Meet Finn Askew, the self-described ‘mess that makes good music’
This is A HOT MINUTE WITH, a quick-fire interview series championing all the rising talent catapulting into fashion, art and music’s fickle stratosphere. From pinch-me moments to bad dates and even worse chat-up lines, think of it as an overindulgent conversation – like the ones you have in sticky club toilets at 4.A.M. Except these guests don’t regret the overshare…
Courtesy of We Care A Lot PR.
NAME FINN ASKEW
AGE 19
LOCATION Wellington, Somerset, England.
STAR SIGN Gemini (he thinks, but he doesn’t “really believe in this sorta ting”).
BEST PICK UP LINE? “I’m never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, never gonna run around and desert you, so how boutta drink?”
CUSTARD CREAMS OR BOURBONS? Bourbons.
Steezy come, steezy go. The 19-year-old FINN ASKEW is a curious artist indeed, upon first glance you think, “Ah, this is a man I can share a four pack of Stella with and ask for a cheeky blem.” But then the rising star opens his mouth to sing and everything you thought you knew about 19-year-olds who wear PALACE is turned on its head. You’re suddenly thinking, “God, I’ve got this guy totally wrong - is he a Peroni and a Marlboro Gold man?” It’s truly the duality of man, but after all he is a Gemini, babes!
Hailing from the English countryside, the young artist has been working on his music since he was just 12-years-old. Citing everyone from LIL PEEP to The Neighbourhood as his references, Askew is undoubtedly Gen Z through and through, and yet his youthful takes are juxtaposed by his raw, crooning voice. Although he may dress like he’s talking the hardest, his songs are gentle and moody, and wouldn’t be out of place on an A24 film soundtrack during the main character’s denouement. And don’t be fooled by his baby-face - the boy has pipes!
His first single, Roses, was released when Askew was just 16, and with over 5.5 million Spotify streams, it’s no wonder the kid has been stamped as someone to watch for his generation. His latest single, Cherry Bomb is out today and destined to be a total summer bop. One to blast in your Polo, no doubt.
Phoebe Shardlow: How would you describe Finn Askew?
Finn Askew: I would describe myself as a mess that makes good music.
PS: Where do you get your inspiration from?
FA: I take inspiration from all over the place, it varies every time. Could be from a movie I just watched, a person I just saw walking down the road, a word that I saw on a poster... the list goes on!
PS: Who would be your dream collaboration and why?
FA: I would love to work with Frank Ocean, I just feel like there’s no artist who can write like him. His storytelling is phenomenal.
PS: Where do you go to write your music?
FA: I usually just write in the studio! But if I have my guitar I can write anywhere, that’s why it’s so bless to play an instrument like that - means I can write whenever.
PS: How do you want people to feel when they listen to your songs?
FA: I want them to feel good I guess, unless it’s a sad song then I would wanna hopefully see a tear shed. Overall though I just want them to feel something, anything.
PS: What’s something you’re really proud of?
FA: I feel like I’m proud of how far I’ve come. A lot of people think I’m new to the game and in a way I guess I am, but behind the scenes I’ve been working since I was like 12, it’s been a long time.
PS: Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
FA: I know it’s typical, but just to be yourself! It’s so key.
PS: What five albums would you want with you if you were stranded on a desert island?
FA: Inside In/Inside Out by The Kooks; Wiped Out! By The Neighbourhood; Stoney by Post Malone; Channel Orange and Blonde by Frank Ocean.
PS: Describe your sound in three words?
FA: Unique, modern and timeless.
PS: Describe your style in three words?
FA: Steezy, steezy, steezy.
PS: Where does Finn Askew hope to be in five years?
FA: I wanna be a top tier artist in five years! If I ain’t big time I’ll be annoyed, for sure.
PS: You’re at your local Wetherspoons with an unlimited bar tab. What do you order?
FA: White rum & lemonade is OG, maybe a cheeky vodka & cranberry but most likely I’d go for a cheeky Carling.
PS: Who is your dream dinner party guest?
FA: My Mum cooks real good spaghetti so probably Eminem cause I know he’d appreciate it, although he’d have to wear a bib cause that man is messy with it.
PS: Who is your dream after party guest?
FA: Beetle Juice.
PS: Palace or Supreme?
FA: Tough one feel like recently I’ve been more into Palace but overall SUPREME is definitely the OG.
PS: Amber Leaf or Golden Virginia?
FA: Cutters Choice.
PS: How do you take your tea?
FA: Milky and sugary, I’m not really into it so I try and make it as less like tea as possible.