Today we’d like to introduce you to Linsey Urrea.
Hi Linsey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello! Thanks for having me! From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to music. Growing up, I was involved in all types of theater and music programs. However, high school is when I started writing lyrics and melody with my brother for his band, Chump Change. At that point in my life, I didn’t have the confidence yet to sing the songs I wrote in front of people, so writing for other bands allowed me to watch how the songs I was a part of did in front of crowds. This is when I was introduced to the high of hearing other people sing the songs that you wrote and I’ve been chasing that high ever since.
After high school I decided to attend Belmont University with the intention of getting a Music Business degree. At 18, I knew I wanted to work in music but still didn’t have the confidence to fully commit to a creative career. A couple internships and law classes later I realized I thrived so much more in the creative space. It was during this time that I started to put myself out there more as a songwriter and in 2019, I joined the band, Goodie Bag as the lead singer.
At first I was a little hesitant to join the band but after hearing them play for the first time I remember thinking to myself, if I were to be in a band this is the type of band I would want to be in as the sound was extremely vibey and dreamy with beachy California elements that reminded me of the bands I loved growing up. We recorded our first songs in make-shift mattress-walled booths in our drummers basement. Once the songs were as good as they could possibly be with the little resources we had, we put them out into the world. We didn’t know anything about marketing or promotion, but by some stroke of luck our first single, Strawberry Shortcake was featured on several editorial playlists and did fairly well. I think the success we had with this song was what the universe knew I needed to gain enough confidence to keep doing music.
We went on to put out several singles and an EP. We played everything from backyards and basements to venues all over Nashville and California. This era taught me so much and I am forever grateful for it. However, a year ago I decided to leave the band as I was ready for a new chapter.
This past year I have been working extensively with producer Logan Maggio on my solo project. I have also been writing for various bands and artists in Nashville and LA. In March, I released my first single as a solo artist, More Fun and played my debut show at Exit In. On May 27 I will be releasing my second single, Unraveling. I am so proud of this music and am so excited for what this year has in store.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being the only girl in a band was definitely a challenge at times. I felt like I had three extra brothers. Having to get the approval of 3 members on every decision calls for a lot of compromise and naturally a lot of butting heads. I struggle a lot with pleasing people and that does not do you well in this industry. Leaving the band was also definitely not easy.
I think pursuing a career in music, in general, is not for the faint-hearted. There is no road laid out for you, or step by step book. You have to work harder than everybody else and pave your own way. No artist’s story is the same as another, but that’s kind of what I love about this business.
There are a million different potential ways to do it and nobody knows what’s going to happen next. Naturally, I have also dealt with a lot of self-doubt and insecurities because writing songs and performing can be so vulnerable. But at the end of the day, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Hi there! My name is Linsey Urrea and I am an artist from California who makes alternative pop music. My goal is to make music that you want to blast driving with your windows down. My sound is heavily influenced by artists like Dua Lipa, Kacey Musgraves, and Gwen Stefani. Aside from music, I am also an influencer, actress, and model. If you are looking for a song to blast all summer long check out my new single, Unraveling.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, you would have probably described me as an annoying theater kid haha. As a child, I was very much extraverted. My nickname was chatty Cathy. But don’t worry I’ve become much cooler since then!
Contact Info:
- Email: linseyurreabooking@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linseyurrea/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LinseyNUrrea/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LinseyUrrea?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Image Credits
Jeremy Aguirre, Chase Denton, Libby Green, Will Lipchik, and Caitlin McNaney
