What do John Mayer, Jennifer Nettles and Lindsey Hinkle all have in common? They’ve all competed and won the Open Mic Shootout at Eddie’s Attic over the years; difference is you probably only recognize two of those names. After dealing with some personal struggles and taking time off from music, Lindsey Hinkle is finally ready to rock when she takes the stage at My Sister’s Room Saturday night.
“When I won the shootout at 17, I had a manager in Europe and I was opening for Jennifer Nettles and Sugarland,” Hinkle explained. “It seemed as if I was on top of the world and about to get scooped up by some major label at any minute. I was so naive then and such a gayby.”
In her naiveté, Hinkle decided that searching for her elusive soulmate was worth more than her career and spent much of the ensuing years hopping around from town to town playing music and falling in and out of love.
In 2010, Hinkle took a year off from everything- music, the constant revolving door of relationships and admitted a problem with drinking. “I decided to stop drinking and until I was sure I wouldn’t be tempted, I stopped playing at bars,” Hinkle admitted. “MSR will be my second actual bar gig in two years. I’ve been sober since July 11th, 2011.”
With a knack for keen observation and clever word play (just look up “Dr. Jekyll When She Hides” below), Hinkle’s vagabond spirit may have led to some great songs but now she wants more.
“I’m more determined now than I’ve ever been,” Hinkle boldly claimed. And she’s not shy about her desire to write a multi-platinum single either. When asked what song does she wish she’d written- and after giving the obligatory singer-songwriter answer- Hinkle joked “‘Call Me Maybe’ would be my second choice- only because I’d be emailing you from my personal jet with wi-fi because I’d be rich and I’d have Ellen on speed dial.”
She may not be writing multi-platinum hits yet but that’s because the world has yet to see what she’s putting out there. Audience members will get a chance to see Hinkle at MSR this weekend like never before.
“I don’t travel with a band because right now it’s not in my budget, so I decided to be my own band,” Hinkle revealed. “I bought a loop pedal and an extra mic. I record my own beats, bass, rhythm and lead guitar, as well as background vocals live in front of the audience. They get to watch and see the song being built right in front of them. That means that what I record has to be perfect, or it will loop the wrong note over and over again. It takes a lot of practice to use it, but it’s worth it to watch the crowd’s reaction.”
Hinkle is currently focusing on trying to raise the money to record the album that fans have awaited since she won the Open Mic Shootout- one that she jokes will not be in a brown paper bag cover. Part of those funds will come from the gigs she gets to play around the southeast but Hinkle needs your help.
“I need all the Twitter followers and Facebook likes I can get. I’m currently trying to book shows for the spring and summer, and venues consider your social media followers as your fan base.” So you can follow, like, listen and watch to help a rocker out but make sure you drop by MSR this Saturday when Hinkle takes the stage.
Lindsey plays at MSR Saturday January 26th from 9-11 pm. Cover is $7.
In addition to Saturday’s show, Hinkle will perform March 10th back where it all began at Eddie’s Attic. You can follow Lindsey on the social media platforms below.
YouTube
Reverb Nation
Lindsey Hinkle is one of the best musicians I’ve ever heard. Atlanta is more than lucky to have her back in action and her career is about to blow up.
We couldn’t agree more
Lindsey ROCKS!!!!