Start Listening To: Hang Linton
We spoke to the artist about his latest single ‘Blue Light Hike ft. Infinite Livez’.
After honing his artistic skills across a variety of projects and collectives in Berlin, Linton has made his return to the UK known with his uncompromising presence. The exciting partnership between Come Play With Me, an award-winning non-profit music development organization, and EMI North, the first major label office outside London, has resulted in the release of 'Blue Light Hike'. This partnership aims to showcase the abundance of musical talent in the north by providing essential opportunities and long-term support to creatives like Linton who aren't based in the capital. Armed with an impressive arsenal of synths, samplers, and visual effects, Linton has captivated audiences across the UK at various festivals and while opening for fellow experimental artist and recent Zen FC signee Baba Ali.
For those unfamiliar with your music can you tell us who you are, where you’re from, and something about the music you make?
I’m a self taught musician, visual artist and curator from South East London, now living in Leeds. My entire creative practice is a rebellion against clean aesthetics and capitalist structures. The music I make combines many genres and interests, blending ideas and experimenting with things like punk, funk, electronics and performance art.
How did your time in Berlin influence your music and art?
Before I moved to Berlin I was working sales in a cult-like pyramid scheme. I have always been interested in music, from playing guitar in a metal band as a teen to making dubstep in bedroom setups with mates. When I moved to Berlin I committed myself to become immersed in the DIY creative culture that was readily available. I started off at open mics and busking in the streets, joined a producer collective, organised live hip-hop events and went on to performing in various projects at venues, galleries, theatres and festivals. I also got my hands on a volca sample in Berlin, which opened me up to music production away from a computer. The combination of club nights and community provided a feeling of freedom and self-expression which I had never felt before. Berlin can be a city of lost souls at times, I think I had to go through the trials of Berlin to find who I am, what I like, what I care about and how I express it all.
Can you tell us more about your multidisciplinary background and how it informs your work?
It started through graffiti and painting in London. Then after moving to Berlin, my partner Laura Lulika introduced me to video editing and installations and we went on to collaborate on some live art and video installations. I’ve collaborated with a lot of different artists since then, creating sound for dance shows and gallery exhibitions, as well as attending artist residencies with different cultural organisations like Wysing Arts Centre and the Scottish Sculpture Workshop. I think I’ve learned something from all of the different creative disciplines I’ve had access to that has fed into my music now, from timing to theatre, costume and storytelling, as well as valuing the process of making as much as the outcome.
What inspired the post-funk breakbeats and gritty bassline of "Blue Light Hike"?
I’ve been researching video game music and I love how it utilises mood and genre switches to support the drama, building an immersive experience. Collaborators provided big inspiration, Yoshi & Infinite Livez really gave the track that special sauce. Blue Light Hike is inspired by creative freedom, fun and willingness to play with political messages, P-Funk vibes but mixed with production ideas from modern ambient, psych & trap.
How did the incident with the Berlin police inspire the track and what message do you hope to convey through it?
It was quite a traumatic experience, afterwards I just holed up and played video games to escape. Over the next year I was busy with becoming a parent so didn’t write much music but when it came round to it, I knew I just had to get it off my chest. I believe everyone has the right to walk down the street without being harassed. I believe that young people should not be assaulted by adults in positions of power. I believe that the UK and Europe have issues with the racist policing and profiling of individuals. The same issues that have happened for decades, still happen today and we need to move towards change.
How important is it for artists to address social and political issues in their work?
I think its important to express on the issues you care about. This is important for more than just artists. If its showing care within your local community or protesting larger issues, I think the way we combat the capitalist notion of individualism is with care, warmth & community.
Can you describe your creative process and how you bring your ideas to life?
I’ve started to really experiment with processes, layering & limitations. An idea could start as a loop on my computer then I transfer it to my sampler and it takes a new direction. Or I prepare a bank of sounds for a certain project then stick to and manipulate them in different ways. To be honest, I work with the limited time I’ve got as a parent and carer, being patient and kind with myself until its complete.
How does your work rebel against established order and clean aesthetics?
I work with the time and resources that I have available to me. Nothing will be perfect and I am happy with my artistic output being guided by its limitations. I don’t want to work creatively like its a nine to five with deadlines. I think embracing this idea and using it as a foundation to my practice has made me happier with how I engage with art, music & social media.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an artist?
Not judging my work until its finished. I find it easy to get caught up in my head, questioning if its all good enough, something I won’t know until the art or music is existing beyond my hard drive.
Can you talk about the limited series of artwork prints available with the release of "Blue Light Hike" and the charities they support?
I wanted to provide something that could be put on your wall or gifted to a friend. Something that exists beyond the internet. Ellis Lewis-Dragstra & Luci Pina are two illustrators whose work I love. They have created beautiful works that are their artistic interpretations of the single. The money raised from the print sales will be used to support Stopwatch, who research and action for fair and accountable policing, and Black Minds Matter, who connect Black individuals & families with free mental health services.
Name an artist you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why?
I have recently got myself a technics 5 disc hifi system, so raiding charity stores for 50p CDs has been a top priority. Im listening to a lot Andre 3000, The Love Below, Black Eyed Peas, Monkey Business & Bloc Party, Silent Alarm. I don’t think I realised how much these albums shaped my production interests but I love them and have them on heavy rotation.
What do you love right now?
Watching Bear in the Big Blue House and The Muppet Show with my toddler.
What do you hate right now?
Tory scum lining each other's pockets while children starve and people struggle.
Are there any other releases you’re looking forward to in 2023?
Algernon Cornelius - SEGUNDO
Baba Ali - Laugh like a bomb
Benefits - Nails
Come Play With Breed, Vol 1
Nuha Ruby Ra - Machine Like me
Yves Tumor - Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume
Thanks for speaking with us! Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Stay Golden & get in touch via my mailing list.
