Release date: March 28 on all platforms. This April starts with a chat to Minneapolis, Minnesota, based 18-year-old singer-songwriter FINICK (real name Josie Hasnik) who creates moving, whimsical indie folk on the guitar. FINICK expertly balances their real-life emotions with shimmering, imaginative narratives of their own creation. The result is a powerful, unique, and compelling sound reminiscent of inspirations like Brandi Carlisle, Florence + The Machine, and Phoebe Bridgers. With their songs, FINICK hopes to reach the people who seek escape through music.
FINICK 2023 Loring Award for Rising Star Adventures in Americana ‘Top 10’ song and 2-time Young Performer at WINNIPEG Folk Festival!
“Weekends In Purgatory” is the highly anticipated second studio album from Minneapolis singer-songwriter FINICK. After writing and recording her first full-length release, “Where Could We Go?” (2023), when they were only 16, FINICK is back and yet again diving into a high-concept, high-energy project. Recorded at Minnehaha Recording Company with Tony Williamette, FINICK is joined by Taylor James Donskey (bass, guitar), JT Bates (drums) and Jake Johnson (guitar, fiddle) to create a record that hits on everything that made FINICK’s first release special, plus even more range, determination and teenage angst.
On listening to this album, we decided we wanted to bring you a short interview as well, so this is a double package of interview and review.
We began the interview by noting that although only 18, Finick is releasing her second album. This is quite an achievement in an age of streaming where many young artists tend to release singles rather than look toward albums, due to time and expense factors. So Finick is moving against that trend?
Finick: When I was growing up, we had CDs around and in my house we were listening to full-length albums in the car and on road trips. I always loved how there was a full collection of music and accompanying art. I liked how it all came together with the album as one big piece with a larger story connected to it. I wanted to be a part of that and do that myself with my music, to have multiple things going on to create a bigger picture. I think it’s fun to have the different songs, artwork and aesthetic that surround the album. It is a lot of work, but it is worth it.
We certainly agree with that! We think Finick is an old soul with roots in bygone days! As Finick mentions artwork and images that go alongside the album, does she consciously consider genre and image currently?
Finick: I do think about it to an extent. It’s hard with this album because there are different genres and it is hard to pick one; but I try to use fashion to add to the world of the album. I do like to dress to match the songs; that is fun, a fun way to connect to the audience.
Is Finick working to build up a live following as well? Is she able to do much live currently given that she is still at school?
Finick: I would say I play live a decent amount, at least monthly – depending on what is going on. A lot of times it was me, but recently it has been the whole band, which is really fun as it adds the energy to it. I feel I don’t have a gimmick as such, but at live shows it is great to network and meet other artists—that is so important. With that you share audiences and that is what I have been experiencing.
We all liked “Selfish” at the office; it took us toward the feel of “New England” by Kirsty MacColl, it was so good-—how is Finick taking her career forward with studies still very much happening?
Finick: Eventually I would like to do music full-time, as I do enjoy it. It would be great to focus fully on it, and it is hard to do that right now. I want to pursue it all.
So in school, is she the girl in trouble for singing in the corridor and having headphones in?
Finick: Not necessarily! Our school is not so strict about that! I do like to listen to music at school, though, as it can put you in your own world.
“Selfish” is not a folk song; it’s very good as a punky pop track. Tell us about it!
Finick: I have always loved rock music, so for me it was not necessarily a new thing. Although…none of my earlier music was like that, but I see myself as having different outlets, so it was just one of those moments when I scribbled a song out on paper, and then I kept the snowball moving as I created it. It is different to my other material, but this is me saying that this is another side of Finick, I can do folk but I can also rock!
On “How to Lose You” there’s a great drum sound. How much input into the drum creation on the album did Finnick have? The drums lead on that one.
Finick: All drums on the album were done by a local drummer called JT Bates, he wrote all the drum parts and came up with what was needed. I was just giving a thumbs up! In terms of making the drum sound, that was with him and the sound engineer, but for that song I wanted a big drum sound, as it is a dramatic song and I think drums can add to that aspect of the track. You can give a dramatic battle drum feel to it.
And is there a plan in place for world domination?
