Doctor Lincoln On the Making Of ‘Will See You Now’
What was the creative process like for this particular 'Will See You Now?'
I wrote this album over several years, back then I was moonlighting as a musician while practicing as a heart surgeon by day. In 2021 I quit my job and focused my efforts on crafting this album. Lyrically this album takes listeners on a therapeutic voyage through my personal struggles and triumphs, including my experience with Asperger's syndrome. From a technical standpoint, 'Will See You Now' is a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration. The entire album was meticulously crafted within the confines of my home studio, a DIY endeavour that encapsulates my artistic vision. To enhance the album's depth, I enlisted the talents of senior session musicians from diverse backgrounds, sourced through platforms like Fiverr. This allowed me to incorporate Live drums, various keyboardists, live string quartets, orchestral arrangements, and vibrant brass sections, weaving a tapestry of sounds that span the globe. Notably, all guitar work and vocals were performed by me, adding a personal touch that resonates throughout the album. Most musicians I worked with span from across the globe, Italy, Germany, USA, South Africa & Israel. The whole process of putting it together was very exciting and I learnt a lot from my mistakes.
How do you feel 'Will See You Now' represents your artistic identity?
'Will See You Now' is more than an album; it's a collection of chapters that narrate my life's challenges, with positive messages emerging from each trial. The album's overarching concept is an artistic reflection of my transition from a medical doctor's office to a dream-like state, mirroring the therapeutic process. This imaginative narrative is inspired by my former life as a medical practitioner, a journey that eventually led me to embrace music wholeheartedly. A fan from Texas reached out and told me he felt that I’d found my own sound on this one. So that’s a good place to start.
Which song do you like the best and why?
‘Musth’ is my magnum opus. The entire song details ego dissolution. Also musically this one resonates with a lot of people who heard it. I feel this is the song on which I’ve peaked as a songwriter. I hope I can bring the same energy to my future compositions as well.
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
My earliest musical influence comes from listening to cassettes of Duran Duran, Tears For Fears & Michael Jackson as a child. While I was a medical student I discovered the music of John Mayer, particularly ‘Room For Squares’ and it inspired me to explore songwriting. I emerged from India's underground music scene as a member of the once-famed alternative/avant-garde band Once Chosen in 2008. My debut album, 'Wallflower,' was released in 2016, earning recognition from Rolling Stone India as "about as fresh as alt-rock gets." In 2018, I was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, and after two years of careful planning, I left my career in 2021 to fully embrace my passion for music production. In 2020 I created an impactful awareness campaign advocating for the inclusion of individuals with autism in India's music industry. My dedication and perseverance over the years culminated in a sub-headlining performance at India's Majuli Music Festival in 2022.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as a musician?
I aim to continue to evolve as a musician and evolve my production to a more ambitious sonic quality than I have now. I hope that I will be remembered as a global artist someday. Looking forward to hitting the stage and playing some shows real soon. Otherwise, I’m mostly working on a third album which will follow up to “Will See You Now’