Interview – Bryan Finlay

By: Jenna Melanson

I recently had a chance to do a virtual interview with Edmonton-based pop artist, Bryan Finlay. Bryan released his latest single and music video, “Tonight Is Alright” and it has reached the top 10 on three of Canada’s biggest pop radio stations and collected this 20 year old artist four 2014 Edmonton Music Award nominations. Bryan will be participating in showcases during Canadian Music Week, and you can see him perform with his full band tonight, May 8, at The Supermarket and also acoustically tomorrow night, May 9, at the Marriot Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel Bar. To find out lots more about this amazing Canadian artist, keep reading.

When did you first get into music?

BF: I’ve always had a thing for music ever since I can remember. But when I actually started doing music in front of an audience was my grade 7 talent show!

Who has your biggest musical influence been through your life?

BF: I honestly have so many. But a couple that have stuck with me over the last few years have been, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Katy Perry.

You recently released your latest single, with music video, “Tonight is Alright”, how has the response been so far?

BF: The response has been amazing! I’m so happy people enjoy that song because, it was as ton of fun writing and recording it!

You released your EP a while back, what can you tell us about that?

BF: I released the EP a few months ago. It’s titled Bulletproof. I knew going into writing this EP that I wanted it to reflect the diversity of musical genres that influence me. So when you listen to it each track sounds completely different than the other!

When you are writing songs, where do you tend to pull inspiration from?

BF: Inspiration can come from anywhere. Sometimes I can go weeks without any inspiration or ideas. But when I wrote this EP, each track was inspired by something I went through personally. My favorite thing about making music is only you the writer knows the deep personal story behind the lyrics!

You will be participating in showcases in Toronto as part of Canadian Music Week, how does it feel to be part of such a great event?

BF: I’ve been so excited for the last couple weeks leading up. I’m the type of person who won’t be able to sleep over something exciting! This will be my 2nd time in Toronto. First time to do things career wise! It should be a killer time and I can wait to meet so many new faces!

When can fans expect to see you touring?

BF: There’s no tour set quite yet. But I will be part of some shows this summer, so keep it locked to my social media for more info!

If you were to put together a tour, including yourself, who else would be part of the line up?

BF: First of all, great question! My dream tour line up would be with, Katy Perry, Karmin, Michael Jackson, Bonnie McKee, and OneRepublic!

If you were able to work with any other Canadian artist, who would you choose?

BF: I’ve always wanted to sing a duet with Michael Buble. But I’ve also always wanted to work with the Marianas Trench front man Josh Ramsay! I can never pick just one! haha

Up until now, what has been the highlight of your music career?

BF: I think so far, my favorite thing has to be winning the radio station competition I won back in 2010. That helped me record my first singles ever and allow me to meet the people I work with today!

Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, who is your favourite Canadian band/ artist?

BF: In the #1 spot for me has to be… Marianas Trench! I freaking love those guys! I recently did a show with Matt Webb and I was so starstruck when I met him. It was kind of embarrassing haha!

Here, at Canadian Beats, we always include a “fun” segment in our interviews, so I think now it’s the perfect time to get to know some of your “favourites”.

Favourite movie of all time?

BF: Jurassic Park Movies and the Halloween Movies

Favourite concert you’ve attended?

BF: Katy Perry

Favourite pizza toppings?

BF: Grilled Veggies and Goat Cheese

Favourite time of day?

BF: Late afternoon

Favourite outdoor activity?

BF: Kayaking while Camping

Favourite super hero?

BF: Spiderman

Favourite video game?

BF: Grand Theft Auto

And of course, is there anything you’d like to say to the readers?

BF: There’s a lot more you can expect from me in the next year. So give me a follow on all my social media platforms and we can hangout and chat!

www.facebook.com/bryanfinlaymusic
http://www.instagram.com/bryanfinlay
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bryanfinlay