Since he first picked up a guitar at the age of 10, Linc knew that music would be his life.
Born and raised in Gympie Queensland, the home of the famous Gympie Music Muster, Linc found himself immersed in music at school however he also knew that he didn’t exactly fit into the country genre of the day.
The era was a time when roots or Americana music was gaining popularity in Australia and Linc felt more akin to that form than the cliched version of US pop-country that dominated the airwaves of the times.
With songwriting influences such as Bruce Springsteen, Ryan Adams and John Prine, Linc was writing and performing his own brand of ‘country’.
With inspiration from blues and soul pioneers such as Delbert McClinton and Bonnie Raitt, along with a nod to Americana artists such as Jason Isbell and Amos Lee, Linc developed what could best be described as a truly authentic sound and one that avoided the clichés that flavours some contemporary country music.
Linc’s relatability as a working-class bloke, a husband and dad combined with his ability to get his honest and unapologetic message out to the world in song, has landed him in rooms with some of the industry’s finest. He recently shared in the success of Our Church, cowriting the hugely popular country tune with Adam Brand and Matt Cornell to have it chart at number 1 on the Kix and iTunes Country Charts and number 3 on the iTunes All Genres Chart.
Linc has already amassed a legion of supporters, many of whom are his peers in the music industry including Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley who said of their friend “We’ve been fans of Linc since we met him about 5 years ago and enjoyed watching his growth in the industry. He always brings a rock star swagger to a live performance and blends musical styles effortlessly.”
Similar sentiments were shared when fellow band member and highly respected singer songwriter Jen Mize commented that “Making music with Linc Phelps and The Next Best Thing is a joyful noise. It’s like going to church for music appreciation”.
Linc’s commanding voice prevails over a solid blues feel and his words are powerful and rooted in truth. He is an artist who wears his heart on his sleeve and this is never more evident than in the lyrics of his original music.