The Tastemakers Society

Our good neighbors from the North, how they treat us so well. They gave us Canadian Bacon, my favorite Canadian Club then Steve Nash, Pam Anderson, Nelly Furtado, Jim Carrey, Keanu Reeves, Celine Dion, pornstar Peter North and a host of others who would take too long to list, even though we could have done without Howie Mandel. The one name we will soon to be happily adding to that list is Lincoln, a young musician who can do just about it all. He can sing, rap and even produce, all this before turning 18, but no worries he’s old enough in Canada to take a drink. So while you’re sitting their wondering why were the only country who’s legal drinking age is 21, read Lincoln’s interview its good for you.   

Name, age, location

Lincoln, 17, Toronto, Canada!

First off, are you a singer or rapper?

I am a rapper/singer/songwriter and producer.  I am a young artist with dreams and great aspirations.

What’s the music scene and industry life in Canada?  Is the decline in albums hitting Canada as well?

The Music scene in Canada is much like crabs in a bucket.  However, we have great artists coming from this country that many abroad have yet to hear about.  Many artists/producers and managers including myself work vigorously to penetrate the market place in Canada, Europe and the United States.  The decline in album sales is happening all over North America.  Our standards for record sales certification is a bit different is a bit different but believe me, Canada has fans for hip-hop, however advancements in the industry are evident in the decline of sales.  I think newer avenues (digital distribution) are places that an artist can find lucrative.

Are you concerned at all at trying to build a US following or are you just focused on Canada right now, and how receptive has the US been to you?

Right now I’m looking to take “Lincoln” striaght to the billboards.  I love my countr, my city, but ever since I was young I’ve had dreams of being well received in New York, L.A., Atlanta and other major cities in the U.S.  Over in Canada in the past I’ve seens some success with fellow collegues of mine.  I’ve had a high rotation video on our only National Station Much music (shoutouts to Stirling, Tone Mason, and THE F!) and also the top 93 songs of the year on our only urban station in the country.  The U.S. has been showing me much love via myspace, I get many messages sent to my inbox daily.  At times it’s a bit overwhelming, the amount of support people show coming from America in the past but very soon I’m looking to make it a place of permanent residence.

I know people get inspiration and ideas for songs from many various factos; what is one of your most inspirational vices that isn’t exactly the common norm like movies, tv, older music, etc?

My inspiration for songs simply comes from my life experiences.  I put my life on the track most times.  I put my life on the track most times.  At times I also find my inspiration comig from art; I’m beginning to become a big subscriber to culture and fashion lucky for me, my manager (Shane Stirling), is also a video director, stylist and graphic designer so I learn a lot.  This might be cliche but watching movies is one of my favourite past times (I seriously seen 17 movies this week).

Do you have any plans to make either NY, LA, or ATL your permanent address anytime soon?

I have plans to make NY my home when I feel like never sleeping (definitely when it comes time to record my album), L.A. my residence when I feel like watching the Lakers and Atlanta my home when I’m in need of warmth and production from Jermaine Dupri.  I will have a different area code very soon.

Movies are a big inspiration to me as well as just one of my favorite things ever; so what are some of your favorite films and how is it possible to watch 17 movies in a week and still record music?

Maybe I was overexacturating just a tad when I said 17!  However, I live and breath music.  I find it impossible for myself not to be constantly creating/recording.  Some of my favourites include Factory Girl (I’m a big Andy Warhol fan).  Ferris Buellers day off; Man on Fire and Transformers the movie.  I could go on forever listing all the movies I truly but I’m sure that’s a well rounded idea.

What’s the Foundation creative group all about?

The Foundation creative group is home to some of the most talented people in Canada (possibly the world).  It is a place for the gifted much like the X-Men.  It is the home to myself and recording artists, “Rochester,” “Mhedikc,” Jahvon,” ”Joe Louis,” and “Shezelle.”  Director/Brand Manager/Graphic Desinger, “Shane Stirling,” Graphic Designer, “Heinz,” Producers, “Chuck & Joe” and the Grammy Nominated, “Tone Mason” also our wonderful Publicist, “Sam” and “Spex” who runs all of the happening parties in Toronto!

(Turn it up music video, Directed by Shane Stirling, Produced by Tone Mason also featuring myself, Rochester, Mhedikc and Jahvon).  I just turned 16 when this video aired High Rotation nationally on Much music (Our only music channel in Canada that plays music videos) 

Are you ready to have young screaming girls chasing after you?  Screaming your name, and trying to sneak into your tour bus and hotel?

I’m ready for the chance to showcase my music to the world, with aspirations of being recognized globally for my art.  The perks of the music industry are great but I more so find my enjoyment in getting caught up with the actual success (album sales, nomintaions and awards).

myspace.com/lincolnonline