The fin. continue to be a must-watch act on the global stage. Returning with their latest single ‘Nebula’, “a song that reflects the state of mind of lingering on the edge of hesitation while keeping your eyes fixed on the light ahead,” we caught up with The fin. to discuss the new release below.
“Nebula” feels like a deeply personal and introspective track. Where were you emotionally or mentally when you began writing it?
Actually, I had this song floating around in my head for quite a long time. Usually, I compose by first imagining how the music will sound internally. After wrapping up our extensive tour across Asia, I felt ready to step into the next phase creatively. I wanted to write something optimistic, especially considering the current state of the world. I genuinely believe we need the strength and courage to believe again.
You’ve described the song as reflecting a state of lingering on the edge of hesitation. How do you translate such nuanced emotions into sound?
I always view lyrics as a bridge connecting listeners directly to the music itself. Music and lyrics complete each other, and I feel this strongly in my own creations. The chord progressions, melodies, and arrangements carry these nuanced emotions inherently. Still, I hope listeners feel free to interpret and experience the song in their own unique way.
The flute and saxophone parts add a unique warmth and richness. How did the collaboration with Hinata Ishii come about, and what was the vision for those elements?
Hinata and I have been collaborating for nearly three years now, and at this point, our musical communication is almost intuitive—we hardly need words. He understands exactly what I’m aiming for, and we usually achieve what we want with just a few directions from my side. I’m delighted with the result on this track; his contribution brought playful, bright energy that I absolutely love.
This track marks your first new release in four months. Was that time away deliberate, and did it shape the way “Nebula” came together?
Recently, I’ve enjoyed taking time to learn, experiment, and craft new sounds every day. I don’t feel the need to rush things. To me, the most crucial aspect is creating something genuinely fresh and exciting for the world, so I’m allowing myself the space to reach that goal.
There’s a cinematic quality to your music—particularly this track—that makes it feel like a journey. Do visuals or imagery play a role in your songwriting process?
Absolutely. I frequently draw inspiration from visuals, sounds, scents, emotions, memories—pretty much everything around me. It helps immensely in exploring my ideas deeply. For “Nebula,” I consistently imagined flying above the ocean and beyond into space.
How does “Nebula” fit within the larger arc of your current creative direction? Is it a standalone moment or a glimpse into something bigger coming soon?
This song encapsulates my current emotional state and serves as an essential link to the upcoming album. While I can’t precisely predict how the whole project will sound, I feel very connected to and comfortable with this direction. It feels natural and authentic.
Tomo Carter’s drumming brings a grounded rhythm to the track. How has working with musicians from different cities, like London and Tokyo, influenced your sound?
Collaborating across different cities isn’t always easy—I wish teleportation was an option! But Tomo has been a significant part of our musical journey for over seven years, and our workflow is now seamless. He’s become one of my closest friends, and his drumming adds a unique, exotic element that I couldn’t produce alone. I’m thrilled we continue to create together.
Your lyrics often strike a balance between ambiguity and emotional precision. Do you write from a place of personal experience or more abstract inspiration?
Everything I write stems from personal experiences; I can’t authentically write about something I don’t know or haven’t felt. Human emotions, like the world itself, are incredibly complex. I’m continually trying to grasp these emotions, yet it feels like I’ve only just scratched the surface. Music bridges my inner self with the outside world, which is endlessly fascinating to me.
If “Nebula” represents the feeling of being on the edge of a new beginning, what kind of future do you see on the horizon for The fin.?
Honestly, I’ve been having so much fun creating music recently—perhaps the best period of my life so far. I want to keep exploring and expanding my musical horizons in various ways. There’s so much potential for growth, and I can’t wait to finish and share the new album. I’m already excited about bringing fresh music to audiences around the world.
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