A prodigious genre-hopping artist whose trademark electric blue violin reflects his Mexican, Brazilian, and Native American Indian roots, Q or QVLN, has recently made Australia his home.

“I’ve spent the greater part of my twenty year career in North and South America and now want to explore the music of the Asia Pacific region, especially Indigenous music.”

Equally at home with Latin, Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Afrobeat, LA Soul, Jazz, Samba, Funk, Bossa Nova and even Classical, Q is an exciting headline artist who ignites audiences at concerts, festivals, in clubs, and on television. It’s no surprise really, given that he’s been performing professionally since he was thirteen and produced his first CD at seventeen. As well as his success at the highest level, Q is passionate about exploring Indigenous music and taking his music to Indigenous communities around the world.

A Native American Abroad

In recognition of his unique talent and promotion of Indigenous music, the U.S. State Department sponsored an extensive tour through Latin America as part of their American Music Abroad Program.

Parents Early Influencers

For a budding musician, Q chose the perfect family. Growing up in Arizona, his parents’ heritage was a mix of Mexican, Brazilian and Native American Indian. Both parents were musicians and art educators using music to connect with children and diverse communities. Q often accompanied his parents and learned the power of music to influence and inspire.

A child prodigy, Quetzal picked up the violin at four years of age after watching Itzhak Perlman, the legendary classical violinist, play on TV. At five, when his parents moved the family to Japan, Q immersed himself in the Suzuki method of music and even

performed in front of the great man - Dr Shinichi Suzuki.

The Big Concert Stage at 10

At the ripe old age of ten, Quetzal, already an accomplished violinist, was invited by ‘Mambo King’ Tito Puente to appear live on stage in front of a huge audience in San Diego, CA. He played with the assurance of a seasoned performer and dazzled the crowd with his flamboyant showmanship, despite his young years.

Two years later, Q picked up the guitar and quickly became proficient. Later he graduated to percussion and also developed his now trademark smooth, soulful vocals. At thirteen, Q, started playing regularly as a professional musician. At seventeen he recorded the first of many CD’s. Since then he has traversed the world, thrilling audiences as a solo artist, in duet with poet Oveous, or with his Grammy-award winning band, but his passion lies with taking his music to Indigenous communities and fostering a spirit of connectedness and a celebration of culture.

“I aim to inspire Indigenous communities, especially children, by showing them the power of following your passion, exploring one’s culture and celebrating it. Music can open up avenues to so many things - creativity, expression, emotion and even a vocation.” QVLN hopes to take his music to Indigenous communities in Australia and collaborate with Indigenous artists.