[Interview] Finlay C Talks the Inspiration and Success Behind the Latest Hit Single ‘Back to You’ – Out Now On Storm Music Group

In an exclusive interview with renowned musician Finlay C, we dive into the creative journey behind his latest single “Back to You” and explore the unique elements that set it apart from his previous work. Released after an intense studio session, “Back to You” showcases a remarkable level of vocal production, with atmospheric elements created from carefully crafted vocal chops and atmospheric tricks. Finlay C shares insights into the collaborative process and the transformative power of working with talented writers and singers, highlighting the significance of shared ideas and finding common ground to create exceptional music.

We also uncover the artist’s remarkable success, with over 3.5 million streams on Spotify. Finlay C attributes his achievements to the power of collaboration and the support received from reputable labels, including his collaboration with Storm Music Group for the release of “Back to You.” The interview delves into his experience and the genuine camaraderie felt during his time at the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), where a friendship with the Storm Music Group team sparked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration. The conversation also explores the pivotal role of radio support, with stations like BBC Radio 1, KISS FM, and Capital playing a crucial part in solidifying Finlay C’s credibility and expanding their reach as a UK producer and DJ.

Stay tuned as Finlay C shares his personal motivations, dedication to pushing boundaries in the ever-changing music industry, and the importance of staying true to the love of music while having fun and breaking the rules. Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Finlay C and his unparalleled musical endeavors.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest single, “Back to You,” and what makes it unique compared to your previous work?

We made the song back in June 2021, I sent Becky a riff and she came up with the hook “go back, go back, go”. We sat on it for a while and always felt there was potential with it. We were working on some other bits, and ended up pulling an all nighter in the studio, I totally redid the production from scratch, we re-recorded the vocals, and wrote the rest of the song. I think what makes it different to my previous work is the level of vocal production that we did on this. We were in the studio, and I was like “Hang on a sec, watch this” and would take a bit of vocal, and created so many atmospheric elements from it. I basically built the entire production to be quite sparse with actual instrumental elements, but instead used a lot of vocal chops and atmos tricks to make it sound huge.

How did your collaboration with Storm Music Group come about for the release of “Back to You”?

I was at ADE in 2022, and I played at Storm’s event out there, going B2B with my friend Dan Heale. We all got on so well, and I’d heard a lot of Storm’s music before. I felt like both “Back To You” and the previous release “Voodoo” were a good fit for the label, and I’m excited that they’ve both come out now!

What factors do you think contributed to your success in reaching over 2.4 million streams on Spotify?

I think collaboration is the best thing. My biggest streaming song “abcdefu” is a cover, and I collaborated with a singer in Bali for that, Vitara. All my songs since lockdown have been collaborations with writers and singers I really vibe with. It’s so great to share ideas and find common ground with other people, and I think it really helps the music. It also obviously helps to work with good labels who will believe in your ideas and help you get them to the listeners!

How important has radio support been to your career, particularly from stations like BBC Radio 1, KISS FM, and Capital?

As a UK producer & DJ, radio for me is still so important. I think the main thing it gives is a sense of credibility. I remember my first song on UK national radio was a bootleg remix. That feeling when my friend text me saying “Dude, you just got played on Capital!” – it was surreal. Then the other stations soon followed. At one point I was being played on all 3 stations weekly. It was crazy. Then last year, my debut single “Need It Now” was playlisted on KISS. That, for me, was one of my biggest goals, and to reach that with a song that means so much to me really blew me away. It was awesome to have my own show on KISS last year too, where I finished the show with “Back To You”.

What qualities in Storm Music Group lead you to want to work with the label in the first place?

The team is great there. After hanging out with them at ADE, and subsequently dealing with the team whilst preparing these releases, I’ve really enjoyed the whole process. We’ve all been on the same page and been able to work towards what we want. It’s been great.

How do you stay motivated and continue to push boundaries in the ever-changing music industry?

The main thing is, you have to really love the music. I listen to so many genres, and consume as much music as possible. As a working DJ, I’m constantly getting sent promos. I enjoy hearing where the trends are heading, and whilst I don’t always like following them, it certainly inspires me. My love of music is what drives me forward though. You’ve just got to enjoy it, and have fun with it, then the music will reflect that. Don’t be afraid to break the rules.