Indie Icon in the making Hang Linton talks Experimental Expression, DIY Embodiment & His Genre-Defying Alt-Rock
Photo Credit: Laura Lulika
Songwriter SPOTLIGHT Q&A: Hang Linton
Emerging independent artist Hang Linton is creating some truly unboxable music, as difficult to categorize as it is to ignore.
Cutting through noisy newsfeeds with his anti-algorithm reels and snippets of genuine DIY culture, we just had to have a chat with him about all things independent, experimental, and counter-cultural.
Discover Hang’s unique blend of funk-punk alt-rock and the stories behind it in our Q&A below…
How did you start making music? Was there any particular inspiration or influence to begin with?
I started making music with my friend Wezaari (who is a dope electronic producer and DJ), giving me a cracked version of FL Studio and his old midi keyboard. We used to just mess about and show each other the beats we were making.
“He [Wezaari] was a big inspiration for me starting out, because I saw what he was doing, making beats for people, being in music videos, and that just looked really fun. I wanted in!”
Can you talk us through the creation of your debut single SALE with LeBron Aggressive?
The beat started as a draft on my laptop, I’d been meaning to collaborate with them for a while and we just started the remote conversation – sending bits back and forth to each other. The lyrics and theme just came to me one afternoon while sitting on the sofa, after a period of listening to Talking Heads and watching daytime telly like Bargain Hunt. The track then developed more when I started to play it live, so I incorporated those elements into the recording and then we wrapped it up.
Do you have more affinity and connection with the punk scene or funk scene? And what led you to fuse these two genres?
I do not have any affinity or connection to any scene in particular. I’m kind of removed from scenes because of my care responsibilities – I am a parent and my partner has chronic disabilities; we all operate in a complex and intimate form of interdependent care. I’m sometimes concerned that I cannot gain momentum in the same way as some of my peers. The music industry is behind when it comes to considering different access needs for performers and musicians. I’m inspired to help establish new approaches, conversations and practices when it comes to accessibility in live music environments for both performers and audiences.
“I think if I feel any affiliation to a scene in particular, it’s one of independence. I would much rather coexist and thrive with the help of independent venues and DIY promoters than work with the big monopolies of the music industry.”
Regarding the fusion of different styles, I love lots of different music and hear similarities across genres. When I pick up on something, I make a note and think about how I can incorporate that into my practice. My intention with the project is to keep blending and expressing ideas, creating little worlds with each album that audiences can dive in and out of. I want to keep myself excited and listeners on their toes.
What has been the biggest challenge or obstacle in your musical journey so far? And how did you overcome it?
“I think the biggest challenge has been believing in myself and what I am truly capable of.”
Sometimes when opportunities don’t come or we don’t progress as quickly as we wish to, it can seed self-doubt. At one point, I lost confidence in everything I was doing creatively and genuinely didn’t think I was good enough. I overcame this by getting out into nature, going for walks, spending less time on social media comparing myself to others, giving myself the freedom to create for creation’s sake and nothing else. Allowing myself to be messy, wonky and keep demo takes in productions that are perhaps more expressive instead of being absolutely perfect. I had to shift my mentality towards focusing on capturing expressions and living in the present.
What’s the meaning behind the title of your latest single BADBADBUTGOOD? What’s this song all about?
“BADBADBUTGOOD is an anthem for the overworked and overlooked – about breaking free, causing good trouble, and finding purpose in chaos.”
I think we are at a point where we need to encourage empathy in one another, but also not be afraid to take radical action if we want to see positive change. The song is playing around with the complexities and nuances surrounding all of the above and our day-to-day experiences of this.
If you could pick anywhere in the world to play a show, where would it be and why?
I would love to do an East Asia tour, hitting places like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan and the Philippines.
“I love this part of the world, I could eat the food all day every day, and I’d go there to scout my ideal retirement location.”
What’s your favourite, and least favourite, thing about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
My favourite thing is that I can execute this project on my own terms and I don’t have people blocking my progress with their ideas or input. I also love the community aspect of being an independent artist. I feel very well supported by other independent artists, and organisations like Music:Leeds, Decolonise Fest and Capsule.
“My least favourite thing is how undervalued I am as a performer, and how financially top-heavy the music industry is with little trickle down and grassroots support.”
What do you have planned for the rest of 2025, and 2026? Can we expect a full album in the near future?
I have some really exciting live shows coming up (listed below), and I will begin to release my next EP. I’m writing an LP at the moment and have some exciting collaborations lined up. I’m at a point where I just want to consistently experiment, release and perform – continuing to grow and excite audiences with my expressions.
Please join my mailing list to keep up to date – you will also receive some exclusive tracks only available to those on my list, and I run raffles too!
UPCOMING LIVE DATES
25 OCT – Kirkgate Community Centre, Shipley
15 NOV – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds (supporting Pengshui)
16 NOV – Islington Mill, Salford (supporting Lonnie Holley)
20 NOV – Pop Recs, Sunderland (supporting Getdown Services)
21 NOV – The Trades Club, Hebden Bridge
22 NOV – The Tin, Coventry
29 NOV – Wharf Chambers, Leeds
