In collaboration with
- Words Aimee Phillips
- Photography Talie Rose Eigeland
Newcomer Finn Askew may only have four songs under his belt, but he's making big waves.
For fans of Dominic Fike and Post Malone, Finn Askew may be a new name, but with his radio-ready, highly polished sound, he’s sure to blow up.
Whilst he hails from a small market town in Somerset, Finn’s music sounds like it’s been soaked in the Californian sun. Complete with captivating gravelly vocals that veil his young years, the 19-year-old encompasses all the DIY aspects and drive his generation is becoming known for.
Case in point – Finn’s debut single “Roses” was created and recorded in the purest and most organic of ways when he was just 16. “[I] literally got the beat from YouTube, I loaded up Garage Band, grabbed my £20 microphone and that’s how it was born”, he explains of the track that was “inspired by old Disney movies”.
Since then, Finn has gone on to share the nostalgic yet wholly modern indie-pop number “Peach” and this month, the laid-back single “Same Old Love”. Safe to say, we’ve had his music on a loop all day.
Refusing to be bound to just one genre, Finn prefers to remain eclectic when songwriting, blending anything he fancies from R&B, jazz, rap and emo to indie-rock.
We caught up with Finn Askew at the Polydor Presents showcase to learn more about the budding talent. From launching his career in the middle of a pandemic to his hopes and dreams for the future. Jump in!
Do you remember the moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
I don’t think there was a certain moment I feel like it always meant to be; like everything just fell into place for it to happen. It was my purpose.
How did you turn your passion into a career?
I just put a lot of hard work in, always worked on my craft. When I was younger there were no opportunities for the youth really when it came to getting your music out there so I really had to make them for myself and take anything I could get.
Launching your career in the middle of a pandemic must have been strange. How has this year played out for you? Has it met your expectations, despite the circumstances?
It’s definitely a strange situation to be put in. Cause it’s so new to me, I have nothing to compare it to. But I mean, this year’s been mad regardless and in this pandemic, I don’t think it could be going better.
How has the place you grew up shaped the musician you’ve become?
I feel like living in Wellington has been really important for me as an artist and I don’t think I’d be anywhere near where I’m at if I lived in the city or something. I had a lot of freedom to grow as an artist cause there was no one around me to tell me what was right and wrong, I was just left to my own devices.
How important is it for rising artists to retain as much autonomy as possible over their sound and artistic persona?
It’s super important. I mean, you’re the artist and you know yourself better than anyone. You should always trust your vision and do what you think represents you the best.
Give me a window into your writing process – how do you create a song?
It’s always different for me. I start everything song different. Inspiration comes from many different places like sometimes it just starts with a certain word like my song “peach”. That word just made my mind run wild and everything just fell into place. A lot of the time I just freestyle and I get most of the song in one take. But yeah its always different.
Which artists have been instrumental in shaping your sound?
There are too many artists, it’s hard to narrow it down. But for sure I’d have to say frank ocean, he’s influenced me a lot when it comes to my lyrics and melodies. Got a lot of inspiration from American emo-rap so like Lil Peep and Juice WRLD. You can hear that influence shine through in many of my songs.
What are you hoping to achieve in the next few years?
I get asked this question a lot and I’m really not sure, I’m just looking to be number 1 and that’s all really. Not sure how long it will take but I’ll get there at some point so I’m not bothered.
Which artist would be your dream collab?
FRANK OCEAN.
What is something you’d like people to know about you?
I’m happy.