Harper Finn Set to Release Debut Album ‘Silo Park’ This Month

The New Zealand music scene is set to welcome a fresh voice with the upcoming release of Harper Finn‘s debut album, Silo Park, on October 31, 2023. At 27, Finn, who comes from a lineage of musical talent, is stepping into the spotlight, shedding light on his personal journey through this deeply introspective work.

Growing up surrounded by music, Finn is the son of Tim Finn from the iconic band Split Enz, and the nephew of Neil Finn from Crowded House. Despite these connections, Finn reveals that he did not initially plan to pursue music as a career. In a recent conversation with the Sunday Star-Times at Warner Music’s Auckland headquarters, he shared, “I cycled through many different other careers… I wanted to play rugby, wanted to be a pilot, wanted to be a film director.”

It was not until he joined a school band at around age 16 that Finn began to view music as more than just a pastime. “It was that camaraderie,” he explains, reflecting on the joy of performing and creating with friends. This early experience ignited his passion for songwriting, leading him to pen lyrics while attending Takapuna Grammar School, a place that has produced other notable artists like Lorde and Gin Wigmore.

Exploring Personal Themes in ‘Silo Park’

Finn’s new album, named after an area in Auckland, delves into personal relationships and the complexities of life as a twenty-something. His recent move to New York to write music has also left a significant imprint on the record. He describes the album as a time capsule, capturing the emotions and experiences of a pivotal period in his life.

“I think it will remind me of all the kind of feelings and the sort of relationships and what was going on,” he says. The title track, “Silo Park,” serves as the album’s dark and reflective closing piece, portraying unsettling memories from a part of Auckland known for its unpredictability after dark. Finn chose this song as the album’s title track to challenge listeners’ expectations and provoke thought.

While he admits to being a slow songwriter, Finn found inspiration in the fast-paced environment of New York City. “You live life on a sort of double speed,” he notes, reflecting on the rapid changes and encounters that spurred his creativity. Finn believes that the city played a crucial role in shaping the album, providing countless stories and moments that fueled his songwriting process.

Collaborating with Sam Evian

During his time in New York, Finn connected with producer Sam Evian, who has worked on projects for artists like Big Thief. Finn describes their collaboration as intimate, likening it to a personal relationship, where mutual trust is essential for artistic vulnerability. “You’re doing something very intimate with this person… his vibe in the studio just made you feel very comfortable,” he explains.

As the release date approaches, Finn is preparing to take his music on the road. He is currently touring the United States, with plans to return to New Zealand for performances in Auckland on November 20 and Wellington on November 22.

Despite the excitement, nerves accompany his first solo album performances. “I think I get more nervous when I know how many people have come out… it’s just this sort of New Zealand humility thing,” he shares. Finn feels grateful for those who attend his shows, expressing a desire to deliver a memorable experience for his audience.

With Silo Park set to be released shortly, Harper Finn is poised to carve out his own identity in the rich tapestry of New Zealand music, building on his family legacy while establishing his unique voice.