Interview: Finn Forster

Hot new songwriter Finn Forster is fresh from releasing his debut EP last month. After cementing himself in the North East live scene with shows at Base Camp and Independent as well as some European shows. Check out what was said when we caught up with Finn himself:

Introduce yourself and your music to our audience.

My name is Finn Forster, I'm a singer songwriter from Teesside. The music I have released so far could be described as a new imagery of indie pop with a lot of folk influence. A mix of acoustic and electric guitar can be heard in each of my songs as a core instrument alongside my voice.

What's the best show you've ever played?

There are a load that stand out for many different reasons, but, I was able to play the Middlesbrough Empire in 2018, for their Glastonboro Festival. That was 800 people absolutely bouncing and engaged with every song. That’s always been a gig/venue I’ve thought about when looking back and I can’t wait to get back. 

Now for a non-music related question. What's your go to meal deal?

I’ve been eating veggie for a while now but at the peak of my time eating meal deals it was always a chicken, bacon & stuffing, steak or salt and vinegar McCoy’s and a Sunny D or Lilt.

Your latest release was an EP titled 'Lockdown B-Sides', tell us some more about this release.

Yeah, I released my 5 track debut EP, ‘Lockdown B-sides’ on 17th July. The whole project was a DIY production between me and Moon Wax, two lads who are also from Teesside. Each song was started in my bedroom and sent to them for mixing and mastering plus adding in other bits to make the songs complete and what they now are. Both lads play with me in my live band for all shows I do which I’m always buzzing about. Proper talented lads that I can't wait to get out on the road with.

What would be your dream show?

Riverside Stadium, I'd love to think it’d be part of a huge tour and a homecoming gig. The acts are too hard to decide really but I'd love a mix of some top class artists alongside giving some smaller local artists a big opportunity as well on the bill.

We’re all about supporting new music here at Unison M&E so could you give us a couple of recommendations for some new artists doing great stuff?

Brad James is a good mate of mine, he goes by the name @bradinthevan and he's got some new music coming real soon. Cortney Dixon is class, as well as Jack Craggs, writing some next level hooks. 

Is there anything new in the pipeline for yourself?

I've definitely got some new music coming before the year is out. Looking forward to getting back to gigs. I’ve got some rescheduled shows and festivals as well as a big headline show at Independent in Sunderland that needs to be rescheduled.

Another lighthearted one to end on, could you give us your favourite band from each decade, all the way from the 60's to the 00's.

This is a solid question but off the top of my head: 

60’s - Fleetwood Mac 

70’s - Bruce Springsteen

80’s - R.E.M

90’s - Oasis 

00’s - Foo Fighters 

10’s - Paolo Nutini 

You can listen to Finn's Debut EP here:

https://spoti.fi/2YLOdL4. The 5-track release contains a series of emotive and melodic indie folk tracks, centered around Finn's ever present gritty vocal. A more acoustic feel than his previous, what I would describe as, indie-rock releases. I think Finn as really found his niche with this EP, it still had the catchy hooks, but also, an overall more rounded sound.