Before launching her solo career, Lili Haydn established herself as a violinist to reckon with by playing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Porno for Pyros, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Hootie & the Blowfish, Victoria Williams, Tom Petty and Robert Plant & Jimmy Page. Lili Haydn began playing violin as a child. She had previously been purusing a career as a child actress, but when she was eight she decided to play violin. She began studying classical music and attended college as a musical student. Following her graduation, she began working on original material. Simultaneously, she became one of the most sought-after professional violnists in Los Angeles, performing at a number of live and studio sessions. In 1994, she and her band began a two year residency at the Viper Room, during which they worked on her original songs. By the time she landed a record contract with Atlantic in 1997, she had worked with a number of different musicians; in addition to the previously mentioned artists, she had played with Brandy, Tony! Toni! Tone! and No Doubt. Haydn's debut album, Lili, was released in the fall of 1997. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide