Linay is a pop star from South Africa who’s making waves in Nashville. She is FIERY, sassy, and relatable. Her music consists of distinctive melodies, deep, vulnerable, and honest lyrics, and a strong emotive voice.
Linay’s talent for singing and songwriting has gained her recognition from industry professionals such as Paddy Byrne, Nate Butler, Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Kim Myers, and Patrick Maley. Her music has been described as “fiery” and “relatable,” and she’s been hailed as the “heroine of music.”
Linay got her first musical keyboard and guitar at a very young age and taught herself how to start making music by ear. She started singing, playing guitar, and Piano lessons at the age of nine and participated in many events in school and at various functions.
Having a few very tough and heartbreaking experiences along the way, her songs are very realistic, emotional, authentic, and tell her story. She believes that sharing her story will help other people go through their stories.
For the last 3 years, she has been making waves in the music industry as a singer and songwriter. She has written for artists such as Karlien Van Jaarsveld, one of South Africa’s biggest female artists, etc.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID:
“Linay has a beautiful warm and clear voice that reaches out to all of us with brilliant emotion and vibe! Clear and warm her voice brings joy to your heart while also connecting your music to the song! That’s what we all want as producers and songwriters – thanks Linay Love your voice! Looking forward to working with you again soon!” – mPHATic
“Her modern pop voice is equal to her songwriting talent. In short, Linay has the ability to write captivating lyrics and unite those lyrics with mesmerizing melodies.” – Ettienne Lane
“Great vocal and song” – Paddy Byrne
“You are born to sing and perform. Continue to sing, record, and perform! Keep building your audiences!!!! You have fabulous potential!” – Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds Team
“Best songwriter I know. Insane vocals. Crazy talent!” – Daniel Po
“You have a star on your hands” – Coastal Radio SA
WHAT INSPIRED MY SINGLE “KMWYS”:
“Kiss Me When You’re Sober” delves into the poignant tale of unrequited love, showcasing LINAY’s incredible songwriting skills and unique voice. She effortlessly captures the pain and longing experienced in such relationships.
This anthemic commercial pop masterpiece is sure to captivate audiences with its infectious melodies and powerful vocals.
“I usually try to keep things short and sweet ’cause everything is visual nowadays!!!! But this song is very dear to my heart! It was one of the first songs I wrote 2 years ago, and I felt like it truly said what I wanted it to say!!! THIS IS MY COMEBACK SONG!!!”
“I wrote this song while a previous friend of mine was going through a heart-wrenching “friends with benefits” situation! I watched it happen and we were sitting in my car one day just talking about the whole situation when all of the words started flowing to me!!! I can 100% honestly say that I have cried to this song! Experienced it in the most heartbreaking but beautiful ways possible!!!! This song has also brought me so much healing!!”
“I think the most powerful part of songwriting to me is that I can write a song 2 years ago, and I can go through something entirely different 2 years later and still relate to it!!!”
“This song means the whole world to me and after spending 6 years discovering my sound, going through life’s hurdles, etc, I am so happy to finally say I have found a sound that is 100% authentically me!!! I am truly so thankful for the love I have received on it so far and grateful that God has put these feelings and thoughts in my mind for me to write them!!! I hope this song helps you through some of life’s ups and downs!!!
Listen To LINAY: https://ffm.to/linaymusic
10 Questions With Anastasia
- Your name, where are you from, and what made you decide to pursue a career in music?
My name is LINAY and I recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee. I pretty much grew up in a small but busy area where English music wasn’t that big but on one sunny morning I discovered ‘high school musical’ and that was it for me. I sold my heart to becoming a pop artist and making music.
- Who inspired you to make music?
I have so many inspirations. As I said ‘high school music” was pretty much the first interaction I had with English music. and then I started discovering people like Taylor Swift Selena Gomez and Avril Lavigne.
- What kind of singer would you classify yourself as?
I’m definitely an “all out there” singer. My songs are usually sad or about heartbreak but normally upbeat. My melodies are definitely infectious melodies. I also love metaphorical writing, so you’ll find that in my songs a lot. Lyrics like “you like me but your hiding, future undecided, drunk but you’re still driving” which is in the second verse of my single “Kiss Me When You’re Sober”
- How would you describe the music that you typically create?
My music is “anthemic pop with a little edge of punk”. It’s definitely very commercial. It’s the type of song you can scream in your car but also cry to on your bathroom floor. An example of that would be my latest single “Kiss Me When You’re Sober”
- What is your creative process like?
My creative process changes from day to day. But I definitely get my best ideas when I’m showering. I should probably get a recording setup in there. Apparently, some people actually do that haha.
- In terms of the overall composition, what is your favorite song and why?
“Scarlett” and “The Walls Are Way Too Thin” by Holly Humberstone have had my heart for the last year. I am obsessed with her lyrical writing and melodies and how she can transport me into her universe. How I can feel exactly what she’s feeling.
- Which instruments did you play in high school?
I played guitar and piano all through my life. Definitely better on my guitar than I am on my piano tho. Let’s not do that one out in the public haha. My theory knowledge is definitely very much better than my actual playing.
- Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
I love video production and anything to do with content creation. SO outside of music, I film content for my friends who are also in the music business. I also design all my own artwork as well as edit all my own photos and videos. Usually, my mom will take them since I grew up with her as a photographer.
- Where have you performed? what are your favorite and least favorite venues? do you have any upcoming shows?
I grew up performing at a lot of festivals and shows in South Africa. My favorite has to be the “Inni Mis Festival” when I was 16 years old. It was a huge stage with the best sound ever. I also played at a golf estate every week and I really enjoyed the intimate setting and hearing people sing along and react to my unreleased music.
- What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
OH, I WANNA GO BIG!!! A BIG GOD DOESN’T MAKE SMALL PEOPLE. I also believe that “GOD NEVER GIVES YOU A DREAM THAT MATCHES YOUR BUDGET. HE’S NOT CHECKING YOUR BANK ACCOUNT, HE’S CHECKING YOUR FAITH.”