Finick: I probably should just take it as it comes but I do dream of going on a world tour or opening for a huge star. I feel like a lot of my aspirations for this career come from people I see and admire. I see them and I feel it looks so much fun so one day I want that huge stage too. Every step of the way has its own silver lining, though, I guess!
A lot of tracks on the album tell stories, often about life and love. Where does Finick draw her ideas from?
Finick: Sometimes it is personal experience. For example, “Third Time’s The Charm” is based on a friendship that I went through a while ago, and it was quite rough! A lot of my songs are on the more fictional side, however—just stories I come up when sitting down. I will often have an interesting line and I try and build up a story around it.
And to finish, what was the last album Finick listened to from beginning to end, and did she enjoy it?
Finick: Lady Gaga’s most recent album, and I enjoyed it a lot. I love Lady Gaga, she is an icon for me.
Now on to the review: 11 songs running to 40 minutes
“Selfish” (Explicit – Radio Edit) (2:36) is the opener that grabbed our attention! It is infectious pop punk, plenty of energy. It reminded me of a light version of The Bombpops, and that is an entirely good thing. A teenage anthem!
“This Is All I Have” (3:43) is sweeter and slower. It is an acoustic track, whimsical and dreamy. It takes us into a folk-style melody with this pleasing chorus.
“Busy & Bored” (3:41) changes direction again! This time it is a story with an interesting instrumentalization and this nice chorus that almost laments vocally to an uplifting fiddle melody.
“How To Lose You” (3:08) is a sad, colder song. Yet it has this big drum sound that picks up the beat and keeps us moving shoulders to a track that creates a strong rock groove later in the track.
“Bigger Than Us” (4:42) takes us slow dancing on a late-night rendezvous. Finick has a rather lovely vocal delivery, very ethereal.
“The More You Wait” (2:53) Is a good album track. It returns to Finick the storyteller, and this is a traditional-style folk tale with a simple melody.
“No Name” (4:02) has a lighter poppy edge as Finick tries to escape the bad prince! The beat is infectious and I am sure it would attract radio play. this one, it is light and commercial.
“Liar Liar” (3:32) provides more evidence of Fenick as a very mature songwriter for someone still in her teens. The song slips nicely into the album as a whole; it’s not a standout but flows well within the album.
“Third Time’s The Charm” (3:34) takes me into some country grooves! A great fiddle plays along, the drum sound cuts the mustard and the track is a lot of fun. This girl could definitely do country! One of my favorites on the album, country radio should grab this!
“Yes I Do” (4:26) works very well too. I got into this song and really liked it. The vocals nail the emotion and the track as a whole carries me along and made me want to play it again immediately. It is a tricky genre to hang a hat on, a bit of pop and a bit of folk.
“Mud” (3:36) closes the album with a flourish. It is a heavy-feeling track with a great bass and drum beat. Another great vocal performance too.
Standout tracks: “Third Time’s The Charm,” “Selfish” and “Yes I Do.”
In summary: Overall, this album showcases Finick’s versatility as both a songwriter and performer, blending pop-punk energy, folk storytelling, and country charm. With standout tracks like “Third Time’s The Charm,” “Selfish,” and “Yes I Do,” Finick proves she has a knack for crafting infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Whether delivering high-energy anthems or introspective ballads, this album is a testament to her talent and potential.
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You can stream music from Finick here
By Mark C. Chambers
and
Anna-Louise Burgess (review)
Josie Hasnik: Vocals, lyrics, acoustic and electric guitars, slide whistle, harmonica.
Taylor James Donskey: Bass, banjo, electric guitar, whistle, organ, production.
JT Bates: Drums and percussion.
Jake Johnson: Fiddle, electric guitar.
Sammie Jean Cohen: Whistle.
PHOTOS BY JOHN KUEPPERS & ADRIANA MATHIASON
Weekends in Purgatory was recorded at Minnehaha Recording Company by Tony Williamette and mastered by Rob Schlette at Anthem Mastering.
Executive produced by James Hasnik, photography by Adriana Mathiason.
Discography list (w/credits):
finickdiscog.carrd.coWEBSITE & SOCIALS:
Website: www.finickofficial.com
Instagram: @FINICK.official
FINICK on all streaming platforms
Bandcamp: https://finick.bandcamp.com/
