Meet Lina Beach

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lina Beach. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lina below.

Hi Lina, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Growing up as a young musician in the Nashville area, I loved my craft–but I never felt like I was good enough to make something of it. When I came to Memphis for school, I fell in love with its musical history, the local scene, and I did everything I could to get close to the music that inspired me. Still, I didn’t yet believe in my own abilities. I lacked the confidence that musicians around me seemed to carry so naturally.

So, I decided to pursue work in a music-adjacent field, wherever that might lead. In 2021, I joined Rhodes College’s Mike Curb Institute for Music and began running the social media for a project with legendary blues artist Bobby Rush. He came to our school, shared stories about growing up in the Delta, and showed us the living spirit of the blues. Then he brought us to Royal Studios–the birthplace of Memphis Soul–where so many of my favorite records were made.

At Royal, Rhodes students had a chance to record alongside these legendary musicians, with Boo Mitchell engineering. I was secretly itching to be part of the process, but I stayed behind the camera. Then I met Boo–engineer, producer, and co-owner of Royal Studios, and son to the legendary Willie Mitchell, who crafted the Memphis Soul sound and discovered Al Green. He happened to need a social media intern for the studio, and I was back the next week, immersed in the heart of it all. I soaked it in: the process of recording, the feeling of those “God in the room” moments, and the magic of watching. a song come to life. But even then, I wasn’t sure where I fit in. I loved all of it but didn’t feel “good enough” at any of it. I often felt too shy to mention I was a musician myself.

Most days, I would assisted sessions and stayed behind the camera–quietly listening to the musicians, then going home and practicing what I had heard. Until one day, Boo heard me playing guitar in the lobby during a session break. He came in expecting to see one of his session players, but found me, playing Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely.” He was blown away that his social media intern of 3 months had actually been a guitar player!! Apparently I told him, “ya, I play bass too.” Where I grew up, it seemed like everyone could play. I didn’t realize how special my own gift was.

A month later, Boo asked me to play on a session–a remake of Al Green’s “I’m Glad Your Mine.” Bass in hand, I walked in to my first recording session excited and terrified. But once I started playing, Boo stood up out of his chair in disbelief: “You sound like a 70 year-old black man!” He brought me back to record the guitar part, and to my surprise, I sounded just like the late Teenie Hodges, guitarist and songwriter behind “Love and Happiness,” “Take Me to the River” and so many of my favorite records.

Then he told me something that changed everything: “You could make records.”

From that moment on, I started paying attention to the little melodies that would float through my head, musical ideas that previously never seemed to materialize. I began writing what would become my first album, Little Sanities, now being recorded at Royal Studios. Since then I’ve toured around the world as the newest member of the Hi Rhythm Section, Willie Mitchell’s legendary studio band, who are still making music to this day. I’ve learned that real music doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from trusting your voice, enjoying the process, and embracing everyone’s unique gift. At the heart of it all, love conquers fear, and I’m blessed to have found a family and a purpose that reminds me of that every day.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Lina Beach, a session musician, songwriter, performer, and multi-instrumentalist from Franklin, Tennessee, with an old soul and a deep passion for storytelling. My work is rooted in honoring the rich musical legacy of Memphis and Royal Studios—a place that has not only inspired me but embraced me as part of its ongoing story. I write songs from a place of vulnerability and authenticity, aiming to capture raw emotion and feeling in everything I do.

I’m recording my debut album, Little Sanities, at Royal Studios, staying true to the classic Memphis sound pioneered by Willie Mitchell. I’ve had the privilege of working with a host of Memphis legends, with Boo Mitchell at the helm—producing, engineering, and arranging the horns and strings alongside Stax Records keyboardist and arranger Lester Snell. We’re currently mixing the record, performing the songs in Memphis and around the world, while gearing up to launch it into the world.

I’ve been welcomed as the newest member of the Hi Rhythm Section—Willie Mitchell’s legendary studio band, known for playing on 27 consecutive gold and platinum records with artists like Al Green, Ann Peebles, Otis Clay, O.V. Wright, Syl Johnson, and many more over the years. I play guitar in the footsteps of the great Teenie Hodges, studying the parts and feel behind these classic songs while performing alongside original members of the band: Charles Hodges on organ, Leroy Hodges on bass, Archie “Hubbie” Turner on keys, and Steve Potts on drums—cousin to original Hi Rhythm drummer Al Jackson Jr., and a staple of today’s Royal Studios sound. We perform around the world with the Take Me to the River All-Stars, sharing both my original songs and Royal Studios classics. We’ve had the honor of working with iconic artists including Al Green, William Bell, Carla Thomas, Eric Gales, Jools Holland, Joss Stone, and most recently contributed to the Sinners movie soundtrack.

I’m so grateful to be part of something bigger than myself. I’ve found a family at Royal Studios—and a living, breathing musical legacy that continues to evolve and impact the world. It’s a story I’m honored to help share, not just by staying true to its sound, but by carrying it forward in all I do.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I actually learned this from Boo–he’s identified three areas that, together, will really take you far: Talent, Work Ethic, and Humility.

Musically, what’s been most important is my ear. The ability to listen to a record, hear the different parts, and play along. That’s how I’ve learned so much of what I do. I developed the skill at a young age–my dad taught me violin through listening first and then playing what we heard, guided by written music. We played piano too, and sang along with my mom most nights. It really helps to be able to be able to sing the right note and then find it on your instrument.

As for the work ethic, that’s always a work in progress, but what matters is the passion that fuels it. I was lucky to have music teachers guide me in school, but that same hunger and work ethic has to come from within. It helps to clarify your goals and narrowing your focus into bite size pieces. Have patience with yourself and make sure to appreciate the process! This is the long game, it can look like a lot of ups and downs and that’s ok.

Humility–not to be mistaken with lacking confidence–is so important. I see it in the true greats I’ve gotten to work alongside. Playing with a band and working with a team, you’ve gotta have mutual respect and leave your ego at the door. I’m often surrounded by people who are more experienced, and approaching it with humility is key. As a session player, understanding what’s best for the song might mean playing a simple groove, instead of showing off. As a session player, knowing what’s best for the song might mean playing a simple groove instead of showing off. In music, it’s about more than just what you can do—it’s how you play with others. I stay eager to listen and learn from those around me and I’m better for it.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that’s had a big impact on me is Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician Within by Kenny Werner. It tackles common struggles musicians face—like imposter syndrome and fear-based playing—and encourages you to embrace the gift you already have, mistakes and all. Approaching music with that mindset opens the door to creativity and exploration. The book even includes guided meditations to help enter a calm, confident space and deepen your connection to your instrument. Practicing becomes less about perfection or ego, and more about honoring your gift and expanding your musical tools.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Ronnie Booze, Peter Batarseh, Caleb Suggs, Jackson Hendrix, Logan Schaal, Mary Gunning, David Simchock

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Are you walking a path—or wandering?

The answer to whether you are walking or wandering often changes from season to season

Highlighter Series
What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?

With so many high-achievers in our community it was super interesting to learn about the

Highlighter Series
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?

We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger