1. Thanks for your time. Could you tell us in a couple of sentences who Link Lewis is?
I’m an RnB / Soul-driven multi-instrumentalist from Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, with growing experience as an artist, producer and writer, and I’m keen to put my stamp on the Indie RnB and Indie Pop genres.
2. How did you get started out on your musical journey and which musicians have had the biggest impact on your life?
I got started with an organisation called Yorkshire Young Musicians at Leeds College of Music. We were required to play two instruments so I decided to learn the saxophone alongside piano. I take inspiration from so many different artists but I’d have to say that the newbies in the Indie RnB scene have had the most impact on me; the likes of Jordan Rakei, Joe Hertz, Brent Faiyaz, Mic LOWRY and Sinead Harnett.
3. You put out your debut release last year; looking back at it now, what do you think of it?
I think most artists will listen to their previous releases and hear things that could have changed. All in all, though, I’m happy with it. It’s nice to hear the progression since my first release.
4. When can we expect new music from you?
I’ve literally just released a brand-new single called Always Be There. The support has been insane so far. In terms of new music, I’m happy to announce I’ll be featuring on a record with a brand-new UK artist called Camz in October. I can’t wait for people to hear this one.
5. In terms of the RnB scene, what is it like in Yorkshire and how helpful are gigs like #360RAW10?
Unfortunately, Huddersfield doesn’t really have a massive live scene for RnB music but that’s something I hope I’m going to be able to change with my record label, Ellemer Records. We’re hopefully going to be putting on some Ellemer Presents shows with upcoming RnB / Pop artists in the Huddersfield area in the coming months. Shows like #360RAW10 are so valuable to artists like us. It’s the perfect opportunity to gain new fans and put ourselves on the map. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.
6. Do you know much about the other acts on the bill at #360RAW10?
I’m lucky enough to be working with ADMT, who is an incredibly talented artist. We’ve worked on some great stull together in the studio, and I’m sure you’ll all be hearing it soon. As for Shades and Everyday People, I can’t say I’d heard of them before, but that’s the beauty of being involved in shows like this. Since then, I’ve listened to their material and think they’re both great. I can’t wait to hear what they can do live.
7. If we were to have this conversation in 12 months’ time, at what stage would you like your career to be?
I feel like I need to start building a live fan base now, so I can start putting on some headline shows. The material is there, so I just need to get my music onto stages. In a year’s time, I’d like to have sold out a small local venue.
8. In terms of the superstars of the RnB scene, who would your ideal tour / collaboration be with?
I’m going to be greedy and mention a few. Jordan Rakei, Brent Faiyaz, Tom Misch, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Daniel Caesar and Michael Jackson.
9. Curveball question: if a pizza was created to match your personality, what toppings would be on it?
I feel like some of my tracks are spicier than you would expect, so we need to throw on some spicy chicken, onion, pepper and jalapeños. The foundations of my tracks are always the same – RnB melodies, strong beats and think vocal harmonies – so I’m going to make the pizza barbecue based to. BOOM.
10. Thanks for your time. One last chance to persuade people to come and see you at #360RAW10 …
Myself and another artist performing at the show have something a little special planned. I’m not going to say any more than that!
You can grab yourself a ticket to the event while there are still some left, here
