Carla Kihlstedt is an American musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist known for her versatility and innovative approach to music. Born on August 1971, she has made a significant mark in the world of experimental and new music scenes. Kihlstedt is classically trained as a violinist and has a profound ability to transcend traditional genre boundaries, consistently pushing the limits of her instrument through improvisation, collaboration, and composition. Her work often melds elements of classical, jazz, rock, and folk music, resulting in a unique and compelling sound.

Throughout her career, Kihlstedt has engaged in a wide array of musical projects, each showcasing different facets of her artistic identity. "Necessary Monsters" is a particular highlight, a song cycle performance piece that demonstrates her flair for storytelling through music. She also collaborated on "Lisa Bielawa: In medias res," a concerto for violin, orchestra, and electronics. With "Causing a Tiger," Kihlstedt explores the boundaries of sound using voice, violin, and electronics, alongside her bandmates Matthias Bossi and Shahzad Ismaily. Her projects "Minamo" and "The Compass, Log and Lead" further exhibit her exploratory nature and her talent for creating deeply evocative soundscapes. As part of the ensemble Two Foot Yard, she blended pop, folk, jazz, and classical elements to create songs that are both intricate and accessible. Carla Kihlstedt's relentless creativity and masterful musicianship make her a formidable figure in the contemporary music world.