Making a commanding first impression as a solo artist, Finlay Hutt has quickly marked himself out as an exciting new voice in the modern world of underground metal. His new track, TAKE THIS TO MY GRAVE (covered in our Mosh review), is only his debut single, yet it already shows a great deal of promise for the future. I had a chat with Finlay to discuss the song and his next steps as a musician – see how we got on below…
By Jane Howkins
How has your year been so far? I think this is the first time we’ve worked with you so far!
My year has been great thank you! I have recently completed a degree in music and achieved some of my life goals which I will explain later! At the end of last year, I took a break from music to work on myself, so now it is now just a matter of making a comeback!
You have a new single out called TAKE THIS TO MY GRAVE. What can you tell us about the track?
TAKE THIS TO MY GRAVE is a grunge influenced melodic metal song containing stomping riffs and theatrical vocals. As my first completely solo record, I wanted to do something I had never done before! It was written during a late night session where I was alone with my guitar and my thoughts. A few months later, thanks to a programme at university, I was given the opportunity to record this at the world famous Abbey Road Studios. This has been a dream of mine since childhood and it could not have turned out better!
The single is a commentary on the current state of the world from your perspective. Can you elaborate more on that?
The single dives into my perspective on the modern world as a young man in my early twenties. There is so much even to this day that I do not understand about this place! It is clear it has a darker side, yet we only know the surface, so are we really in control? Often we bury our concerns and don’t question them so nothing changes, and these are the themes discussed in the song.
Are there any other causes you’d like to bring attention to with your music?
Yes definitely! There are a lot of topics I feel very strongly about and I know are important to people out there. I want to use my art to voice my feelings because someone else may resonate with it!
Are there any more singles due out anytime soon?
There very well could be, keep your eyes peeled!
Are there any plans to release and album or EP in the near future?
I have enough songs written for an EP definitely, I write all the time! I have a back catalogue of songs that haven’t quite fit any project or band I have been a part of, so maybe this is the time for them to come to light! Some are upbeat with catchy hooks, whilst others are melancholy and others are heavy!
You’re from Lichfield. What is the local music scene like in the area?
Lichfield is close to Birmingham which has a thriving local music scene. There is a huge underground metal and hardcore scene that I have surrounded myself in since I was a teenager.
Who are your main musical influences and what have you been listening to recently?
I have a range of influences, from Mötley Crüe to Slipknot to Blink 182! I grew up around a lot of rock and metal music because my dad would play those CDs in the car!
At the minute, I have been listening to slam death metal such as 200 Stab wounds, post-hardcore and pop-punk! That is a contrast I know, but different genres are for different situations.
Do you perform live? Do you plan to tour in the UK anytime soon?
I do perform live, both as a solo artist and in an easy-core/pop-punk band called Tuscani! I have been playing in both bands and as a solo artist since I was around 15 and haven’t stopped since! I would love to tour the UK, but being an independent artist makes the funding rather difficult!
Any last words for the fans?
Thank you for reading this, keep your eyes peeled for more soon!
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