Artist Interview: Linwood
- nickinhailer
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Cincinnati four-piece band Linwood, has just released a five-song EP titled "Under My Skin." They took some time to answer a few questions about first written songs, the new EP, and pedalboards.
Do you remember the first song you wrote, what it was about, and any of the lyrics?
The first song I ever wrote was called “Seasick.” I couldn’t have been older than 13 at the time, and I was going through a really difficult season in my life. My parents were beginning their separation, which is hard on any kid no matter their age.
It’s been so long since I’ve thought about that song that I sadly don’t remember any of the lyrics, but I can confidently say it was the moment I realized I needed music as an outlet to express what I was feeling.
My latest EP, Under My Skin, is a much more raw and honest reflection of who I am today. After years of honing my skills as a songwriter, I’m proud to launch this project with my best friends under my middle name, “Linwood.” I hope this record gives both new and longtime listeners a deeper understanding of who I am, along with the lessons and experiences that shaped me along the way.
What was your inspiration for this EP?
Inspiration comes in a lot of different forms for me. As an active member of the local music scene, I can honestly say it’s my friends and fellow artists who continue to push me to keep writing. Growing up around bands like Harbour, The Yugos, Foxy Shazam, and so many other incredible local acts showed me how rewarding it can be to truly chase your dreams.
When COVID hit, my music career came to a screeching halt, but instead of walking away from music completely, I took that passion to Twitch and built a community around music, gaming, and connection. I mainly streamed Fallout, which is known for its use of crooner music from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s, and over those two years I was lucky enough to build a community of people who constantly encouraged me to start another music project under my middle name, “Linwood.”
Honestly, this EP is just as much for them as it is for me. If it weren’t for their persistence — along with the continued growth and support of Cincinnati’s local music scene — I probably would’ve given up on music altogether. Instead, I decided to pour everything I had into this project and create something that gives people a deeper look into who I am, what I’ve been through, and where I hope this dream of becoming a full-time singer can take me.
What did you learn about yourself while making Under My Skin?
Starting a new project can really highlight both your strengths and weaknesses as an artist. For me, the biggest challenge was figuring out the process. I’m incredibly lucky to work alongside some of the most talented musicians in the city — Dylan Skinner on guitar, Chris Black on bass, and Luke Patelunas on drums. I can write songs all day, but those songs don’t truly come to life without the band behind them.
What I learned most while making Under My Skin was how important communication and collaboration really are. Having a vision means nothing if you can’t work together and execute it with the full force of the talent around you. I’ve learned that everyone creates differently, and it’s my responsibility to help push the project forward while still making space for everyone’s creative input.
I think that balance is what made these songs so special. Together, we created the best music I’ve ever been a part of, and I’m genuinely excited for people to finally hear it when the EP drops on June 5th ahead of our performance at Hillsboro Pride on June 6, at Liberty Park.
Do you have any rituals or pre-show routines before a performance?
Oddly enough, not really. The only ritual we consistently stick to is meeting up before load-in to rehearse the set together and drive to the venue. We use that time to “get in the room,” as we call it.
It’s kind of our imaginary safe space — a moment where the four of us feel like we’re the only people in the world, and the music becomes the soundtrack to it all. That’s usually when we know we’re about to have a great set: when we stop overthinking, disappear into the moment, and really lock in together as a band.
I think the best performances happen when we’re fully connected with each other first. Once that chemistry clicks, everything else tends to fall into place naturally.
What is on your pedalboard right now?
Dylan Skinner (Guitar): “Right now my always-on pedal is the Palisades Overdrive by EarthQuaker Devices. It’s super versatile and pretty much stays on all the time. At this point it’s become a huge part of my overall sound.”
Chris Black (Bass): “Mine is the Dispatch Master by EarthQuaker Devices. I use it mainly for a subtle plate-style reverb with a little delay mixed in. It sounds awesome on both bass and guitar — everything from tight ambience to huge atmospheric sounds.”
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
There are so many things I hope people take away from this record, but more than anything, I just hope they take the time to really listen and share the music with others. Under My Skin touches on feelings of longing, missing out, feeling stuck, and facing situations that seem to have no clear end in sight — emotions that I think all of us experience at some point in our lives.
I’d be happy if listeners connect with those messages and relate them to their own struggles in whatever way feels personal to them. At the end of the day, I try to write songs that are honest to my own story while still leaving room for other people to see themselves in the music too.
Now that people know what’s under my skin, maybe it’ll encourage them to open up and share what’s under theirs as well.
