With a string of single and EP releases stretching back over the last few years, Irish singer and songwriter Fintan McKahey has now returned to deliver his latest offering 'Platinum'.
In light of the current coronavirus lockdown, Fintan's use of humble and mellow compositions have become an resilient shelter from the state of the world right now. Taking his cues from the likes of Chet Faker and Matt Corby, this soft and sweeping new rendition offers up light and hope at the end of the tunnel with its bright and uplifting aesthetic.
So with the frontman returning in stellar form, we sat down with the artist to find out more about his earliest beginnings and what led him down this chosen path.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I’ve gotta say it was the bass for sure. I always admired bass players, the way they just blend in the background as a part of the music. When I was about 10 or so - my brother, myself and some friends had a band that I played bass in. I mean we were shocking, just playing Nirvana songs and the likes but it was certainly enough to wet my appetite for the years to come.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
Listening to other multi instrumentalists / producers over the past 10 years has seriously given me a thirst for music in general. Seeing how prolific and well rounded some musicians are today, it's ridiculous. Some people can just do everything to such a high standard, which has really fuelled me to push myself to practice and put the time in. If someone else can do it, there’s no reason why you can’t also, eh?
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
As a teenager, I listened to absolutely everything. My dad is a musician and put a lot of effort into educating me musically. I ended up getting really into Jethro Tull for a long time haha, but I would say the dominant genre would have been folk music…
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
The first time I heard Nick Drake was when I started to take music a bit more seriously. I remember listening to a playlist when I went to sleep one night, and I recall waking up to this song (Riverman) and thinking “holy shit, what is this music?” I then went on a Nick Drake binge for many many years. This was definitely a turning point for me and really made me really focus more on playing acoustic guitar and song-writing.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
Oh definitely something super chilled. I pretty much always just listen to laid back music, no matter what time of day it is. My go to at the moment would probably be this band from Texas called Khruangbin. Their stuff is so spacey and kind to the ears, a perfect way to start the day.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Most of my lyrics would be heavily influenced by the people I’ve met and surround myself with. As I’m sure is the case with most songwriters. Although I usually tend to adopt a more abstract take on it by the time it’s finished. I typically steer clear of the narrative form of wiring and try to not be very obvious in my style of writing though. I like to leave a sense of wonder and mystery about the words to let the listener intemperate it in their own way.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
Hmmm good question… Would have to say performing in a beautiful venue in Cork City called St. Lukes. It’s a massive church that is now used as a full time music venue. Playing music to a captive audience inside that room is on another level, that's for sure.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
Pretty hard to narrow it down, as there is so much to be passionate about. I love all of the arts, good food, to explore and experience different cultures There’s so much to be done in this short life we lead, so why not try it all? My partner & I try to travel as much as possible and definitely seem to focus a lot of it around good food.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Well I always wanted to be a pro skater haha. All throughout my childhood and early teens, I was obsessed with Skateboarding. Quite hard, living in rural Ireland to practice enough though, as it’s constantly raining and only fields are at your doorstep. I did however have a very supportive mum, who let me build a halfpipe in the garage. Basically every day after school, I would just make videos of myself skating on that ramp. Not a bad way to spend your childhood.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to stay productive through the coronavirus lockdown?
I think it’s more important than ever to maintain an online presence. With the live aspect of music out the window at the moment, it’s very easy to lose momentum and get forgotten by all of your fans. Without any deadlines and gigs to be working towards, it's very hard indeed to get excited for music at the moment. That’s why I think making little videos of yourself jamming and even live streaming little gigs etc can be seriously helpful right now. Not only does it remind people of your music, but it also gives you something to practice and prepare for.
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Fintan McKahey's latest single 'Platinum' is available to stream and download now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.