When Lincolnshire-based rapper Linc started writing his own material, he didn’t expect to be performing at one of the UK’s biggest free music festivals.

Linc, whose real name is Lincoln Savage, was lucky enough to perform at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend this year and after impressing both the producers and listeners of BBC Introducing, he is destined for bigger and better things.

“It started when I was 15. I’ve always loved music and it is something that I’ve always wanted to do. I started writing and everything’s just come together,” Linc explained.

Like many other artists, he has different musical inspirations who he started to listen to at a young age: “Music has always been apart of me. I’ve always loved Michael Jackson and after seeing him perform at Wembley, I knew I wanted to start writing music. I’m also a big fan of Outkast and after listening to their music that’s when I realised I wanted to be as big as them,” he said.

“I’ve grown to appreciate music a lot more. Rap is not about music, it’s lot about character. I’ve developed it and practised over and over again.”

After performing at a gig in Lincoln, he was finally spotted and approached: “I got entered into a Hip Hop competition at the New Life centre and after winning, BBC Introducing contacted me. I recorded a few new tracks and uploading it to BBC Introducing, it got through the ranks and went from Lincolnshire to 1Xtra.”

Since recording his first track “Mars” in January, Linc has continued to push for success. “After Mista Jam played my song on 1Xtra, I recieved an email telling me it had been playlisted. I didn’t know if I was ready for it. It was crazy at first.”

“I’ve really pushed promoting myself this year and since being approached by BBC Introducing it’s really taken off,” said Linc.

After his big break in Carlisle, the future is looking bright for Linc. “There’s been more possible gigs coming up so hopefully there is a lot of potential for the future.”

A free download of Linc’s track “Mars” featuring Anjlee Desai, can be downloaded off his official website.