Conversations with Brandon Hoff

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Hoff

Hi Brandon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Brandon Hoff, a 22-year-old electric violinist from Cleveland, OH. I began playing the violin at nine years old, focusing on classical repertoire and performing with orchestras throughout my middle and high school years in the Berea City Schools district. I continued my classical studies at The Ohio State University, however, my true passion for the electric violin emerged when I met Mark Wood, the original string master of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, at age 12. Mr. Wood’s influence sparked a new creative fire in me, pushing me to explore genres beyond classical music. I began learning to improvise, write my own music, and jam with bands, thus expanding my technique into rock, pop, country, and R&B.

At 19, I had my first solo performance, outside the orchestra, at a fraternity tailgate before an Ohio State football game. To my surprise, the audience of college students responded enthusiastically to my electric violin covers of rock and pop classics, like Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns N’ Roses), Mr. Brightside (The Killers), and Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen). This particular performance caught the attention of Mark Wood, who reached out after seeing videos on YouTube. He has since become a mentor and invited me to study with him and other prominent electric string players, including Tracy Silverman (innovator of strum bowing and member of the Turtle Island String Quartet), Joe Denizon (violinist of Kansas), and Matt Bell (Co-founder of Electric Violin Shop).

In May 2023, I connected with fellow musicians in the Cleveland area to form a band with electric violin (Brandon Hoff), guitar (Nick Sparano), bass (Josh Radtke), and drums (Aidan Buchholz). Our mission was clear: reinvent contemporary songs with a unique electric violin twist. We started playing open mics around Cleveland, where our fresh take on familiar tunes quickly captivated audiences. Initially an all-instrumental group, my violin took on the role of covering vocal melodies and guitar solos. As word spread, we began booking shows at local venues in our hometown of Berea, eventually expanding into downtown Cleveland venues like the House of Blues Restaurant & Bar. In July 2024, we met Jareth Marlow, a local singer-songwriter, who shared our vision and added vocals to our performances, while allowing the electric violin to maintain its lead role. Together, we’ve created a sound that blends the old with the new, pushing the boundaries of what the violin can do in modern music. This is where the band name ‘Bridge The Gap 216’ came from because of our versatility in spanning multiple genres and eras while paying homage to our Cleveland roots.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our band, Bridge The Gap 216, has been incredibly fortunate in securing several gig opportunities early on compared to many other local bands, thanks to our unique sound and approach. However, the path to success is rarely without its obstacles. We’ve encountered many people who promise opportunities, yet fail to follow through. Lesson learned is that perseverance is key. In today’s digital age, the music industry has undergone significant changes. While the abundance of media offers more opportunities for exposure, it has also made it more challenging to support local musicians. Building an audience through live performances is still possible, however, the industry’s focus has shifted to social media followers, views, and streaming numbers. Being a musician today requires so much more than playing music—you’re also your own accountant, marketer, and content creator. Resilience has become essential. Furthermore, to thrive, you must step out of your comfort zone and keep picking yourself back up when things don’t go as planned. Adapting to this new landscape has been a learning experience, but the rewards are worth the challenges faced, especially when realizing the impact your art has on others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We’re Cleveland’s only band fronted by an electric violinist, and it’s this distinctive element that sets us apart from other acts. The electric violin’s versatility, combined with my classical training and specialized knowledge of guitar effects pedals, improvisation, and techniques from rock, pop, country, and R&B, creates a sound that’s entirely unique to this area. Audiences are drawn to our innovative takes on modern music, as the electric violin allows us to seamlessly blend genres and perform a wide range of styles, all without being limited by a traditional singer. This allows us to be the perfect fit for any event such as weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Inspired by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, I also make use of my wireless system to engage directly with the crowd, stepping into the audience to create a more intimate and immersive experience. This dynamic interaction helps us connect with listeners on a deeper level and enhances the overall performance.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Originally, I had planned to pursue a career in medicine. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Music from The Ohio State University, fully on track to become a doctor. However, as I mentioned earlier, meeting Mark Wood (of Trans-Siberian Orchestra) changed my trajectory. He encouraged me to follow my true passion and pursue a career in music. While the two fields may seem different, I’ve come to realize that both have the power to heal and transform lives in their own unique ways.

Pricing:

• $100 per musician per hour + expenses

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/bridgethegap216
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgethegap216/profilecard/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565298613448
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bridgethegap216
• Other: https://jarethmarlowmusic.com