Harper Finn Launches Debut Album “Silo Park” Amid Rising Fame

Harper Finn, the talented musician from New Zealand, is set to release his debut album titled Silo Park on October 31, 2023. The 27-year-old singer-songwriter, who is part of a renowned musical lineage, has crafted a deeply personal record that reflects his experiences and emotions during his twenties.

Finn, the son of Tim Finn from the iconic band Split Enz, nephew of Neil Finn from Crowded House, and cousin to singer Liam Finn, acknowledges the weight of his family’s legacy. Despite this, he insists that he faced no pressure to pursue music. In a recent interview with the Sunday Star-Times from Warner Music’s headquarters in Auckland, 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.”

His journey into music began at the age of 16 when he joined a school band, discovering a passion that transcended mere hobby. Finn recalls the sense of camaraderie and excitement that came with performing, stating, “We can travel, we can play these shows… it felt like a pretty sweet deal.” Writing lyrics during his time at Takapuna Grammar School, he found inspiration in the friendships he formed, which ultimately led him to embrace music more seriously.

Exploring Themes in “Silo Park”

Finn’s album, named after a location in Auckland’s viaduct area, delves into themes of relationships, the challenges of young adulthood, and his experiences in New York City, where he moved to immerse himself in music. Although he describes himself as a private person, he feels comfortable expressing his emotions through his songs. “I think it will remind me of all the kind of feelings and the sort of relationships and what was going on,” he explained.

The title track, “Silo Park,” is particularly notable for its darker themes, depicting a vivid narrative that draws on personal experiences in Auckland. Finn chose this song as the album’s closer to create a sense of mystery and reflection, saying, “It was a way to bookend my time in New York with reflections on my hometown.”

Finn attributes his growth as an artist to his time in New York, where he found the vibrant city life to be a source of inspiration. “New York happens very quickly… I’ve probably had six years’ worth of experiences in a very short amount of time,” he noted. The city’s fast pace helped him write music more efficiently, capturing fleeting moments and emotions.

Collaboration and Touring Plans

The album’s production was a collaborative effort with Sam Evian, a producer known for his work with artists like Big Thief. Finn described their partnership as akin to dating, where the initial connection is crucial for creative synergy. “You’re doing something very intimate… so I just felt very safe with Sam,” he said, highlighting the importance of trust in their collaboration.

With the album now complete, Finn is preparing to take it on tour across the United States before returning to New Zealand. He recently performed at a private showcase in Mount Eden, which he described as an intimate experience reminiscent of performing for family. When asked about the nerves associated with his first solo album performances, he expressed gratitude for the support he receives from fans. “The nerves kind of come from that place of just, you know, deep gratitude,” he remarked.

Fans can look forward to live performances in Auckland on November 20 and in Wellington on November 22. More details about his music and upcoming shows can be found at harperfinnmusic.com. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, Harper Finn aims to carve out his own identity in the music world while honoring his family’s legacy.