With a growing reputation as one of the UK’s most captivating new voices in indie folk, Finnegan Tui returns with his haunting single ‘Fuel on the Fire’, released via Eywa Music Ltd. Known for his spellbinding blend of Indie Folk and Folktronica, Tui’s music has already amassed over 7.7 million streams and earned airplay from BBC Radio 6 and BBC Introducing South West. His rise has been marked by sold-out headline shows across Europe and high-profile support slots for artists like FINK, RY X, and Elder Island, alongside appearances at festivals including Secret Garden Party, Boomtown, and Shambala. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Nick Drake, James Blake, and Bon Iver, Tui’s work has been praised by outlets such as The Guardian, CLASH, and Rolling Stone India, and featured in US series Walker Independence. With ‘Fuel on the Fire’, produced by Jasper Trim and mixed by Andrew Scheps, Tui offers a cinematic and emotionally charged piece that showcases his rich vocals and arresting songwriting.
We sat down with Finnegan to discuss the journey behind the track, his creative evolution, and what’s next.
Tell us about you, how long have you been making music? What inspired you to start?
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.
The music industry is super competitive these days. Was there a moment in your life when you wanted to give up on music? How did you manage to stay focused and achieve what you want?
No, I have ever wanted to give up on music. It’s something I will always do regardless of who is listening. It’s how I make sense of life, how I process joy and grief, beauty and loss.
I also think there is competition in all industries. If I ever get wrapped up in feelings of inadequacy and moments of comparison I try to return my focus to the craft over the career.
How would you describe your creative processes? Are the music and lyrics written in conjunction, or separately?
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.
Where did the inspiration come from?
The wild places out in the world and the wild places in my heart.
What’s next for you?
Releasing the music I have been working on for a long time. Bringing people together at shows to celebrate life.