all mine.”
The name “Windy Indie” was born from two defining characteristics: her Chicago roots and her independent hustle.
“A lot of people assume I have a puppet master behind the scenes managing my career, but it’s all me. I book my own gigs, run my own agency, and make all my own moves.”
The Violin Finds Her
Her journey with the violin started in sixth grade at KIPP Ascend Charter School. There was no epiphany around how she became drawn to this instrument. The school had received a donation of string instruments, and she and her classmates began learning together.
“For some reason,” said Indie, “I took to it. It was the first thing that made me feel like I had a purpose. I was 10 or 11 years old, and I just knew—I was a violinist.”
Indie spent hours practicing, watching YouTube videos and playing along to songs on WGCI during long drives to her grandmother’s house in Matteson. All the while, she unknowingly honed her ability to play by ear.
Alongside her love of music, her family instilled a reverence for God.
“We had church every Sunday in our basement. My aunts were evangelists, my grandmother led the church, and my uncle was a pastor. I played my violin in church, even when I wasn’t great yet. But all of that sharpened my skills.”
Defying Expectations in Classical Music
Her search for definition as a violinist continued at Lane Tech High School, where she fought to be placed in the right orchestra class.
When she walked through the door, some doubted her ability to be proficient at playing the instrument.
“I told the orchestra teacher over the summer that I wasn’t a beginner, but they placed me in the beginner class anyway. I played for him when school started, and he finally moved me up. It was frustrating, but I’ve faced that kind of underestimation my whole career.”
Despite excelling in classical music, she started to feel boxed in by the elitism and stereotypes of the orchestra world.
Early on, she was forced to make a choice.
“I had to ask myself: Do I want to follow the traditional path, or do I want to carve out a new one? And God showed me that new path.”
But the journey was circuitous and nothing like what other violin players had to go through.
Merging Hip-Hop and Classical
One of her most significant breakthroughs came when she merged hip-hop with classical violin. The songs that made it click? Kanye West’s ‘Fade’ and Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Humble.’
“The notes just flowed naturally from my fingers,” said Indie, recalling that moment.
“Hip-hop is embedded in me. I grew up with gospel and hip-hop, so when I play it, I don’t have to think—I just feel it.”
As she honed her sound, opportunities followed. She was booked for gigs across the city, then landed a role on the hit TV show Empire in 2016.
“At that time, I didn’t even know my value. I was doing gigs for $100, but I was everywhere.”
A Career Forged Through Faith and Hustle
Photo Credit: Mike Jue/Makeup Artist: Sheena Marie Studios
Her ability to freestyle and play by ear sets her apart, but so does her business mind.
“When people book me, they pick their songs, even my outfit. I customize my performances because I care about the experience. Early on, I just showed up and played. Now, I create an entire atmosphere.”
Windy Indie also learned the importance of financial security after a personal tragedy.
“When my father passed in 2023, I had to raise money for his funeral. That moment changed everything for me. I started saving, budgeting and investing in myself. That’s how I bought my condo last year. I realized I couldn’t wait for someone to put me on—I had to put myself on.”
She also started producing her own concerts.
“I booked a venue, sold tickets, and made it happen. My first show had about 50 people, many of them past clients. Now, I’m working on my next concert, set for March 30 in Humboldt Park, featuring an all-Black live band, catered food and a full production team.”
Creating Space for Other Black Violinists
She sees herself as more than just an artist. She’s a role model for aspiring musicians.
“A lot of people think violinists only belong in orchestras. But I want young artists to know they can create their own lane. Too often, Black artists are underestimated. I want to change that narrative.”
The Future of Windy Indie
Looking ahead, Windy Indie plans to keep growing her brand, traveling more and eventually opening a music school.
“I’m two classes away from an associate degree in music education. One of my goals is to start a school one day. But right now, I’m focused on expanding my reach and making sure Black violinists are seen and valued.”
Her faith continues to guide her.
“Proverbs 3:5 says, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.’ That’s what I live by. Everything I’ve achieved is because of God.”
As she prepares for another packed year of performances, Windy Indie remains committed to the city that raised her.
“Chicago made me who I am. I might travel, but this is home. And I’m just getting started.”
For more information on Windy Indie, including booking information, please visit windyindie.com. To purchase tickets for her upcoming March 30 show, visit tickets.windyindie.com.
About Post Author
