Get To Know: Harper Finn

Finn: I was lucky enough to grow up in a musical family, so music has been in my life since I can remember, but it wasn’t until I was 13 or 14 before I really developed my own passion for it. I fell in love with music from the 60s and wanted to learn how to play a lot of these songs on the piano, which then turned into a love of songwriting.

BTS: When did you start playing live and what were some of your favorite songs to perform?

Finn: I’ve been performing on stages since I was young, but only performing under my own name for the past three or four years. I used to be a keyboardist, so it was an adjustment to move to the front of the stage just holding the microphone. “Conversations (With the Moon)” is one of my favorites to perform. Each band member has ‘a musical moment’ to themselves, which is fun to share.

BTS: Being a music reviewer, does your mother give you input or advice on your own music?

Finn: Sometimes. She also admits that she doesn’t know how to make music, so she doesn’t want to interfere with the process. Making music is a strange and mysterious process sometimes. Best to keep reviews till the end.

BTS: Who are some of your biggest inspirations today?

Finn: Rosalia, Tame Impala, Daft Punk, Kendrick Lamar and Childish Gambino.

BTS: How did it feel to perform on the same stage as Billie Eilish?

Finn: Like any other stage once you’re standing and performing on it, but leading up to the show it puts on a little bit of extra pressure, but I think that’s a good thing.

BTS: How did it feel when your single “Different Skies” reached #1 on New Zealand charts?

Finn: It didn’t feel real to tell you the truth. Only when I went into a car and it was playing on the radio or someone would come up to me and say “I’ve heard your song 4 times today!” did I realize what was really happening. Ultimately, it was an incredibly encouraging moment and only fueled the desire to continue to write and release more music.

BTS: You say you write music from interpersonal experiences. How does this play into your new EP NEWCOMER?

Finn: Every song on this EP is written about someone or something that happened to me over the past few years. I’m a visual songwriter, so when these experiences happen to me, I often imagine the film or picture that the world of the song would exist in.

BTS: How long did it take you to write “Euphoria”, which you said was your quickest song to write?

Finn: Around 30 minutes….we wanted to have a lunch break, so we said the quicker we get this song done the sooner we can eat.

BTS: How has spending time away from home affected your creative process?

Finn: I’d say the creative process stays relatively the same. I’m always close to a piano, so playing daily is something that never changes, but the sources of inspiration definitely change. Being surrounded by a new city and new people immediately seeps into the songs I’m writing.

BTS: How does dancing and movement affect your music?

Finn: It’s something I’m conscious of when I’m in the studio. The physical reaction to music is so important and is undeniable when the music is right. I want the songs I write to be easy to dance to.

BTS: Is “Different Skies” about a particular person or general feelings?

Finn: A bit of both. Songs for me always start with a real feeling or person, but stem out and usually involve a few moments, memories or relationships in my life. “Different Skies” was about the right person at the wrong time.

BTS: Do you have any plans for a NEWCOMER tour outside of New Zealand this year or next?

Finn: I do! I will hopefully be playing a few shows in America to support the release!

BTS: What are you most excited about following the release of NEWCOMER on July 29?

Finn: The prospect of playing overseas! Getting in front of people who haven’t heard of me or my music is such an exciting prospect.

BTS: What would you like to leave fans with?

Finn: I’d like to leave fans with the notion of trying new things as much as you can. This EP is based on new relationships, feelings and places. For me, figuring out who I am as a person always comes from throwing myself into the deep end and figuring it out as I go. If it makes you slightly uncomfortable, you’ll learn something about yourself.

Finn has a passion for trying new things and breaking out of his comfort zone. We can’t wait to follow his musical journey and see what more he has in store!

NEWCOMER is out! Stream it HERE!

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