It’s Lindsey Stirling’s birthday today, so what better way to celebrate than with the newest Lindsey Stirling music video, released just this morning!

Each of her music videos tells some kind of story. In this one, she’s the leader of a small band of mystics living in a hidden valley, defending it from an army of dark elves bent on their destruction. The visuals are sumptuous, the effects are imaginative and help drive the story instead of getting in the way. The music uses a blend of Celtic and tribal rhythms and melodic elements, and seems to drive the mystical energies that power her mighty bow.

Interestingly, Lindsey can sing, and occasionally does, but usually depends on guest vocalists to reinforce what she does best, and that’s the violin. Her dancing and choreography combined with this make her a strong and unusual powerhouse performer.

The Upside Fund

The video is part of her Artemis project – there’s an album, and a series of comic books – but the focus this time is on Lindsey Stirling’s Upside Fund. This is really something. It’s not often than an entertainer, rather than driving donations to charitable organizations, simply forms one themselves.

The Upside Fund is a project of Community Partners, a nonprofit charity exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

Here’s what Lindsey Stirling says about it:

Hello my friends and fans. Like many of you, I have been affected by the effects of COVID-19. I realize that had this happened years ago when I was a beginning artist, it could have been the end of my career. Realizing that there are many who are at risk of losing all they have, I want to reach out to you, my fans, and help where I can. Timing is everything and right now I’m in a place where I can give back. If you are in need, please fill out the form and let me know how I can help you. The way we will beat this is if we all turn to our own communities and lift where we stand. I love you all.

– Lindsey

She’s serious. If you go to The Upside Fund page on her web site, you can apply directly for aid to help you through a financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve never seen anything quite like this. She’s talking to us directly – this isn’t somebody acting as a mouthpiece for some third party, this is Lindsey Stirling setting this up through an existing 501(c)3 and funding the charitable donations herself.

Happy birthday, Ms. Stirling. You’re our hero.

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