Vinyl is an unicorn whose life has been a complete mess. After the death of her grandparents, she gave up on life completely. Yet through a series of events that started one day, she again became the happy pony and wonderful musician she once was.
Author's note: I've been asked to explain the timeline a bit more. This contains spoilers to new readers.
Click "More" to see the timeline.

Vinyl's age : event
0 : Vinyl's parents die. Grandparents take her in.
7: Vinyl gets her cutiemark
9: The bully-incident.
11: Octavia leaves for the Academy
12: Vinyl makes her first record
14: Vinyl makes her second record under the name DJ PON-3
18: Vinyl plays at the Great Galloping Gala. 2 months later, her grandparents die. She moves to Ponyville, to her old parents' house.
20: The story starts.

Hope this clears up some misconceptions

CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE