FIONN
Canadian duo Fionn released their latest EP Everyone’s a Critic on July 17th.
Produced by Kevvy Maher, the record explores subjects like frolic away from the modern day, to tongue in cheek recollections of bad party experiences.
Formed by twin sisters Alanna and Brianne Finn-Morris, the duo has been performing together since 12 years old. Coming from a musical family, Fionn released their self-titled debut record in 2017.
The new project features the previous singles “Get Stoned”, “Mattress on the Floor” and “Modern Medication”. Combining folk roots and a ‘70s swagger, Fionn has created one of the most exciting projects of 2020.
Released via 604 records, Everyone’s a Critic is now available.
Photo credit: kiri anne
Introduce the band - what's your story?
We are Alanna and Brianne Finn-Morris, our parents met teaching piano at a music school in Vancouver after our dad had travelled to Canada from Ireland in a showband. Needless to say, music was a huge part of our upbringing. We knew from a very young age that we wanted to be musicians, even making our stuffed animals into a touring family band. This imagination became reality when our mother signed us up for busking at “Granville Island” in Vancouver when we were 12. From there we started songwriting and playing real shows, even going to Nashville as young teens to learn more about the songwriting craft. For us writing has been a priority, and it was what got us signed to our current label 604. We have been writing and releasing music ever since and are so excited to share our newest album “Everyone`s a Critic”
How would you define Fionn, the band?
We would definitely consider ourselves songwriting nerds. We've always strived to write well-thought out lyrics no matter what genre we've chosen to play.
Everyone's a Critic is your new project - how did it feel like to release this project?
We are very excited to finally be sharing songs that we wrote during a unique time of our lives. We had just moved out for the first time when we started this record, and all of the songs represent the realizations and experiences we had after leaving home. There are so many amazing memories and laughs attached to this project, and we're so happy you finally get to hear it!
How would you describe this EP?
We would describe this EP as our “coming of age” story. The year in which the album was written was so full of change as we moved from teenagers to young adults. We left our parents' place and moved into our own suite in the city. It was our first time experiencing real independence, and every experience and observation recounted on the album happened during this time. While half of it is tongue in cheek and light hearted, the other half takes on a more serious tone.
What are the different topics you are talking about on this project?
We realized the other day that we (accidentally) organized the EP so that the first three songs are lighthearted, and the last three more serious. The topics on this record range from wanting to frolic away from the modern day, to tongue in cheek recollections of bad party experiences.
Who helped you create this project?
The EP was produced by the very talented Kevvy Maher. It was such a blast working with someone so enthusiastic about the project. Alex Glassford played drums on a few of the tracks and the whole thing was mixed by Tony Hoffer.
What do you like the most about this EP?
We like how honest it is. After living most of our lives in a space where we were hesitant to speak our minds, time and experience has given us the power to say exactly what we think without second guessing ourselves. It's a truly liberating part of growing up.
What was the hardest part about making this project?
We can't think of anything that was too hard about making this project. We went into the process very clear headed and knowing what we wanted. With that being said, there are always moments in any project where you can feel confused about what a part needs.
What made you want to name your EP Everyone's a Critic?
When we listened to all of the songs together, we realized that they each connected to the main idea of the title track 'Everyone's a Critic' in their own ways. We've realized that no matter what we do there will always be somebody there to criticize, whether that be what we're wearing at a party, for sleeping on a mattress on the floor, or for pictures we post on the internet. In Gen Z Everybody experiences this to some degree, and we think that it's important to acknowledge that we will always be doing something wrong in the eyes of others. We believe that is the only way to truly let go and no longer care what other people think.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
This photo was taken on the set of our music video for “Modern Medication”. We really liked how it captures a semi retro aesthetic with the disco ball, and felt that it could represent the ideas and the expectations we are grasping onto like a shiny toy in the modern day.
What is your goal for this EP?
Ever since we first listened to Taylor Swift's album 'Fearless' when we were Pre-teens, we've wanted to make music people could relate to as much as we did to 'You Belong With Me' at that time. We hope when people listen to our songs they are reminded of their own stories, and no longer feel alone in their experiences. We want people to enjoy the lighthearted songs, and feel moved by the ones that are more serious.
As a band, what do want to accomplish?
We've always wanted to travel the world playing music, and to write songs that connect with many people.
What biggest lesson have you learned since the beginning of your career?
We would have to say that having a vision is very important, but also sticking with the decisions you make. It is really easy to start falling into the mental trap of second guessing yourself or changing your mind about things, but it's something you have to try and fight in order to stay on track!
What's the best part about making music with your sister?
We live together, so we always have time to practice and work on furthering our career! We can also be really open and honest as we aren't afraid to hurt each other's feelings. This means that we can push each other to be the best songwriters that we can.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
If sensitivity was seen as strength rather than weakness, we think the world would be so much better off. We are all one, but our identities divide us. The beautiful thing about music, especially in a shared live setting, is that it removes this division while everyone shares in the experience.
What message do you want to give to the world?
Do whatever you want with your life, follow your bliss because you’ ll never please everybody anyway!
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