Kill Lincoln – No Normal

By starrymag | January 2, 2025

By: Jenny Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound? 

A) Ska punk, with a lil bit of melodic hardcore thrown in.  Fast, fun, manic.

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?  

A) It would be impossible for the entire band to agree on three, so I’ll give you mine – The Bosstones, Kid Dynamite, Title Fight

Q) Tell us the story behind “Little Ghosts.”  

A) We had just finished a tour with HEY-SMITH from Japan and I was blown away by the way they blended metal, hardcore, and ska in a way that was accessible and super fun. We’ve always tried to do something like that but watching them every night made me want to write a really HEY-SMITH style song…so this is what came out.  CJ [Uy] added the opening lick and solo because he’s an insanely talented guitar player.  The lyrics are sort of a desperate plea against complacency.

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can craft lyrics?  

A) I’d say that in 99% of our songs the music comes first and then the lyrics. It’s just the way my brain works.

Q) How hands on is Kill Lincoln when it comes to music production? 

A) We really prefer to avoid “over-producing” something and want the songs to feel organic and sound on the record like what they would sound like live.  So, there’s no tuning, unattainable overdubs, etc.  We produced the record alongside Ryan Perras (from the band The Atom Age) who also prefers real natural rock n’ roll sounds, which is why I think we’re a really good fit for each other.

Q) “Little Ghosts” is a single off of your latest album No Normal. Since its release, what has been the reaction to the new album from fans and listeners?

A) I think people like it?

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to No Normal? 

A) I hope they have a great time with it.

Q) In recording for No Normal, you returned to District Recording in San Jose, CA where you recorded your 2020 album Can’t Complain. Why did you decide to return there to record this album?  

A) Because of Ryan! He also made a ton of upgrades to the studio since last time. The whole record was recorded to tape, so it has a real punchy and lively sound.  Ryan rules.

Q) Which song was your favorite to write and record for No Normal?  

A) “I’m Fine (I Lied)” because it was the song that came most naturally to the writing process and to playing live.  Writing it, the hook just came to me somewhat magically.  I don’t know where it came from.  The first time we played it, it felt like a song we’ve been playing for years.

Q) You also went on tour to promote the new album. What was one of your favorite stops on this tour and which one would you like to travel to for a new tour?  

A) Yep, we had two great tours this year, one with The Suicide Machines, and one with Less Than Jake.  It’s hard to beat playing at St Andrew’s in Detroit with The Suicide Machines… we would do that every week if we could.

Q) While this was a U.S. tour, are there any plans for international tour dates?  

A) We definitely have plans to return to the UK and Japan and are trying to plan our first trip to Europe but that’s a tough nut to crack.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?  

A) Thanks!

 

 

All Questions Answered By Mike Sosinski