Tanya Cracknell (she/her) is The Grime Violinist. She works in the commercial music industry, fusing violin with rap and chart music as a performer, recording artist and composer.
Tanya has collaborated with some of the biggest artists in the commercial music scene such as Giggs, Mr Eazi, Lethal Bizzle, MC Lioness and many more. Her performance history is as diverse as her music, including Glastonbury, Wireless and Latitude Festivals, the Royal Albert Hall, Hammersmith Apollo and Southbank Centre, and on TV shows such as Game of Talents and The Big Narstie Show.
Tanya’s unique and high energy performances often catch the eye of commercial brands, with collaborations including Coca-Cola, Ellesse, Vodaphone, Fila, Bumble, Boohoo and many more. Private event clients have included Game of Thrones actress Nathalie Emmanuel, rapper Chipmunk, and England footballer and presenter Eniola Aluko.
In addition to live performance, Tanya enjoys getting in the studio to collaborate creatively, writing and recording stringlines for artists including Greentea Peng, Arrdee, Ashley Walters, Lowkey and many more.
In September 2018 Tanya became the first violinist in the world to release an EP of original grime instrumentals which is regularly played on platforms including BBC1Xtra radio and at clashes worldwide.
Growing up in a musical family, Tanya started playing the violin aged 7 following traditional training, going on to achieve a first class degree in music from the University Of East Anglia. She broke away from the classical scene soon after, preferring to play the music she listened and raved to. Tanya’s love of Grime and the energy of the UK music scene led her to become ‘The Grime Violinist’. This alias was coined following the success of her violin covers on social media, showcasing Tanya’s improvisation skills over grime tracks, promoting innovation over imitation and gaining her a substantial social media following.
Tanya embodies female empowerment, positivity and self-belief, speaking publicly on many platforms. She is also involved with music charities Young Urban Arts Foundation and Lyrix Organix, working with young people inspired by music.
Tanya continues to collaborate with producers and artists on commercial releases whilst performing around the world.