FINTAN
Following his first single “Body”, singer/songwriter FINTAN is back with the new single “Say It Again”, released on February 1st.
Produced by Hugh Mackie, the pop record was inspired by FINTAN’s personal life experience.
“The song came from a trip I took with my girlfriend at the time at Christmas, visiting my parents house for the holidays. We were laying in bed getting ready to sleep one night, and I was on my computer checking emails or something and she told me she loved me. Since I was preoccupied I sort of mumbled it back without thinking, and she said “Say it again! Like you mean it.” There was something so cute about how she said it I went downstairs and wrote the song the next day,” explains FINTAN.
Born in Birmingham, England, the singer/songwriter moved to Canada with his family at 6 years old. Coming from a musical family, FINTAN started writing songs at 9 years old. He won prestigious awards and competitions such as the people's choice award at the RTE-1, nationwide songwriting competition and the Yamaha JUNO songwriting competition in Canada.
He performed at major western Canadian Festivals including Rifflandia, Rock The Shores, Vancouver Island Music Festival, and has also done a solo tour in Germany and Ireland.
“Say It Again” is off his upcoming EP entitled “Then We Fall”, to be released on March 22nd.
Photo credit: Brian Van Wyk
Introduce yourself - where are you from?
Hey, my name is Fintan and I’m from Birmingham, England, but I live in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia.
What’s your story?
I’ve been busking for years and now starting to put my music out there so I can hopefully keep playing as much as I can!
When did you start feeling connected to music?
My family is very musical, and my father is a professional singer/songwriter, so it’s very tough for me to answer that question. I don’t remember a time that I didn’t feel connected to music, since it always flooded through my childhood home.
What did you grow up listening to?
Again, probably mostly my dad singing and playing in his bands and with his family. When I got old enough to have my own taste, I was really into Queen and Frank Sinatra. Those were two artists that really stuck with me in a significant way.
When did you start writing songs?
I was always writing goofy little silly songs as a kid, but even though it sounds funny, I wrote my first ‘serious’ song, when I was about 8 or 9 years old. As soon as I wrote it it was profoundly clear to me that it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Could you tell us about your first experience in the music industry?
I suppose the industry has many levels but my first experience with the higher rungs of the ladder came after I’d already been performing for years. I was about 18 I think, and I had a meeting with a somewhat successful music manager, who told me I needed to write more songs about drinking and going to the club. I wasn’t very impressed at, and it was a pretty important moment for me in realizing that the people you work with absolutely must align with your values and be people you respect. I feel very lucky now in that respect.
How would you define Fintan, the artist?
Handsome, intelligent, ripped, stunning. Just kidding again, sorry.
Hmm, I’d define the artist, Fintan as hopefully honest and raw with my songwriting. I think my live performances are really what define me the most. Having grown up busking, it’s really engraved in my DNA to just want to perform for people, and I think that informs and defines everything about me, really.
You've just released your new single "Say It Again". What's the story behind this song?
Yes! I’m so stoked about it. The song came from a trip I took with my girlfriend at the time at Christmas, visiting my parents house for the holidays. We were laying in bed getting ready to sleep one night, and I was on my computer checking emails or something and she told me she loved me. Since I was preoccupied I sort of mumbled it back without thinking, and she said “Say it again! Like you mean it.” There was something so cute about how she said it I went downstairs and wrote the song the next day.
What is your goal for this new single?
The goal is always the same. I just want to keep reaching more and more people with each song.
What can you tell us about your upcoming EP "Then We Fall”?
It’s gonna CHANGE THE WORLD.
Could you describe us the songwriting/production process for this EP? When did you start working on it?
I really started working on this EP early last year. Which is crazy to me ‘cause it takes such a long time to get things in place to start releasing music. The process with each song was similar, I came into the studio with the songs already written, and then Hugh Mackie and I would go into the converted box truck that we used as our studio, and flesh out the production until we felt like we got the song to where it needed to be.
What are the different topics you are talking about on this EP?
The EP is all about the same relationship, it’s a journey from falling into love, losing touch, falling out of love, reconnecting, and then falling back into the same cycle all over again.
How's it like to work with Hugh Mackie on this project?
He’s amazing. It really feels like I found this guy before he becomes one of Canada’s most in-demand producers. I’m sure it won’t be as easy to reach him sometime soon.
What does songwriting make you feel?
Everything! It’s more of a release of feeling though I suppose. When I started writing it felt like I discovered who I was, so songwriting to me, is just something I have to do or else I’ll go crazy.
Why do you make music? What keeps you going?
It’s really not difficult for me to ‘keep going’. I know it’s a tough business but I love performing and sharing music with people so much, that it’s constantly rewarding. When somebody tells me that my music has connected with them or helped them in some way, or just made them happy, it’s the highest honour I can imagine.
How would you describe the music industry in Canada?
I really don’t know if I’m qualified to answer that question. Let me win a couple Juno’s and get back to you on that.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
I think just to be happy no matter what you do! Easily overlooked but the most important thing for us to do on this planet.
What are your goals for 2019?
I really want to start touring and playing more shows. As well as release 2 EP’s at least this year.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
It’s a really deep question but I think if people looked for what connected us and what we had in common with each other, rather than what divides us, I think that would make the world a better place. Whatever you look for in the world is what you’re gonna find.
What biggest lessons have you learned as an artist and as a human being?
Always add salt to the pot whilst cooking pasta. It really enhances the flavour.
Also, that your audience is smart and can spot inauthenticity from a mile away. So just be as honest as you can with everything you create.
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