Harper Finn on his debut EP ‘Newcomer’
From his trademark signature dance moves to his reflective piano-based ballads, rising star Harper Finn has taken the industry by storm with his hit songs like ‘Dance Away These Days’, ending 2021 as winner of Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the Aotearoa Music Awards. Despite his success so far as a solo artist, Harper is a newcomer to the music industry, and this is just the beginning.
Hey Harper! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat to us - we are absolutely loving all the music you've been releasing! We'd love to know about your musical journey from when you first started singing and making your own music?
I started playing the piano when I was about 5 years old but it always felt like a school subject to me. Exams and theory never really did it for me. When I was 13 or so, kids in my year at school figured out I could play and wanted me to join their bands. When this started to happen, I started to develop my own love for music. Making friends through music and contributing to a common goal musically was an infectious feeling.
Massive congratulations on your new EP 'Newcomer'! What's the meaning behind the name 'Newcomer', and what themes do you delve into lyrically in the EP?
'Newcomer' described how I feel about putting out a first body of work. I likened it to your first day at a new school or job where you don't know anyone but everyone there knows each other. You try to figure out a way to fit in and reveal sides of yourself. The themes of the EP centre around first experiences or being in unfamiliar situations.
You've had tremendous success with 'Dance Away These Days' which is a sensational anthem - over 3.7 million streams on just Spotify alone! What was the writing and production process like for this track?
The song started off as a piano ballad. Very slow and melancholic. Soon after writing it, we went into lockdown and slow songs didn't feel like a way I wanted to express myself or channel my energy. I spontaneously added double-time drums to the track and the rest just fell into place. At that moment it felt like it was always meant to be that way.
Another one of our favourite tracks off the EP is 'She Said'! Can you tell us about the concept of this song?
The concept of the song is about being lost or confused with where you are in life. In these situations, I often turn to the women in my life. I'm lucky to have them. This songs is a dedication to them.
We're obsessed with the distinctive & euphoric synth-pop sound you've created which has a timeless brilliance to it! Which artists and genres were your main musical influences going into this EP?
There were so many influences for this EP! Daft Punk was a big one, Sade, Big Audio Dynamite, Christine & the Queens, Kate Bush ...
What were your main highlights working on the EP?
The places and people I met along the way. I was lucky enough to travel and record in places like Berlin, Los Angeles and Sydney. All the moments you have in-between the studio time as well was so inspiring.
You recently had your EP release shows in Wellington and Auckland which must have been so special! What was your favourite part about these performances?
Seeing fans sing along to songs that had only been out a couple of weeks.
Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you especially love?
Have been a big fan of Balu Brigada for a while now - their song 'Moon Man' is one of my all-time favourite kiwi songs.
Yes we love them and that song too! What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in your career so far, and what advice do you have for other artists out there?
That good things take time and ultimately the vision and path you want for your career are down to you - don't rely on other people to get you there.
Lastly, we end every interview with this question - if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?
On the count of 3, jump!
Thanks so much Harper! Make sure you keep up with him on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify or Apple Music.
