Victor Haskins

Biography

Victor Haskins is a multi-faceted artist whose creative journey spans across music, multimedia art, composition, and improvisation. Guided by a fervent passion for worldbuilding and interactivity, Haskins views life as a game of curiosities, fostering connections between ideas and people through innovative means.

Growing up as a military-dependent youth afforded Haskins a unique upbringing immersed in diverse cultures, instilling in him a boundless worldview and a creativity without limits. From a young age, he found solace and inspiration in the realms of literature and gaming, delving into text-based stories, board games, and video games, which nurtured his vivid imagination.

Haskins's artistic journey took root at the age of 10 when he discovered his love for music upon receiving a cornet in beginning band class while living in New Delhi, India. His dedication to mastering the cornet and deepening his musical understanding led him to compose and record his debut album; shortly thereafter he founded his primary ongoing creative endeavors.

As a performing artist, Haskins leads two main projects: Victor Haskins & Skein and ImproviStory™. Victor Haskins & Skein is an ensemble that performs original electroacoustic music, seamlessly weaving together elements of storytelling, philosophy, African diasporic influences, and collective improvisation. Conversely, ImproviStory showcases Haskins's solo prowess as a multi-instrumentalist and sound artist, crafting immersive, cinematic soundscapes that invite listeners on imaginative journeys.

In his role as a recording artist and composer, Haskins has released three albums: The Truth, Showing Up, and Ikigai. Each album showcases his distinctive musical voice and compositional prowess, offering listeners a glimpse into his expansive sonic universe.

The Truth features a quintet of acoustic instrumentalists exploring scenically-evocative compositions, while Showing Up uses a dynamic fusion of electronic sound design, live audio processing, and intricate ensemble interplay. Ikigai, inspired by the Japanese concept meaning "reason for living," is a reflection of Haskins's philosophical musings and personal interactions, presented through a series of original compositions that build on the experiments that began with Showing Up. Beyond his musical endeavors, Haskins is a prolific multimedia artist, presenting sound-based, multidisciplinary works with his ImproviStory concept. His innovative and dynamic approach makes him sought-after for concerts and socially-conscious performance projects. His work has awarded him grants from organizations like Richmond CultureWorks to develop interactive visual elements that merge computer programming, visual art, and sound art.

As an educator, Haskins shares his expertise through masterclasses and workshops; he also teaches trumpet, improvisation, and the Jazz Ensemble at the College of William & Mary. He has conducted presentations on music and creativity at various institutions worldwide (including the Royal Academy of Music, TEDxLizardCreek, the Jazz Education Network, Sweet Briar College, and others), enriching people from all walks of life with his insights and passion for discovery.

Haskins's impact extends to the stage, where he has graced festivals and venues globally as a featured soloist and bandleader, captivating audiences with his dynamic performances. Some of these include the Kennedy Center REACH Opening Festival, the Festival of New Trumpet Music (NYC), the Richmond Jazz Festival (Richmond, VA), and the Christopher Newport University Trumpet Festival. Supported by grants from esteemed organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Haskins continues to push artistic boundaries and inspire audiences with his innovative works.

To experience Victor Haskins's albums, stay updated on his live performances, explore his latest projects, and access educational resources, visit www.victorhaskins.com.