The Linn Holmes Interview
Linn Holmes is a Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter Known for her work as a session singer, performing and recording background vocals for a vast variety of bands and artists, Linn has become a household name in the Los Angeles rock scene. Mixing the influences of her mother’s time singing gospel and her fathers love for rock n roll - acts such as the Allman Brothers Band, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt and Fleetwood Mac came to shape her sound. 2024 is about to be a big year - with “Cut Me” as the debut release, Linn is embarking on her solo project with more exciting releases soon to follow.
Interview
1.At what age did you know that you wanted to be an artist and how did you get started in the first place?
Music has always been a big part of my life. I grew up in Sweden and music was always sung and played in the house I grew up in. My mom was in a gospel choir and would bring me to their rehearsals, and my dad would always be so thrilled so share with me his favorite records. My mother and father has always had this massive admiration for music, which I think they passed on to me.
I began singing in a gigging choir around the age of 3, and we did our first tv performance about a year later. I began playing classical instruments and eventually began studying at this more conservatory-esque music school at the age of 9. From there, it just kind of kept going - I was studying everything from classical, jazz, to blues and rock. I just loved it. I started my first band with my best friends - a band named Spiridoula - and we began playing gigs all around Stockholm. We were just so inspired by all these 70s bands, such as Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, writing songs feverishly and just itching to perform.
2. Who has been your biggest support throughout your journey as an artist?
My family. They’ve been there through everything since day 1 - driving me to practices and rehearsals, always front row at every gig and concert, going out of their way to support in any and every way they can.
3.How do you prepare mentally before each and every show?
I’m big on running and lifting/hybrid training - it really helps me clear my mind. Getting a workout in the day of any show really puts me in a good headspace. Also making sure I feel good about the material!
4. What song of yours has been the most personal to you and why?
That’s a tough question! I feel that my recent single “Cut Me” hits personally on a different level - as it is my very first solo release and it reflects me as a solo artist in a different way.
5.what do you like most about the music making process and what discourages you the most?
I love the idea of getting to take my thoughts, emotions, feelings, and turn it into art. Then getting to share it with other human beings - whether it’s five people or a thousand - is such a cool and gratifying experience. It is personal and it can be tough - being in the music industry is not always the easiest field of work and the pressure can a LOT (whether coming for myself or someone else) - however, getting to do this for a living is just a dream come true.
6. Who are some of your biggest influences and why?
I think two bands that has perhaps inspired me the most throughout the years would be Fleetwood Mac and the Allman Brothers Band. I used to be such a Stevie Nicks fan - I bought all her records, cut my bangs just like hers and once went all the way to London (from Sweden) with my best friend just to see her live.
Some of my earlier vocal influences also comes from jazz, with vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker. I always found their ways of using their voices to be so mesmerizing - almost mimicking horns or other instruments, varying their tone and note choices so freely.
I also got a lot of musical influences from my parents - gospel from my mother, with lots of Mahalia Jackson and the choir By Grace, as well as hard rock from my father - the rock band Y&T was hands down one of our favorite bands to listen to.
7.what are some things you have learned throughout your music career that has been very beneficial to your career as an artist?
Resilience and the value of hard work. If you really want it, you can achieve it, but be prepared to work your ass off. To keep going no matter what, but to not be afraid to listen to your body and mind and try to give yourself grace. It is easier said than done and something I am currently trying to improve on!
8. For those who haven't heard your music, What can they expect? And Where can they find your music?
My music is out on all streaming platforms and you can find more info about me on all social media platforms!
For those who haven’t heard my music - I would describe it as bluesy and soulful, but with some modern twists. I love taking inspiration from different genres and songwriters from different areas, places and times - which I hope is reflected in my songs!
I am also quite the music theory nerd, which I think is reflected heavily in how I write.
9.Where do you see yourself in 5 years and what do you hope to accomplish?
My main aspiration for the future is just to keep being able to do what I love, as cringeworthy as it sounds. In five years time, I hope to still be making music and to keep growing and learning as a musician. I’d to love get the opportunities to sing with more artists of different genres and sounds, as well as expanding to different areas of the craft!
10. How do you want to be remembered at the end of your career?
I want to be remembered as someone who managed to spread at least little bit of extra glitter and love into the world. Whether it is giving one person comfort through a lyric, or making someone smile with a song - I hope I leave this earth making it at least a teeny tiny bit happier. Again, cringe but true.
11. What artists would you like to work with in the future and why?
There’s SO many! I would absolutely love to work more with artist of different genres and places - whether diving into jazz, rnb or further into blues, the list is endless!
12.What was the inspiration behind your song "Cut Me"?
I wrote the song while going through lots of big changes in life and with quite a heavy heart, the song just kind of poured out of me one night sitting by my piano. It was a time that kind of led me to discover my own resilience through it all, which is what the song it mainly about.
13.What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a career in music?
Firstly - learn your craft. Study it and learn all the ins and outs of it’s history and components. Be a sponge, it will set you apart.
Really be prepared to work HARD and give it all you’ve got.
Also please just be kind and respectful, listen to your peers and be a good person.
14. What has been one of the most toughest challenges throughout your career, and how did you overcome it?
I would say there are quite a few. The landscape is challenging and as an independent or emerging artist you have to wear so many hats, often to sparse or overdue rewards. It is challenging to navigate and to actually figure out how to make a living as a creative, you really have to be so determined and have that relentless work ethic. Nothing is guaranteed and everything can change in blink of an eye, but I do believe that if you are determined to achieve something in your career - you can make it happen one way or another.
15. What are some of your goals you are looking forward to accomplish in 2024?
Well there are a few announcements coming VERY soon, which I am beyond excited for! It is going to be a good year.
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