Emerging as one of the UK’s most captivating new voices in indie folk, Finnegan Tui returns with ‘Fuel on the Fire’, a haunting single released via Eywa Music Ltd. Fusing cinematic folktronica with raw emotional depth, the track, produced by Jasper Trim and mixed by Andrew Scheps, showcases Tui’s rich vocals and evocative songwriting. With over 7.7 million streams, airplay from BBC Radio 6 and BBC Introducing, and a growing list of festival appearances and support slots for FINK, RY X, and Elder Island, Tui’s rise has been steady and striking. Influenced by the likes of Nick Drake, James Blake, and Bon Iver, his sound has earned praise from The Guardian, CLASH, and Rolling Stone India, and even found placement in the US series Walker Independence.
Listen to ‘Fuel on the Fire’ and read our interview with the enigmatic musician below.
Paint us a picture: what sparked your passion for the arts in the first place? Was there a single moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue this path?
I grew up on the road, moving from festival to festival. My dad ran a small stage where bands played through the night. I started jumping up with them when I was six. Music was always around me, and over time it became the thing I cared about most. The more I have given to it, the more it has given back. It is a companion in my life.
When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
I always start with music. Normally I play guitar until something appears that touches a nerve for me. Something that has gravity and feeling in it. From there I will follow the feeling, if I am lucky I find a melody that fits it, and then lyrics that fit the melody, then I wait for a chorus and hopefully the production joins the cause. It is a delicate process that requires risk and sensitivity in equal measure. I try not to control it too much, to be a window for something more than the thing itself. It’s not clean or logical. It’s more like working with the weather.
What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
My Taylor 414ce guitar. Marantz PMD222 tape machine. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. A violin. Logic. Airwindows. Longing.
What’s your go-to ritual or trick for getting into the creative zone?
Taking risks.
What’s the one item you always keep within arm’s reach while creating or performing?
A capo.
How did you ultimately end up defining your sound?
I think music is a way of the mind and the body talking to one another. I liked the idea of exploring synthesis and sound design with my mind and the art of songwriting with my body. The blend of folk and electronic world building began there.
How has your creative process or perspective shifted since you started your journey?
The most important thing is dedication to the craft. That has to come before anything else. There might be gimmicks or tricks that can reap rewards in the short term. But nothing replaces time and deep commitment to the thing that really matters. The answers I am looking for are more often waiting inward than outward, which is something I didn’t used to understand.
Walk us through a recording session: what’s the most memorable moment you’ve had in the studio?
There have been countless honestly. The one that comes to mind is when Jasper and I found a particular synth sound and harmonic line that we loved so much we looped it euphorically for the entire rest of the day and long into the night.
Are there any unexpected or dream collaborations hidden in your work?
Niv Adiri is an incredible sound designer who generally only works on movies. I am lucky to have his sound design in my music. There are many others; Jasper Trim, Nate Smith and Sean Carey are all in there bringing their magic to the sound.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Always…
Who’s an emerging artist you think deserves more recognition right now?
AK Patterson.
What’s the strangest or most surprising song currently on your playlist?
‘16 Psyche’ by Chelsea Wolfe
Which song, album or playlist do you never get sick of no matter how many times you listen to it?
Diamond Mine by King Creosote and Jon Hopkins
Are there any unexpected hobbies or projects you’re exploring outside of your main work?
I love to spend time in the wild and I am working on developing my skills to be able to be out there with less and less tools. Learning to forage all my food, build my shelter and make my fire from scratch.
If your life and career were an album, what would its title be, and what’s the hidden track only your fans would know?
“So I returned to the Forest“
Give us a glimpse into the future – what surprises or milestones are coming up for you this year?
Music I have kept to myself a long time will finally come out.
Famous last words?
“One day I will find the right words and they will be simple.”
Follow Finnegan Tui:
Website – Instagram – Facebook – X – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Spotify
