Artist Interview: Matt Finucane
Games, Brrraaains & Head-Banging Life are pleased to bring you an interview with Brighton-based musician Matt Finucane.
1. Can you give us a little bit of background into your musical history and path so far?
I’ve spent my entire adult life in bands on the musical margins – first in London, which was tough but fun… until one day it wasn’t anymore. Then I ended up in Brighton, like so many drug burn-outs and rejects from the capital, and got my act together. The music, hopefully, takes care of itself.
2. What made you decide to work solo? Or was it something that just came naturally?
See above. It was just time to try a different approach, take control and be more self-reliant. Mind you, I’ve now got a live band and am doing fewer solo gigs, so clearly I’ll never learn – or am coming back round to being more collaborative. You can’t beat making horrible noises in dark, dirty rooms with like-minded people.
3. Your new album ‘Vanishing Island’ has been out for a couple of months now. How have you found the reception to it so far?
It’s been very generously received, some really kind reviews and loads of radio play. It’s hard to say how much I appreciate this without sounding dead cheesy, but I never forget the early years – which were a real struggle to make myself understood. Yeah, it’s been great so far.
4. Is it your proudest achievement in music to date? If not, what has been?
My proudest achievement’s always the most recent thing. This one was written, recorded and mixed solo in less than a year, and it’s pleasing how coherent and forceful it came out.
5. While not overtly political, it has things to say in regards to Brexit and the like. You must be so sick of it as most are by now, right?
Oh, absolutely. It’s a tragic mistake, and I’m sick of all the hysterical suicide-cult bullshit flying around… But I’ve no idea how we put this ugly genie back in the bottle. So much division.
6. What has been the highlight of 2019 so far for you?
Probably the DIY gigs and gig-swaps I’ve been putting on: they’ve all gone so smoothly it’s almost a bit weird, and most have been great nights. I’ve met some fantastic people in the last year or so, all through getting on with stuff and not being a shut-in anymore.
7. You’re a self-confessed workaholic but what do you enjoy when it is time to put the instruments down?
I’m very straight-edge now, had to quit all my vices. I do krav maga, although not very well… getting knocked around a church hall keeps me grounded. Oh yeah, and a bit of chaos magick to keep me un-grounded.
8. What does the rest of 2019 look like for you?
Work on the songs I’ve written for 2020 with the band, do some out of town gigs, maybe release an EP we recorded recently. Keep the wheels turning, but make it more ambitious.
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