Interview with Indie Folk Artist phin on his new single ‘when i’m older’ & more

MuzicNotez: First off, it’s an honor to be doing this interview with you, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us. What motivated you to start creating music? What age did you begin?

phin: When I was 13, my older brother Nate showed me Skrillex and I became instantly hooked on electronic music. I always copied everything he did as a kid, so as he started to produce in Ableton, I followed along. From there it was a long journey of twists, turns, and taste shifts. I started working with my childhood friend Hans Williams which was my first foray into producing indie music. During the pandemic, I had too many beats and not enough vocalists so I decided to start singing and writing myself. Last year, I basically locked myself in my basement until I came out with enough original music to start my artist project, and here we are.

Who were your musical influences, idols, or bands growing up that have helped mold you into the musician you are today? Or helped mold the music that you create?

phin: Early on it was EDM artists like Skrillex, Flume, and Louis The Child, however once I started making more indie music, I found myself drawing on the music my parents played when I was really young. Artists like Coldplay, U2, David Gray, Neil Young, and Radiohead to name a few. It’s such a stark contrast but I think that odd blend comes across in a cool way with my own music.

Website: PhinMusic.com
Instagram: @phinchoukas
TikTok: yoitsphin

What’s the ultimate goal you want your music to achieve, or for you to achieve in your career as a musician? Any particular message you wish to send?

phin: Right now, I just want to keep creating music that moves me, and any time I hear from someone that it moved them too, that makes me really happy. I guess the ultimate goal is to be able to continue doing that. In terms of a message, I’m honestly not sure yet. I’m still figuring out what I want to say, but I think my first project, which I am working on right now, is a more introspective look into what this pursuit means to me. Going forward, I want to write about things in the world outside of myself.

What’s the greatest concert you’ve ever been to or performed?

phin: A few that come to mind are Odesza at Osheaga 2018 and Noah Kahan at Hinterlands earlier this year. Both quite different sonically, but extremely cathartic.

Your latest single is ‘when i’m older’, which we love, and it’s being very well received. What motivated this track? What’s it mean to you?

phin: ‘when i’m older’ is about self doubt, especially related to my producer background. As I was starting to create my own music, I constantly felt like I would never be perceived as a true artist, just someone posing as one. The song is an honest look into what the most cynical, ego-bruised side of you can sound like. And I don’t mean to trash on those thoughts, I was having them and you can’t beat yourself up over something you feel. But creating the song and putting it out into the world was a great feeling. It felt like I could put those thoughts behind me, at least for a time.

You’ve created a sound that’s all yours, how would you describe it? What’s your process to create your music like?

phin: Well I say I make sad songs that make me happy. I think that’s a pretty good description, but I’ve definitely been exploring more hopeful songs lately and I really don’t want to be known for making the same song over and over again.

You’re finding success, landing on some big playlists. What do you think is the best advice you would give to other independent artists to find success?

phin: The best advice I can give is be true to yourself. Do what you like, do what you want to do. People will vibe with it if it’s honest.

What else are you working on? What can we expect to see and hear from you in the future?

phin: As I said I’m working on a project, so be on the lookout for that. Also, I’ve got some super collabs in the works, some may be on my artist project, some may be a part of something else.

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