From beats to ballads: Kelly Finnigan’s musical evolution

In a recent episode of HYFIN’s Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow podcast, host Anthony Foster sat down with soul singer and musician Kelly Finnigan to discuss his upcoming album, “A Lover Was Born,” and his journey through the music industry. Finnigan, known for his work with Monophonics and as a solo artist, offered insights into his musical evolution and the creative process behind his latest project.

Finnigan’s passion for music began early, with a pivotal moment coming at age 14, he witnessed a DJ commanding a house party. “He just had the room, man. Like he had them in the palm of his hand, and I’d never witnessed that,” Finnigan recalled. This experience, along with seeing DJ Jazzy Jeff perform at the American Music Awards, set him on a path that would lead from DJing to beat-making and eventually to producing and performing.

The versatility Finnigan developed along the way has been crucial to his success. “It’s really hard to make a good living in music and you only do one thing,” he explained. This adaptability has allowed him to work on various projects, from his early days with the band Dements to his current solo work and collaborations with artists like The Black Keys.

Discussing his new album, Finnigan described it as a diverse collection that showcases different facets of soul music. “If you love soul music, there’s definitely lots of different peaks and valleys and moods on the record,” he said. The album’s title, “A Lover Was Born,” draws inspiration from a Lee Dorsey record, though Finnigan emphasized that it’s more about his passion for music than any romantic connotations.

As a producer, Finnigan likens his role to that of a film director. “You’re thinking about like, what is the song? Is this a good song for this person? Is this the right key? Is this a good tempo?” he explained, highlighting the multifaceted nature of production work.

Finnigan is excited about his upcoming tours, including a West Coast run with soul legend Lee Fields. “We love Lee. He’s such a legend. He’s inspiring to see,” Finnigan enthused, praising Fields’ enduring talent and humble demeanor.

The interview also touched on Finnigan’s admiration for the late Charles Bradley, whom he described as “as pure as they come, as a human being.” These influences and experiences have shaped Finnigan’s approach to music and performance.

As “A Lover Was Born” prepares to hit the shelves, Finnigan’s journey from a young DJ to a respected soul artist and producer is a testament to the power of passion and versatility in the music industry. His story continuously grows and adapts, always driven by a deep love for the craft.