Interview: Getting to Know Linnea’s Garden
With a stack of incredible albums already unleashed, Boston-based punk rockers Linnea’s Garden are ready to conquer the world with righteous vengeance, as they return with their catchy new single ‘Stop Codon’!
When it comes to the meaning behind ‘Stop Codon’, lead singer and band founder Linnea Herzog reveals how:
I felt fed up with people who are always in crisis mode to get attention. ‘Stop Codon’ is like an off switch for your DNA. ‘Stop Codon’ is a metaphor for cutting off bad habits, toxic thought patterns, and exercising free will. Only you can release your own personal weight of the world.
In this interview, we get to know the band a little better.
1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.
I always wanted to write songs. Originally from the Twin Cities, I came to Boston to study neuroscience and played in many bands before forming my own in 2020. The current lineup of Linnea’s Garden came together when our previous bands, PowerSlut and Corner Soul, were competing finalists in Boston’s famed Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble.
2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
Punk rock you can dance to.
3. What’s currently keeping you busy? A new album/EP/single release? A new video? Playing live, or planning ahead?
Currently promoting our new single “Stop Codon,” which will be released March 6, followed by our upcoming Southwest tour, and video release.
4. What is about this current period that is particularly exciting for you?
Nothing is more exciting than bringing our music to the people. We’re proud to make our SXSW debut and go on tour. We’re currently booking our summer tour.
5. Tell me about the work that has gone into making it a reality and what it means to you.
Being a DIY band means we do everything. The work is its own reward. The most fun aspects are writing and performing live.
6. Making music and being creative can be a very positive experience and can be very good for the mind. In what way has making music had a positive impact on your mental health?
Writing keeps me sane. The world will kick you in the teeth whenever it feels like it. For me, it’s not about shouting out slogans or burying my head in the sand. It’s about keeping my eyes, ears, and heart open and keeping pen to paper. The work keeps me focused and in turn, that’s good for my mental health.
7. It can also be incredibly challenging, more so in the modern times. What have been some challenging aspects of making music and how have you overcome them?
I think most of the challenges of being an artist can be mitigated by doing the work. It’s harder to give in to frustration when you’re busy. I try to stay focused on the art for art’s sake and not pay too much attention to the noise.
8. How do you handle the online aspects of being in a band? Having to put out content constantly, promoting across several different social media platforms, and having your success measured in likes and follows?
I try to look at social media as just another way of connecting with people. So as much of a drag as it is to keep up with the socials, if we connect with one person, one day, with one song or post, then it’s all good.
9. How do you make this part of things enjoyable, and fulfilling, for yourself?
I try to post things I’d like to see. If it moves me, then maybe it’ll move someone else.
10. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support you?
Come to a show, buy some merch, and say hi.
11. Outside of music, what do you like to do to relax?
Everything serves the songs. Writing, walking, working out, and practicing science are all integral to my music making process because they keep my brain active and connected. I try to use my time wisely to continuously grow as a guitarist, songwriter and band leader.
12. Where can people find you?
Catch us on tour:
3/6 Cambridge, MA – Middle East Upstairs
3/14-3/17 Austin, TX – SXSW
3/18 Oklahoma City, OK – Grand Royale
3/19 Wichita, KS – Kirby’s
3/20 Amarillo, TX – The 806
3/21 Albuquerque, NM – Black Wall Gallery
3/22 Tucson, AZ – Brick Box Brewery
3/23 Las Vegas, NV – Red Dwarf
3/24 Salt Lake City, UT – International Bar
