Linsley

My name is Linsley Hartenstein. I am a folk singer-songwriter whose influences include artists such as, Jon Foreman, Noah Gundersen, and Paul McCartney.  My desire is to create honest music that captures beauty in the tension between human depravity and redemption. 

 I am originally from around Cincinnati, Ohio. Being the second oldest of eight kids in my family, life was never dull. My home has been a place where my mom and dad have really challenged me in all areas of life and encouraged me in my faith. Growing up, I was always interested in music, but never saw it as anything more than a personal creative outlet until I was in high school.  During my freshman year of high school, I began to write music. For me, it was a way to process struggles and heartache honestly and then apply truth and see redemption, grace and hope in the situations. It was therapeutic and a safe place. I never intended for anyone to ever hear my music because, simply put, it was mine. 

 Through a series of events, my selfish mentality of art was challenged as I began to feel called to share my music with the people around me. I noticed this pattern of depravity and redemption in my writing that I wanted to share because I believe it is a universal tension. A new desire to share the glimpses of redemption that I see in my own life, the lives of those around me, and in the world began to shape. I knew that sharing this beauty would mean honesty on a level that is not comfortable in revealing depravity and brokenness that precedes redemption.

My heart and mind has shifted. I now see sharing my art and music as an adventure that is well worth the vulnerability, listening ear, and discipline that it requires. It is worth being honest about the dark so light can be that much brighter. I see music as a beautiful opportunity to be transparent with people, bring people together, and to, hopefully inspire, bring hope, and awaken a new desire to see redemption in their own lives. 

Since this shift, I have been given many great opportunities, including opening for acts such as The Vespers and have played at venues such as The Underground, 86 Club and more.