Life & Work with Lorenzo Merlino of Woodlandhills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorenzo Merlino

Hi Lorenzo, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Born in Marseille on July 22, 2003, Lorenzo Merlino, also known as LinoXren, is a singer-songwriter whose musical style lies between Rap/Hip Hop and American pop.

Having grown up in the south of France, he later moved to Los Angeles for family reasons. It was there that his passion for music, particularly the piano, truly took off. Returning to France for high school, he gradually discovered that singing interested him more. It was when he started his higher education in Monaco that he really began to pursue music. Today, back in Los Angeles, he is continuing his music studies at UCLA and working toward his dream of becoming a globally renowned artist.

In 2022, his encounter with his manager, Gabriel Charvin, gave him a new source of motivation and helped structure his development and career. His team later grew with the addition of sound engineer Thomas Delfini and producer Jordan Wojcik. Other professionals, such as a lawyer, videographers, and graphic designers, are also involved in the LinoXren project.

In 2023, he released nine singles that garnered over 750,000 streams on music platforms. On June 20, 2024, his debut album, “Fairchild’s Tastes,” was released. Comprising a blend of French and American cultures, “Fairchild’s Tastes” represents a unique creation, merging various musical styles and inspirations in a fast-food-like fashion. In just two months, the album amassed nearly 400,000 streams, and the views and feedback have been very positive.

But LinoXren is not stopping there. In July 2024, he recorded a new album, which will be discussed in this dossier. Set for release in the fall of 2025, this new album is innovative in style. In fact, it moves away from the traditional codes of Trap, which no longer truly allow for innovation, to propose a new style where Rap/Hip Hop meets dark Pop Rock. The album is called “Plastic Made,” and its lyrics are bold. As a songwriter, LinoXren denounces inequalities, the ways in which women use their bodies to take advantage of men, and the negative impact of social media on the younger generation.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Success is never easy. Every day, my team and I work hard to reach it. Some opportunities come, but most don’t yet. In this industry, a lot of people make promises they can’t keep and take advantage of dreamers. Venues and labels care more about numbers, but we create from the heart. Also, being from France and new to Los Angeles makes it tough to start over and meet people especially in this closed industry. But beautiful things comes with hard work which is what we are ready to fight for !

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m LinoXren, a French-American singer, songwriter, and music producer living in Los Angeles. My music is influenced by both my French and American roots, blending different sounds and styles. I write and produce all my songs with a dedicated team, focusing on creating a unique sound that reflects who I am.

I’m most proud of my debut album, *Fairchild’s Tastes*. Right now, I’m working on a new project, introducing a new genre of dark pop rock which brand new for me and my audience but fits perfectly with my vision.

What makes me different is my mix of cultures and the way I combine different influences to create music that’s fresh but still relatable. I also have a great team helping me bring my ideas to life, while I stay in control of the creative process.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve been lucky to have a strong support system throughout my journey. My production (by DEUZAARON), mixing (by SAMMO), and management (by Gabriel Charvin) team has played a huge role in helping me bring my music to life. They handle a lot of the technical and logistical side of things, which lets me focus on the creative aspects.

Aside from my team, my family (Nicolas, Caroline et Matéo) has been a constant source of encouragement. Growing up bilingual and moving between the South of France and Orange County, they helped shape my musical influences and supported my decision to pursue music full-time.

Also, being registered with SACEM (ASCAP) has been a big step in my career. It’s given me a platform to protect my work and ensure that I get the proper recognition for it. Their support has been crucial in the business side of things.

Lastly, the reason of why i keep doing what i do is the listeners and fans who connect with my music deserve credit. They inspire me to keep creating and pushing myself further.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/linoxren
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lino.x.ren
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@linoxren
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7wQSFmS2chWmLHqMUyNILa

Image Credits
Pictures: Brooke Scolcelas
Studio : undergroundstudios
Recording studio: QDS paris