In the heart of downtown LA, tucked between racks of vintage vinyl, I caught up with Linn Holmes just after her EP hit the airwaves. The record shop, buzzing with the sounds of needle on wax, was just the right kind of place for a chat—full of nostalgia and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to talk about music all day.
Linn was there, her energy infectious, her eyes lighting up as she spoke about “Introducing Linn Holmes.” Crafted alongside Tom Chandler and featuring a band that could easily be legends one day, the EP was a mix of old-school cool with a fresh twist. There in that record shop, amidst the ghosts of music past, Linn shared her journey of putting it all together—how every track was a piece of her story, a blend of her roots and her own fierce individuality. It was raw, real, and a bit rough around the edges, just like the best kind of music often is.
photo by Luckyshot Photos
Linn, your new EP beautifully explores themes like strength and independence, which really resonate with so many of us. I’m curious, as we dive into the heart of your music, could you share a personal experience or a particular moment in your life that directly inspired one of the tracks on ‘Introducing Linn Holmes’?
Absolutely! All the songs of the EP are about very specific settings and seasons of my life – which I think they reflect musically as well. For example – “Baby Blue” is my little ode to younger me, dreaming about this “picture perfect vintage daydream” (as the opening lyric line says) of love that is just like the movies. I used to always say that whomever I’d end up marrying would need to pick me up in a baby blue Cadillac – hence the theme of the song – and it became something my family would always refer to.
Your EP carries the intriguing title ‘Introducing Linn Holmes’. It’s quite a captivating choice for a debut. Could you share with us the story behind this name?
As me and producer Rev. Tom Chandler began wrapping up the first couple of tracks for what came to be this EP, we started talking a little bit about the project itself and what we wanted it to be. My full name is Linn Holmstedt (very Swedish) and as my artist name Linn Holmes got official with these releases, I thought the title was quite fitting! It is the first “introduction” to Linn Holmes!
You’ve described your sound as a blend of your mother’s gospel roots and your father’s rock ‘n’ roll passion. How do you think this unique fusion influences your approach to songwriting and performance?
I think my love for background vocals and singing harmonies with people stemmed lots from singing with my mother growing up, while the rock instrumentation and many rock bands I grew up listening to definitely left an imprint on my style – both in terms of songwriting and performing. I learnt a lot from listening to and studying artists such as Stevie Nicks and other 70s icons, from whom I think I’ve derived little stylistic inspiration from collectively. However I do think the main thing I picked up from my parents were their love of music and how it connects with people, in how it connected us. They sort of taught me that music is magic.
Could you walk us through your songwriting process for this EP? How do you decide which stories make it into your songs and which don’t?
The songs on the EP are written at different times inspired by different events, but they all have the process sort of in common. I firstly sat down by my piano with some sort of melodic or lyrical idea in mind, to then write out a little piano tune which I later on brought into the studio when working with Tom. Writing music has always kind of been my little emotional outlet, where I can sort out my thoughts and reflect on them. It’s very therapeutic!
Throughout your career, you’ve gained a lot of experience as a session singer and performing background vocals for various rock bands. Can you share one of the wilder experiences you’ve had recently? How do these gigs continue to shape your approach to your music?
I’ve been singing quite a bit with Harry Katz & the Pistachios the past time and it’s been absolutely wonderful. We’ve played festivals, headlined The Paramount, played in different cities, video shoots – you name it – and it’s always such a great time. It’s a big band with horns, guitars, three vocals and we’re all in our “Pistachios-Wardrobe”. We’ve had some really cool shows this past time, with everything from meeting to most amazing people to seeing such cool places. Also of course playing really great music with really great musicians and human beings. It’s been an amazing experience.
photo by Luckyshot Photos
I’m curious, do you have a favorite track from your new EP ‘Introducing Linn Holmes’? If so, which one is it and what makes it so special to you?
Ooh that’s a tough one! All the tracks has a special place in my heart, they all represent very different phases of my life – I like to think of them as different seasons – and the sound kind of reflects that. “Cut Me” was the first single off the EP hence I find that one to be a little extra special.
“With ‘Introducing Linn Holmes’ now complete, what are your aspirations for your next musical projects? Are there new themes or sounds you’re eager to explore?
Lots! There’s quite a handful of exciting projects on the horizon… I’m currently working with a handful of amazing peeps – including producer Tom Hatziemanouel, more work with Rev. Tom Chandler and more work with Harry Katz & the Pistachios. There may or may not be some new releases on the way…
What’s been the most surprising lesson you’ve learned about the music business that you wish you knew when you started?
How emotional it can be, while at the same time being so fun and gratifying – as well as how challenging and fast-paced it can be. All at once!
Do you have any concerts or live performances coming up where fans can catch you? What can they expect from a live Linn Holmes show?
Yes I do! Both session work and for my solo project! August 2nd I am playing at the International Pop Overthrow Festival, August 8th at State Social House for the Electric Moon Foundation, August 9th for Dirty Mondays at Viper Room as well as the All Star Celebrity Jam Night Residency at Whisky A Go Go every other Tuesday and shows coming up with Harry Katz & the Pistachios!
What’s currently at the top of your personal music playlist? Any guilty pleasures?
Lately I’ve been on a big The Lemon Twigs kick! Their album “Do Hollywood” is one of my absolute favorites. I have to say also “ABBA: Live at Wembley” from 1979 is always on my rotation, the live arrangements are insane. Such a great live album.
Indie Boulevard Magazine 