From sun-drenched California to the vibrant South of France, LinoXren’s musical journey reflects the unique blend of cultures that have shaped him. Born Lorenzo Merlino, this multi-talented singer-songwriter isn’t just chasing a dream – he’s meticulously crafting a sound that reflects his global perspective.
LinoXren’s childhood was a symphony of languages and landscapes. Splitting his time between Monaco and Irvine ignited a deep love for California’s irresistible energy. “Something about Southern California captivated me,” he says. “The endless sunshine, the laid-back vibe – it felt like a world away from the South of France, and that only made me crave it more. We always want what we can’t have, and I wanted to be in California full-time.”
Music became his sanctuary. At the age of 7, piano keys at church were his first love, soon joined by singing, rapping, and an insatiable curiosity for diverse genres. But the American music scene held a magnetic pull. “Try as I might, I just couldn’t get inspired in France. My heart was set on LA,” LinoXren says. “That’s where I wanted to make my dreams a reality.”
In 2017, he committed to that dream, relocating to Southern California full-time and assembling a creative team as diverse as his musical palette. A manager, marketing consultant, producer, sound engineer, and graphic designer—each piece fit perfectly into the puzzle that was LinoXren’s artistic vision. Together, they’ve been meticulously crafting LinoXren’s artistic vision and building his brand.
His biggest inspiration? The late rapper XXXTentacion. “He’s the reason I’m in music right now,” LinoXren explains. “One night, he posted a video where he was talking about the importance of chasing your dreams. He said life is like a movie, and you have to be the actor, producer, and director of the movie of your life. That hit hard. My stage name, LinoXren, is a tribute to him, a reminder of the power of following your own path.” Other influences include Travis Scott, Drake, Playboi Carti, Tyler, the Creator, and Lil Uzi Vert.
With his team by his side, LinoXren has been diligently working on his debut album, Fairchild Taste, scheduled for release later this year. “Fly Cry,” the lead single released in April, is a perfect introduction to this world. It showcases his smooth flow and gift for infectious hooks, seamlessly blending elements of trap, hip-hop, and pop. May will see the arrival of “Levit Up,” another track promising a taste of the genre-bending mélange to come.
The album title itself is a playful nod to the project’s eclecticism. Imagine a fast-food menu, overflowing with options for every palate – that’s the essence of Fairchild Taste. “There’s a little something for everyone on the menu,” LinoXren grins.
He hopes listeners will embark on an emotional journey with this album. “It’s a sonic escape, a chance to lose yourself in the music,” he says. “Those late night drives when you’re going nowhere, just thinking about life and everything you’re doing and everything you want to be doing? It feels like that. This album offers a vacation, to be honest.”
To bring this ambitious concept to life, LinoXren and his crew rented a house and locked themselves in for an immersive creative process. “We didn’t want to think about anything but music. It was beautiful chaos,” he recalls. “We made this album with a blend of a lot of different music genres and a lot of different vibes. You’re going to have hard trap. You’re going to have pop. You’re going to have chill music with a Californian vibe.”
A fervent independent artist, he’s not looking to rush into a major label deal any time soon. “I’m not looking for a label, actually. I like being independent and doing things like I want to. Being able to honor my artistic vision without having to answer to anyone is where I thrive. I believe in myself, and that’s all I need. I trust myself most,” he notes.
It’s that unshakable self-belief, combined with his distinctive sound and indefatigable drive, that makes him an artist to watch. As LinoXren looks to the future, he has his eyes on the biggest prizes in music. “I know we’ll get a Grammy. If it’s not this album, it’ll be the next one,” he declares. “I will never stop making albums until I get my Grammy. That’s the ultimate goal.”
Spend any amount of time with LinoXren, and you’ll quickly realize his self-confidence isn’t some put-on bravado. It’s the resolute faith of someone who turned their childhood fantasies into real life—and did it all on their own terms. He sums up his advice to aspiring artists simply: “Don’t listen to anybody. Go your own way. Don’t look right. Don’t look left. Just look straight in front of you. Just do what you like doing. That’s it. Keep your chin up and just walk.”
With an album on the way and a clear vision for his career, LinoXren is an artist in forward motion. His dreams loom large, and all bets are on him. This is someone who speaks his aspirations into existence, then goes out and grinds until they materialize. Don’t be surprised when you see LinoXren on the Grammy stage someday, living out the destiny he’s manifested since he was a kid.
Connect with LinoXren:
- Instagram: @lino.x.ren
- Spotify: LinoXren
