Finessen: The Interview
Finessen is the alias of Atlanta born and raised 24-year-old R&B artist responsible for the 2019 project The Gift now streaming everywhere.
Finessen is a 24 year old artist from Atlanta. His R&B project The Gift came out in 2019. The Right Kind Of Brownies caught up with the artist to discuss early beginnings, The Gift, and what’s next for him.
Follow Finessen on Instagram, Apple Music, and Spotify.
What is your earliest memory of music?
I was recording a freestyle in my homie's garage after school, just playing around. We let people hear the freestyle, though, and everybody thought it was fire. Some people even asked me to send it to them, and they started listening to it on their own.
How musical is your family?
No one in my family made music before I started doing it. It was just something I found passion in, so I pursued it.
What do you remember about the very first song you ever wrote and recorded?
It was a freestyle. Just playing around type of shit. It was dope and kind of funny. That song is the reason I make music today.
How is Atlanta treating you?
Atlanta is beautiful. There is a lot of money and love out here.
How old are you?
I am 24 years old.
Who was the first person to call you Finessen?
An OG in my neighborhood. Growing up, he would always see me with my head in books or out making money.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Andre 3000. 2pac. Bob Marley. Aaliyah.
Who has championed you?
No one.
What was it like making The Gift?
I ain't wanna tell myself I was making a mixtape because then I'd put too much pressure on myself. So, I just focused on making fire singles, and after about making 20 of them, I choose 10 to put together and make a tape. It was way more natural doing it that way. Just lay one brick at a time.
What was the first you made for the album?
It was a mixtape, but nowadays, people label mixtape as albums. “Waste Your Time” was the first song for the mixtape.
What was the last song you made for the album?
"Bad Habit."
What are your thoughts on music's part to play amid the COVID-19 pandemic?
At this time, I think music is needed the most to keep people sane while they're sitting in the house every day because everybody don't wanna be at home.
How did you decide on the genre you make today?
Honestly, I don't put myself in any genre. I make all types of music.
What is your writing process like?
I go through beats and write whatever is in my mind or whatever I have seen at the moment in the rhythm. I record it and listen to it and make changes after hearing it.
How collaborative is music for you right now?
Very collaborative. I've been working with a bunch of different people.
How many songs would you say are in the vault?
Over 300.
What are your thoughts on the state of music right now?
Music right now is missing timeless music. There is all the fun and the hype and the sad music, but timeless music is missing, and that's what I'm bringing.
What do you look for in producers?
Dedication and brutal honesty. Also, details in the beats, not just 808s... but small details in the beat that set it off.
Is there a genre of music you wouldn't touch?
No. I'll do it all, for real.
What are your label and management situations industry-wise?
No manager. Not signed to a label, either.
What is your favorite aspect of the musical community in ATL?
I love that it doesn't stop. Every few months, somebody blows out of Atlanta. This year, it's going to be me.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would you work with?
Chris Brown.
What's next for you?
More great music. More great visuals and much higher moves. I can't give you too much, but stay tuned. I got a lot to show you, I promise!