In times where the scene cries out for authenticity, and needs for originality, Finess is stepping up as the one to inspire the new generation in their bid to tread uncharted waters. With his distinct style and fusion, Finess is just one of the many creatives that are popping out of the Ondo State in the country. Now being fully prepped for the industry, his slow but steady approach is putting him in the right corner and places.
A member of the Album Talks team caught up with the act virtually after the release of his latest single to discuss his creative abilities, career and expectations for himself.
Tell us a little about your background, how it was like growing up and your immediate family.
I grew up in a very poor background in Ondo state, where we had nothing most of the time. I stayed with my family and it’s very difficult for us to survive then! I’m the firstborn in my family, and it’s my full responsibility to take care of the whole thing! So I can say my family motivates me a lot to get to this level. I went into the street, looking for connections, looking for a way just to succeed in life! But I thank God for today
How did you find music as a very tangible thing to do?
I found music as a tangible thing to do with friends of mine Kehinde and P.K which was also when I discovered my talent in secondary school back then. Two of them started this music of a thing, but they didn’t allow me to key in based on the fact that I’m not really perfect. That was kind of embarrassing, so I have to get home by myself and work towards getting better. It was just like an assignment to me, practicing and listening to music, learning a lot of things from it.
I Downloaded free beats on the Internet, put a record on it with my Lenovo phone, and the next day I came back with a full truck, but I’m not going to lie, that song does not sound professional. When I played that song in the class, I blamed myself and later on, I received a lot of Insults, embarrassment, even worse than before. The people there were like I should just forget anything about music as they think I can get successful with it.
But I didn’t relate. I have to get home again. I keep practicing walking hard towards it, just wanna be a professional, the biggest superstar. I want people to see the best in me. Fast forward to months later, I got addicted to it and I have never looked back till today.
Who were your musical idols and influences while growing up, and those you admire now?
For my musical idols, I’ll say I listened to more Olamide songs back then as well as Davido, Don Jazzy also as regards his production works with many artists. Those three guys were my favorite back then. I really learn a lot from them to Update on myself. Their creativity helps me to make more improvements. However, for now I can’t say this is one particular person, because I usually listen to a lot of songs from both upcoming and established stars.
When did you start music professionally and what fueled your decision to delve into music?
I started music professionally in 2014. I’ve been willing to be an artist since 2011 but at the time, I didn’t get it all right yet, so I was just wishing. What fueled my decision to delve into music is because I love music, I grew up listening to music, and it’s my decision to choose music as something important for me to do. I’m only after fame and equally to be one of the biggest superstars in the whole world. I want people to see me in a new light.
Your stage name “Finess”, why did you choose that ?
I just fell in love with the name. I can’t really explain why I chose it. I discovered the name while writing a novel, so Finess was like a hero in this particular story I was trying to write out by myself. From there, I came up with that name called Finess, and I think it’s cool for me to call myself that as my stage name.
How will you describe your sound and how it makes you unique as an artist?
I find my sound so unique to me as an artist. Fusing my sound with Afrobeats, and continually improving more on it. My sound came from different genres of music, because I’m a kind of artist that is very versatile. I can hop on any sound that makes me unique and different.
You are a little bit new to the professional music business, what are your lessons learned? Share with us some of your lowest and highest points.
Music business is the craziest thing ever, you just have to sacrifice a lot of things to get to the top. No matter how many times you fall, just keep trying. The success in music only happens through a combination of planning, focus, tenacity and timing. I never listen to what people say about me. I feel like doing things in my own way makes me professional. I keep no competition with others, rather always focus on myself. The music business is not radically different from any enterprise. You may have mentors and teachers, sure, but their role is to assist you in becoming objective about your craft. If they stray from that goal, stray from them. I think that’s a little bit I learn
Closing up, what words will you like to leave for other creatives like you?
Always be humble, even if you actually are the best artist in the room. Always find something to compliment about each person you are working with. Be more focused on the music, and make the song matter more than your part in it because you are not the reason the record sounds so good. It takes the whole ensemble to make that happen. Learn your parts well, and help others with their parts if they need it. Learn to listen, music isn’t just about playing your part correctly, it is about blending and in order to do that, you must listen.
Finess Shares Uplifting Single “Illuminate”
