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We recently caught up with newlyweds Paige and Chris of emerging pop duo FINLAY. We’re huge fans of these two already and they’ve got us hooked with their new single “Always There” (streaming below our chat). See what the two had to say about their musical influences and history together. They’ve got a lot happening! Read on below:
Thanks for taking a minute to chat with us! How has your Summer been so far?
Paige: Wow, this summer has been one heck of a ride. Releasing my debut single, “Always There” has been such a dream come true, catapulting my long-term dream of becoming an indie/pop artist into reality. It’s been really exhilarating to see the response from fans, family and music industry friends so far, making this one of the most memorable summers to date.
Chris: It’s been a little toasty. In May, we re-located from LA to Houston for the summer to spend more creative energy on music, summer pool days with family, and to finish the debut record.
How long have you been making music together as Finlay?
Paige: As my producer (and newlywed husband), Chris creates the unique backbeats and electronic vibes that give life to the music, truly the heartbeat behind the FINLAY sound. Our partnership began earlier this year (2016), when we decided to quit our full-time jobs together to pursue a career in the music industry.
Chris: The simplest way we define our musical collaboration is this: I’m the Ryan Lewis to her Macklemore. I had always longed to be a touring musician, but needed a push over the edge to make it happen. When I met Paige in 2014, her passion for becoming an established pop artist brought out that inner desire I had . . . and we just clicked. One year later, I put a ring on her finger and we became a team. I guess you could say that we’re “always there” for each other. 😉 When we combined this set of sounds with Paige’s unique vocal, we knew we had discovered a little pop magic and the perfect synergy to introduce FINLAY to the world.
What sort of musical influences played a part in how the sound was formed?
Paige: The influence for the sound stems from a love of juxtaposing two drastically different aspects of Indie/Pop: the curious, bubbly and electric samples with a feminine, almost dainty vocal and the really dark, vibey synth sounds. Creating and highlighting this contrast is what makes a spark in the genre itself. It’s a cool relationship and balance between the relatable, likable sounds in mainstream pop and the specific and unique elements found in records from other independent artists.
Chris: Exactly. Some artists who have really capitalized on this aspect and influenced our sound include: Sylvan Esso, Astrid S., LORDE, Broods and Purity Ring. (We just can’t get enough.)
Have you been in the studio working on more tracks? We’re eager to hear more. What’s the process like for how a song comes together?
Chris: We each begin with a lyric, a hook or an idea; then Paige writes and composes the lyrics while I sync a track to what she’s writing or feeling. At some point, our two worlds (what we’re both hearing and feeling) become one, and that’s when the track really comes into its own. It reveals its own personality, and we can’t help ourselves at this stage, because the song (and creative process) molds itself into what it will eventually become. We’ve been working night-and-day on new and innovative Indie/Pop sounds to really package something fresh and unique.
We’re really digging “Always There.” I really love the bright vocal melodies and samples. The synths and ambient sounds are on point and bring a really cool dance vibe to the track. It’s super atmospheric and really puts you in an interesting sonic space. How long has this track been in the works? When did you know it was ready to share?
Paige: Always There was sort of like one of those Food Network Baking Challenge shows: I began with an original hook that came to mind, and added some vocal sounds to a loop with my vocal synthesizer. Then, I handed my few ingredients off to Chris (aka. Baker #2, haha)
Chris: Yeah, I took Paige’s elements, added my own (namely poppy synth lines and dark bass sounds), and then handed the track off to our co-producer on the record, Kyle Perrin, who stuck that baby in the oven and added the icing and sprinkles.
Paige: Each of our roles were essential to the final mix, and vital to determining how sweet it could sound to our listeners. By the fifth mix, we all agreed that the track was ready to come out of the oven, and that’s how we got the final product.
When can we expect some more singles and what are you up to for the rest of the year?
Paige: My next single will release later this Fall, followed by a 5-6 track EP with similar elements found in Always There (and WE CAN’T WAIT!) The record is currently in the mastering stage, so we’re in rehearsal-mode for the next few months, working on a unique show for new fans and listeners. As independent artists, we’re also keeping our eyes open for new and exciting collaborative and partnership opportunities. Recording this record was pure bliss, but we can’t wait to get out on the stage. There’s nothing like live performance. That’s where the real magic happens.
Where can fans go to keep up to date?
Paige: Head over to www.finlaymusic.com for all the latest news, music, info. and upcoming tour dates, and be sure to follow @paigefinlay on Instagram!
