Linn Holmstedt is a singer and songwriter originally from Stockholm, Sweden. Linn arranges, record and perform background vocals for a variety of artists and productions – such as hard rock band Wings of Steel, Americana band Nine Mile Station and Whisky A Go Go residency celebrity All-Star Jam Ultimate Jam Night.
Linn also has her original project – blues/rock band Swedish Highcoast Ensemble – alongside amazing guitarist Marcus Lundqvist, for which she sings lead and co-write all the material.
What first got you into music?
The people that first got me into music was my dear parents. Growing up, my mom sang in a gospel choir with which she was rehearsing with and performing with quite a bit, and she would always bring me with her to their rehearsals and shows – then trying to teach me the harmonies at home. My dad always loved music and would always play me his favorite records, teaching me the songs and then we’d belt them at the top of our lungs whenever we got a chance to listen to them. Both my parents have been playing instruments and been avid music-listeners throughout their life, so they always wanted to share that joy with me. Music became such a vital bonding point between me and my family growing up, making music my favorite thing in the world, and promoting me to make it my life.
When did you start writing music?
I started writing music seriously and making demos when I was around 13 or 14 years old- but I would write little tunes even as a kid. I had this one big booklet where I wrote down my lyrics and described the melodies as best as I could in words (before being able to transcribe them) to make sure I would remember them.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
This is such a cliché response – but music is my favorite thing in the world and being able make it my life 360° and to share that with other people is just the most magical thing to me. It is just pure magic. Whether it is creating music with others, listening to it or being part of any other aspect of it – it just makes my heart full.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
There are plenty of artists and bands of different genres that has inspired me lots throughout my life – Fleetwood Mac, the Allman Brothers Band, Joni Mitchell, Ella Fitzgerald, Jefferson Airplane, BB King, Joan Baez, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin – to name a few. It was something about discovering Stevie Nicks’s music in my early teens that really left a mark on my whole being – I was in my first band, Spiridoula, and the whole Fleetwood Mac catalogue (early and later) along with Stevie’s solo stuff just inspired me so much.
Today I would say Susan Tedeschi and the Tedeschi Trucks Band is my go-to. She is just so cool, and her voice just resonates so deeply with me. Such a badass. Also, artists such as Brittany Howard, First Aid Kit, Yola, and The Marcus King Band are some of my current favorites.
What is your top two favorite albums of all time? Why those albums?
Choosing two albums is quite challenging – however, I would probably go with” At Fillmore East” from 1971 by Allman Brothers Band along with Fleetwood Mac’s live album” The Dance” from 1997. These two albums just left such an imprint on me musically and are go-to’s when I feel like I need to re-connect to myself a bit and feel a bit more grounded. I’m a huge fan of live albums (as you could tell) and these are two of my absolute favorites.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
The Swedish banger from the 80s ”På Egna Ben” by singer Carola. Ultimate hype song.
Which fictional character do you wish was real?
Gandalf, hands down. Wouldn’t that be just so cool? I’m a massive Lord of the Rings fan so naturally I would have to go with.
What makes you nostalgic?
Mostly records I listened to as a kid or teen. Albums such as Joni Mitchell’s Blue, Fleetwood Mac’s Mirage, most of ABBA’s albums – especially Live at Wembley Arena – and honestly like any Christmas album. Choral Christmas music as well – I sang in choirs a bunch growing up and listening to it makes me super nostalgic.
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
As I am a massive Tolkien/Lord of the Rings fan – I just finished watching the new Middle Earth series Rings of Power! I really liked it! Will re-watch.
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
Breathe! Stay focused and stay kind but know that things are going to be good! Don’t waste your time worrying about the small stuff.