Q: “Presidential” is such a hard-hitting rap song with an addicting beat; take me through your creative process in making this track.
F.I.N.: This track came about through me just trying different things. I always wanted to have a song in Finnish and English and when I heard this beat I knew this was the one for it. I ended up writing and recording about 4 different versions of the song, but I wasn’t satisfied with how the chorus sounded. After this I changed the chorus completely until I liked it and that’s the version that everyones got to hear. I think it’s very important to play your songs to your friends before releasing, because they’ll tell you the truth about it. That definitely helped me on this track.
Q: I really can’t believe you’re eighteen; your lyricism and confidence in your bars are truly inspiring! Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you decided to follow your path as a musician?
F.I.N.: I really appreciate that! A few years ago after some unfortunate events in my life I felt like I needed to express myself through a new outlet and music just naturally became that for me. I’d always played instruments and enjoyed music, but never did it on a daily basis. It wasn’t until about a year ago though when I really started chasing my dream. Funnily enough I was watching a Garry Vee video and he said something along the lines of imagine being 90 years old, dying, and not having chased that dream of yours to your full potential. I couldn’t stand the thought of it and put my foot on the gass. It has been the greatest decision of my life so far.
Q: I see you are from Finland. How was the music scene like growing up there?
F.I.N.: I’ve always mostly listened to music from abroad. That doesn’t mean that the music in Finland is bad, because it isn’t, I’ve just always preferred UK and US music. I do feel like there is a lack of Finnish artists rapping or singing in English though, and I believe that is one of my greatest strengths and differentiators.
Q: “Presidential” is very unique to other hip-hop/trap music I’ve heard in recent years; it has a blunt element that is so refreshing to hear in modern hip-hop. Who are your biggest musical influences?
F.I.N.: These kinds of compliments mean a lot to me as I do try and add my own twist to all my songs. I have a few musicians that I really look up to for different reasons. One would be Dave for his pure lyrical genius, it’s just out of this world. Another would be Kid Laroi, to see what he has accomplished at his age is extremely inspiring for another young artist like myself. On the pop side of things Ed Sheeran’s unique style is very impressive to me. To be honest I look up to most artists that I listen to in different ways.
Q: Being only eighteen and already having several singles and an album, “Manifest Diaries,” under your belt, you must’ve always had a love for music. What or who first got you into music?
F.I.N.: Music has always been in my DNA. My grandparents released a few albums and were very gifted musically, because of this I played instruments from a young age and grew a passion for music. I don’t think any one moment got me into music for the first time. It was more something that happened naturally over time.
Q: If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be?
F.I.N.: This is a great question. I think it depends a lot on the track and what the vibe of the track is, but if I had to choose one artist to collaborate with it would have to be Eminem. Just to see him in the studio would be incredible. If I could choose someone alive or dead it would be Juice Wrld or Pop Smoke. I feel like all of their songs are just gold man, it would’ve been a dream come true to work with one of them.
Q: What has been one of the highlights of your music career so far?
F.I.N.: There’s been many great moments, but I think the biggest highlight is yet to come. In the Summer I should be having my first live performances, which will be a dream come true. Words can’t describe how much I’m looking forward to that, but I can’t speak too much about that yet!
Q: Do you have any new projects currently in the works?
F.I.N.: I’m constantly working on new music and projects, since it’s what I love to do. But for now look out for my debut music video for my new track Presidential that should be releasing in April. I’m extremely excited about that and I think it’s a big next step in my journey.
Q: What would you like to say to your fans out there?
F.I.N.: For everyone who has supported me so far I want to make it clear that the support does not go unnoticed. I see all the support and I appreciate all of it. To the people that have been there from the very start, supporting me will be your greatest investment ever. I guarantee it. Thank you to everyone for helping me reach my dreams. We have a long way to go, but the vision is clear.
Interviewed by Melissa Cusano
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