JIM LINEHAN
Music. Dance. Energy. Fashion.
Pop/r&b/dance recording artist Jim Linehan combines each of these elements to create a unique sound and stage persona that has taken him all over the country in support of his upcoming new release “breakUPthrough” and its lead, pulsating single “Dance The Nite Away”.
From Miami to Colorado, Jim and his team of backup dancers have been touring the US in venues all over the country, from colleges like BGSU, Columbia U and Cornell, to clubs like Miami’s Sandal and Atlanta’s Jungle. Jim’s music is also on heavy rotation in MTV’s programming, including My Super Sweet 16, while his tv appearances include interviews/performances on Cw11 news, Good Day NY, CT Fox 61 and Time Warner Cable. Also an accomplished choreographer, Jim’s hip hop/jazz funk choreography is showcased during each live show and highlights Jim’s talents as not only a singer and dancer, but an all around entertainer.
As showcased in his upcoming third album, breakUPthrough, Jim’s music combines dance/hip hop beats and pop melodies with his personal, self-written lyrics. The current album explores the highs and lows of a breakup and how one can find the strength to break through the devastation of such a life changing event. From club ready dance tracks to heartfelt ballads, Jim is able to explore all aspects of his musical personality and forge a new path set before him by artists like Neyo, Justin and, of course, Michael Jackson.
“I always write about what I’m experiencing and what I feel I have to say at the moment. Every one of my songs, from the upbeat dance tracks to the more personal mid tempo, tell a story and give you a glimpse into my life. I feel deeply connected to every single song on this album, not only because I wrote and co-produced each one, but they also highlight how I was feeling during the time I conceptualized the album. As you listen to the album, there were some dark moments, but I believe as you get to the last track, the listener will see that there’s hope and happiness in the music.
I am a big believer in moving on and learning from your experiences. Writing, recording and ultimately performing these songs is very therapeutic for me and allows me to express myself in ways I never could without music and dance”
breakUPthrough
His newest album, breakUPthrough, finds Jim blending elements of pop/dance/techno and r&b, while also penning his most personal lyrics to date.
"I've always loved albums that had a theme from beginning to end. You felt like the artist was telling a story and trying to relay a message to you, the audience. Throughout the recording and writing of this album, I knew I wanted the album to be about breaking through a painful life experience and coming through to the other side. I wanted to document the highs and lows I was feeling during the process of making the album and the emotions I was feeling as I was in the midst of a huge life change"
While the album is called breakUPthrough, Jim believes the album is not only for people who may have gone through a breakup in their lives
"I think breakup can mean a few things. Yes, it can mean the end of a relationship, but it can also mean the end of a friendship, the end of a career, job loss-anything in life that throws you for a loop and forces you to reexamine your life, yourself and decide how you're going to get through this painful situation. Are you going to breakdown or breakthrough? I think we all have that choice to make whenever we go through a huge life change."
From the album's start, Jim is ready to hit the dance floor with his audience, with pulsating cuts like "dance the nite away", "take control" and "breakdarules". Then things turn more introspective with upbeat tracks like "analyze" and "why didn't you call?" Finally, the album slows down with ballads like "mister" and "gotta let you go". Ultimately, though, the album ends on a high note.
"I made a very conscious decision to end the album with an upbeat song like "fine". I could have easily ended it with "gotta let you go" and let the album end with the somber, longing feeling that the song evokes. But I knew, and have always known, that bad times will eventually lead to better ones and I will always be alright, so I wanted to end the album with that message. My world may have turned upside down and forced me to create a new life for myself, but I accept that and I'm choosing to actually thrive in my new situation. "Moving on and moving up, always had more than enough and I'm smiling cause my life is fine today" My life is not perfect, but sometimes all you need to know is that your life is fine and you will move on."
Favorite song?
"I would have to say that I gravitate towards "still not over you". I love the beat of the song-it's mellow but also danceable-and the lyrics that I was able to put to the music. I think these are emotions you feel weeks, even months, after you lose someone. The day to day life of living without that person and realizing they're still at the forefront of your mind. When I ride the train, I'm not over you. When I wake up, I'm not over you. There are constant reminders of your time together and that song is just me voicing that and, honestly, asking myself why I can't let go"
"Most of all, with every song I've written, every show that I've done, my main objective has been to let people know that they're not alone. I think when we go through a big life change, we can tend to think we're the only ones who have gone through it and that leads to feelings of isolation. I want every person who listens to my music to be able to connect to a song-or a few songs-personally and know that I've gone through exactly what you're going through and it's ok. I got through it and so will you. Music has done that for me my whole life and I hope my music can be that source of inspiration for my listeners. "
TV/ Media/Appearances:
MTV Super Sweet 16
Time Warner Live ( 30 minute show with performances and interview with host),
Cw11 Morning News(on-air interview with morning anchor),
WOR Radio interview with Joey Reynolds,
CT61 Morning News interview/performance
On air interview with WHUD 107.9 NY
Quotes:
"Jim's performance was high energy and very dynamic."
Stephen Cieslewski: Southington News, CT
“Amazing performer and live show! Really got our crowd pumped!”
Tony Yosvany-Club Sandal Miami
"A future music legend...We've been playing his songs all day in anticipation of our live interview with Jim and we've gotten a great response from our listeners. To see an entertainer who is as talented and motivated as Jim is truly inspiring."
Evan Ginzburg :Evan Ginzburg’s Legends www.riotradionetwork.com
“The best performer I have booked yet! You were awesome! Would love to work with you again”
-Dave Cohen:Marketing Manager/booker/Promoter-NYC
" A True Talent. Jim will go far.."Joey Reynolds-WOR Radio
"You(Jim) have that special something..You will be a star. Loved your live show!" Barry Z-Barry Z show-NYC
"One of the premiere dancers/performers in NYC..a pleasure to have on the show.."
Linda Church,CW11 morning News
“Jim's music was perfect for our programming(Super Sweet 16). His music is catchy, energetic and appeals to our demographic at MTV! Love his music!"
Allyson Schwartz MTV Producer/editing(Mtv programming including MY Super Sweet 16)
To schedule an interview or performance, please reach out to Brian Dagher at jimlinehan@jimlinehan.com
