Leah Ottman

LOTT is the solo project of Minneapolis musician, Leah Ottman (We Are The Willows). Classical Experimental Violin. The core inspiration for LOTT's compositions is the Romantic Period of classical music. The chordal structures, intervals, and melodies heard throughout her songs are reminiscent of those used by Antonin Dvorak, Alexander Borodin, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, French Impressionist composer, Maurice Ravel, and then condensed into pop songs. She explores the range on her violin by utilizing a looping pedal and similar techniques employed by looping violinist pioneers, Andrew Bird, Kishi Bashi, and Owen Pallet.

LOTT has been likened to a modern day torch singer of indie music - both in her lyrical themes and vocal styling. She has been greatly influenced by Patsy Cline's catalogue of songs about unrequited love and heartbreak. The music project of LOTT started as a desire to express her creativity and love for the violin by merging the two worlds of classical and contemporary music.

LOTT was awarded "Best Acoustic Performer" in City Pages Best Of the Twin Cities 2015. "...With a looping pedal hooked up to her instrument, Ottman layers intricate melodies that combine classical beauty with an adventurous ear for contemporary experimentation not unlike Andrew Bird. Her voice, loaded with attitude and a penchant for flowing leaps, sweetens the deal..."