Teesside’s Finn Forster has long been on the ‘one to watch’ radar, so it’s great to see him transition from emerging talent to an established mainstream artist. Jill Drummond caught up with Finn to discover what’s next as he releases new music and continues to build momentum.
Your new single came out recently. Tell me about the track and how your music is evolving…
It feels like I’ve been working for the longest time to build up a backlog of music, so it’s exciting to get the ball rolling again. I’ve taken a kaleidoscope of different memories and experiences and packaged them into a song about the end of a relationship, without it being all doom and gloom. Reflecting on growing up has helped me evolve, both as an artist and as a person. The track was very much born out of a hyper-focused writing session with Todd Clarke and Matt Walsh in Nashville. We hit it off straight away and quickly brought the song together. It was a dream collaboration that worked out really well, especially as we were working across opposite time zones during the production phase. We could work on the track while the other person was sleeping.
You’ve had a massive couple of years in terms of gigs, tour support slots and festivals. What have been your personal highlights?
My May headline tour was the first time I’d been able to experience things on that level. Venues all over the country sold out. Having played to empty rooms in the early days, can you imagine how I felt playing to venues full of people who had chosen to come and see me? Supporting Stereophonics has helped raise awareness of my music, and I’m eternally grateful to them for that. It’s great to play to people who haven’t heard of me before and make an impression. However, it’s fantastic when I’m playing to a room full of my own fans because it feels like family. Progressing to bigger venues is great, but there should always be room to play grassroots venues, whether it’s for a vinyl release or a showcase, no matter how big you become.
As an artist, you put a lot of effort into social media. How important is it for you to stay connected to your fanbase?
I’m finding it easier as the numbers grow because I feed off the response. When I first started, I was posting to practically no one. Now, I’ve reached a point where I appreciate where I am, but I’m also aware that having huge numbers online doesn’t always translate into the same numbers at gigs. It’s all about finding a balance between the two. For me, it’s about enjoying the ride and finding ways to attract new fans. Launching Finn HQ has given me a space that isn’t interrupted by algorithms, where I can deliver content directly to the people who matter. The whole archive of my career is available to look back on, so there’s plenty of content for people to dip into.
You’re part of a thriving North East music scene. Since signing with Interval Records, what impact has that had?
It’s been great. I’m now able to work with a team of like-minded people who have a massive network and can share their insight. It’s fantastic to have an ambitious label pushing for international progression. Being based in the North East hasn’t hindered me. I have the best of both worlds: the label understands what comes with being an artist from this region, but it also has all the connections. I still get to visit Universal in London and experience some amazing opportunities to showcase my music. The North-East scene is continuing to grow, with a huge surge in live music and counterculture following the pandemic and the rise of AI. It’s all very exciting for us. Making a last-minute appearance with Tom A Smith at Gathering Sounds was brilliant. We’ve all been cut from the same cloth, and supporting one another is so important. In terms of dream collaborations, I’ve loved the American experience, and I’d like to work with someone like Teddy Swims in the future.
What’s next for you as an artist?
I’ve been heading back out around Europe this month, supporting Des Rocs, and there’s a vinyl EP release coming soon, which is really exciting. There’ll be more announcements over the next few months, and people can expect plenty of new music. I think you connect with it better when you listen to a body of work in the format it was intended to be heard.
And finally, tell us a random Finn fact…
I absolutely love castles and all things medieval.
Stream Finn’s music on all major platforms, or visit Finn-Forster.musicglue.store to find out more.
