Q+A with Harper Finn
It’s the last 3 minutes before the countdown, you’re at R&V and you hear an electronic cover of Golden Horses ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ and you’re happy to see the end of the year that was 2020. That remix ended up being a fair few New Zealanders song of the summer. This week Salient was lucky enough to talk to the artist behind the song — Harper Finn.
Next Friday (14 May) Harper Finn is headlining his first Wellington show with LA Women.
Why did you decide to pursue music?
It mainly came from all the friends I made through music and playing in bands. The feeling of traveling around with your mates in a van, playing shows in different cities every-night was hard to replicate anywhere else. I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.
How had being in LAKES & The Magic Band contributed to who you are as an artist now?
It taught me how to work in a collective of musicians and discover what unique offering I could contribute to pieces of music. I was also able to watch over the shoulders of a lot of the older members in the band, as they used programs like Ableton which was where I learnt how to record and produce my own music.
Having your song played during the RNV countdown is pretty massive, what did that mean to you?
It meant a lot. A very emotional moment. I kept it a secret from my friends, so when it started playing with minutes left to go before the end of the year, many tears were shed.
Who’s in the band?
It’s Kyle Svensen on Bass and keys, Elijah Whyte on drums and Jake Skellern on guitar.
How would you describe your live set?
Something for everyone.
What can we expect from your show at Meow Friday May 14th?
Songs you know, songs you don’t know. Some of the best drumming you’ll see in NZ courtesy of my drummer Elijah…It all has to be seen to be believed!
Excited to tour with LA Women?
Absolutely! The tour has been a long time coming, and I’m most excited to play in cities I’ve never played in, under my own name with a big group of friends.
What does NZ music mean to you?
It’s my musical DNA. The music I always come back to.
Who would be your dream 3 acts in an NZ festival line-up?
UMO, Scribe and Dragon.
Should it be New Zealand Music Month every month?
Well I feel like it has been with the lockdown of the past several months which has been a big silver lining to it all.