Lincoln, when was your first desire to become involved in the blues & who were your first idols?

I was raised by a music loving dad who dug the blues so my path was set pretty early. There are pictures of me sitting on my dad’s old guitar in my diaper listening to Willie Nelson’s “Red Headed Stranger”. Those we’re my earliest influences. Not really blues but the old “Outlaws”; Willie, Waylon, Johnny.

Which was the best moment of your career and which was the worst?

I would say they are one in the same. I lived alone for a year as a recluse where I would go weeks without talking to anyone. This was a dark time in my life but it’s where I found myself both musically and personally. My music career had halted and at the time I thought it was the end of everything. But as one music career had crumbled, another one began. I ended up cocooning, woodshedding and coming out of it a completely different musician. Different songs, different vibe, different groove. Much darker. And I like darker. That’s the point I say that I “started” my music career. I’m grateful for the entire experience and wouldn’t change a thing.

How/where do you get inspiration for your songs & who were your mentors in songwriting?

I draw all my inspiration for songs from my own emotions or mental states. I can’t really say “I’m going to write a song about a tree” and then write a song about a tree. My songs come from my gut and are written with a lot of blood and angst. They are a part of me and a reflection of my mood or what I may be going through at the time. I embellish, of coarse, but the root of the song is always from some inner turmoil. My songwriting mentors would first be Ray Wylie Hubbard. He took me under his wing and showed me the cool side of songwriting and I’ll never forget that. I wouldn’t be what I am without his early guidance. After that would be the old blues guys like Son House, Lightnin’ Hopkins, “Mississippi” Fred McDowell. And I can’t leave out greats like Tom Waits and Nick Cave.

What does the BLUES mean to you & what does Blues offered you?

The blues, the old original blues, back when slavery was still in full swing, was music sung from the soul and for the soul. They weren’t singing for fame or fortune with their record deal in the back of their minds. They were singing because they had to. Because that’s what got them by. Because that’s what kept them who they were. I think that’s real and pure music. I try to do the same. I’ll thankfully never have the terrible experiences those folks had but I try to sing my tunes from a deep dark place in my gut just the same. I try to make my music as real as possible and to get me through my own small troubles. It’s good medicine.

How do you describe Lincoln‘s philosophy about the music?

Keep the music real. Take all your problems, wad them up into a little bullet and use them as ammunition for all your song inspiration. Write and sing like you’re preaching a sermon. Preach the audience your song like you’re trying to save them from their sinful ways. Never go through the motions.

What experiences in your life make you a GOOD musician and songwriter?

Adversity, heartbreak, mental illness, suffering. If you’re not tortured, go out and find it. Find despair. Then the music will come.

What are some of the most memorable gigs and jams you've had?

When I used to sit in with RWH’s band. Rick Richards and George Reiff have a groove like no other. Ray’s son Lucas Hubbard is gonna be one of the best blues guitarists around. He knows how to be cool, tasteful and in the pocket.

Are there any memories from Ray Wylie Hubbard, which you’d like to share with us?

He turned me on to Rilke. “Letters To A Young Poet” to be exact. I still read that book constantly.

What advice Ray Wylie Hubbard has given to you?

Sometimes you have to let one door close completely before you can open the other.

Are there any memories from the road with the blues, which you’d like to share with us?

I had a gig once where I broke 3 strings on 3 guitars, broke my tuning key on one guitar, my bass drum pedal came loose and the lights went out in the club. It was about the fourth song that I actually made it through without problems. Got a standing O for that one though so I guess the audience enjoyed my suffering.

Of all the people you’ve meeting with, who do you admire the most?

I admire Rick Richards the most. He is an Austin drummer who has played on all the great records and has been in the business all his life. His stories will keep you laughing, crying and on the edge of your seat. He’s seen it all but is still the most down-to-earth, humble, easy-going person you’ll ever meet.

Which of historical blues personalities would you like to meet?

Son House because I love his playing style.

From whom have you have learned the most secrets about the blues music?

My dad, Ed, started my blues schooling. Ray took it from there and introduced me to the old cats. Alan Lomax vinyl that I listen to weekly and as many books as I can get my hands on do the trick these days.

What do you learn about yourself from music?

That I’m dark and jaded with a dash of angst.

Some music styles can be fads but the blues is always with us.  Why do think that is?

Because it’s from the heart, soul and gut. If it’s done right. It’s laced with misery and hope.

How do you see the future of blues music? Give one wish for the BLUES

I think blues took a wrong turn in more recent years. Blues has become a bad word to many. My wish for blues is that the true spirit of the old tunes and vibe gets found again by the younger generations. Then, don’t copy the old stuff, but rather make it your own. Start from the beginning of blues, not from where it started to lose it’s way.

What turns you on? Happiness is……

An old dreadnaught, a brass slide and a low watt amp turned to 10.

What would you ask Son House and Fred McDowell? How you would spend a day with Tom Waits?

I would ask Son House and Fred McDowell if they would play my guitars in hopes that something would wear onto my strings. Tom Waits said the best snare drum in the world is dead branches on a trampoline. I would want to just sit and have coffee with Tom and listen to as many stories about his life as possible with the occasional “junk yard sound” idea thrown in for good measure.

From the musical point of view is there any difference and similarities between the Folk Blues & modern Blues?

My opinion is they are completely different beasts. Both killer music but apples and oranges, similar only in structure. Modern blues, to me, is rock, really. Rock that kept a slight bit more of the old blues feel than the rest of rock did. The old folk blues is my favorite as is bluegrass. Listening to those old depression era field recordings and chain gang chants can make it hard to put new blues and old blues into the same genre.

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