A native of Barbados, Linton developed a love for music at an early age. After taking home four awards at the 2007 Barbados Music Awards (including song of the year for his hit single “Cardiac Arrest”) Linton ventured to New York with manager Teneille Doyle to continue developing his sound. Harboring the perfect mixture of charm, raw talent, and determination Linton caught the attention of Universal Motown President Sylvia Rhone and was signed to the label in October 2008. He has been featured in publications such as Essence and Vibe, more recently appearing as one of BET’s Rising Icons.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Linton after his soulful performance and getting to know the man that’s quickly becoming a star.
Ishea Brown: First off, great performance. I love your sound.
Hal Linton: Thank you
IB: How would you define your personal style?
HL: My personal style is definitely clean, minimalistic and accessorized.
IB: What are your must have accessories?
HL: Ray Bans and chains. I like to put stuff together, especially that means something. This chain has sand from my home country.
IB: Who are your top 3 style influences?
HL: I can’t say a person, but I love the Italian fashion. It’s almost like you stepped right off a yacht. It’s real breezy and easy going. It’s not restrictive at all. I love non restriction and for everything to fit.
IB: How would you say that your music influences your style?
HL: Well, my music is kind of fun, sexy and introspective in ways. A big thing for me when I perform music is I must feel comfortable. Comfort is always a major factor for me. I think the music makes me want to be comfortable. It makes me laidback and feel at ease. I think that influences my fashion for sure.
IB: Before you go on stage to perform are there any rituals that you do?
HL: I normally pace back and forth a lot. I just kind of psyche myself up; punch the air a little bit. It’s really like a prize fight in a lot of ways. In the new artist hustle no one knows you and you have to go up there and give them a good fight.
IB: If you weren’t singing what would you be doing?
HL: I’d definitely be doing film. I actually dropped out of film school to do music but I still have a very big love for film. It’s all kind of interconnected so I hope to get back there eventually.
IB: What’s the last movie you saw?
HL: Inglorious Basterds
IB: How was it?
HL: That was the most fantastic thing I’ve seen for the year. Tarantino did a movie, a real movie. I love Tarantino to death. I love the artsy, kind of pushing the envelope thing he does but this one was script. It was acting. It was plot. It was shot well and the story was beautiful, incredible.
IB: How does the Lexus Luxury Awaits campaign relate to your music and style?
HL: Come on, it’s Lexus! It’s sleek and it’s sexy. I think that’s a good reflection of what I’m trying to put out and what my music is about.
