LINN Linn became well-known with “Khayee Lan Sone Hti” (Till the End of the Journey), the song he composed for famous rocker Lay Phyu in 2006.

Since then, he has written many hit songs and showed his skill behind stage as a composer.

Recently, Linn Linn has released his first solo album “Sinsar Par” (Think!) and will appear on stage as a singer. At a rock concert, Time out was pleasantly surprised to find that this new singer has a large numbers of hardcore fans, even though it was only a week after his album launch.

The fans shouted some song titles in his album. Time out had a chat with this new star.

Timeout: Your album has come out finally. But we heard that you’ve been making it for a long time.
Linn Linn: Yeah, it took too long because of the mixing and censorship. We did mixing many times until we got satisfactory results.

“Think!” It’s an interesting album title. What were you thinking while you were making this album?
In the album, I wrote almost all the songs and I played all the guitar parts as well. So, I had to think again and again so as not to repeat myself. You know, I was thinking and thinking like the album title.

Are you still thinking?
Of course I am. When everyone is facing piracy problems, I have to think about the results of the album and keep creating more.

You have not only made your name as a composer but now as a singer as well. You’re being very successful.
But it’s a success for my artistry not for my earning. That’s why I told you that I’m still thinking.

In the album, you also composed some songs together with famous composers A Nge, Mg Mg Zaw Latt and Zawar. How did you enjoy the experience?
If I wrote all alone, the songs would be similar to each other. Each composer has his own style so I was able to make the songs different with their help.

Most of your songs are mellow and the lyrics are depressing.
Yeah, I always listen to the songs of English bands. So, I was a bit inspired by them. I’m also poor at singing heavy songs.

But you are really good at composing ballads. We are very curious about your style of composing and the way you go about writing your music and lyrics.
Following my emotions, I write both lyrics and music at the same time. When I write for others, I intend the song to be for them but I never force my hand to remain within any boundaries. Everyone can feel the lyrics because I compose them for both men and women. Even if the songs were written for female singers, they can touch the guys.

We heard that you are from Mandalay. When did you come down to Yangon and what did you do?
It was in 2002. I took all the songs I had and came down to Yangon. In 2006, I showed my songs to Lay Phyu and he used some in his third solo album “Kanalaymyar” (The Moments).

So, when did you start composing?
Since childhood. At the age of eleven, I started playing guitar and writing pieces of music.

Very talented! I wonder which career is more meaningful to you, singer or composer.
To be a composer is my childhood dream. I love composing and it means a lot to me. As a composer, I only meet with my fans behind somebody’s back but, as a singer, I can meet directly with them. It’s different.

So, what about your future in singing?
Um…I’m not sure if I will keep singing. I released the album as a milestone in my life.

That’s bad news for your fans who love your singing.
Even if I release a solo album again, it won’t be more than three of four albums, but I’ll continue making music as composer Linn Linn.