Hi, how are you coping during Lockdown?
Most of us still work, some remotely, others in a field. It’s also a good time for us to finally focus on music and work carefully and effectively on a daily basis – so that can be considered as the most positive outcome of the lockdown.
For those that haven’t heard of Fink Tree could you tell us a bit about the band, your story?
The story is pretty much the same as every other band’s. We started playing together since our teenage years. What’s important is just to hit the “play” button and try it out. Then you’ll make the story yourself! We play mainly indie, alt, pop, whatever you call it, but certainly, it’s more like rock music.
Are there any particular albums or artists that have particularly inspired you?
Lots of them, of course. Everyone is inspired by different artists, but as a band, we can point the finger at Kings of Leon, Nothing But Thieves, Kaleo, Kodaline, Coldplay. We also used to listen to metal, rap, pop, jazz, score music… Basically all you could think of – music has no genre to us, just has to be good to listen. Also, it is good to take a closer look at the songs of others, study them, analyze and take what’s best for your own skills and preferences.
What was your first gig like?
Terrible. And awesome. Terrible, ‘coz I’m not sure if what we played then was bearable to listen. Awesome, because as 17yo guys we were bloody excited to finally show off, hell yeah!
Who inspired you to get on stage and perform?
Tenacious D and their “Pick of Destiny” movie that Chris and I were regularly watching back in the old days, in exchange with “It Might Get Loud” with Edge, Jimmy Page, and Jack White. And so we finally decided to start our own band, we also wanted to make some noise! So yeah, it started with me and Chris aka terrible vocals, basics on classical guitar, and very unclear sounds of the first bass.
Could you tell us a bit about the writing and recording of the ReverbNation competition-winning track “Love Somebody”?
We went to our own songwriting summer camp 2 years ago near our hometown, which took place in a wooden house basically by the lake. I gave us a “creating strategy” based on the Agile method I got familiar with during my studies. Surprisingly, it worked really well! Long story short, we had three “sessions” a day, 1,5h each. While we were jamming, exchanging instruments, a lot of ideas came into our minds. The point was to avoid any creative barriers. After each session we went into another room, evaluated and picked the best ideas to furnish them. “Love Somebody” was one of the songs, that we made there. Eventually, the band was able to collect 6 songs from the camp to make our recent “LOVE SOMEBODY EP. I was in an unrequited love situation back then, so you can figure out the rest.
Could you tell us a bit about your songwriting process?
We’ve covered the process pretty much in the previous question so lemme tell a little tidbit about the song, Love Somebody. Parts of the song that eventually ended up as a bridge, were written during my study trip to Berlin. There was an old typewriter in a DDR museum on which I wrote parts of the lyrics.
Here at Artistic Echoes, we are always on the lookout for new artists do you have anyone to recommend?
You know what, just before I say plenty, take a look at the list of International Songwriting Competition winners and honorable mentions list. They’ve just published the results. Such good songs there are, really! Besides that, we can recommend our local artists ‘coz their music is really worth a while to listen to. People lose a lot, not knowing Polish music, just try it and you’ll know what I mean! I strongly recommend listening to Terrific Sunday, Hania Rani, Neons and all the My Name Is New project/playlist. Some of those artists are going to be big one day and you could be the one to cheer them from the “start” ; ). Besides you really can get to know some of your favourite bands/songs by going to “intimate” and “smaller” gigs as much as possible.
It’s a bit difficult to make plans at this time, but do you have anything lined up for later in the year?
That really depends on the people. If you listen to us then we have places to go and tracks to publish! Of course, we will be creating, ‘coz that’s our blessing and that’s our cross, but the only thing that matters when you play for more than just fun are your fans. If they add you on their streaming services, comment, get involved, show up on the shows – this is what gives us reason to be and resources to exists. We are really proud of some of our songs getting rewards, but it all doesn’t matter if we don’t have people, listeners on our side. So if you like what we’re doing, share a word!
Find Out More:
Website: https://www.finktree.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/finktree/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finktree/
