Today’s guest didn’t just enter the music industry — he grew up inside it. He isn’t just a Grammy-winning producer or a respected solo artist. He’s one of the rare creatives who’s built a career rooted in loyalty, advocacy, and taste — while learning in public and evolving in real time.

And The Writer Is… FINNEAS!

In this episode, he breaks down:

Growing up in the industry without losing your footing

The quiet flaw baked into today’s music industry — and the one trait he’s seen in every truly exceptional artist

Loyalty over leverage — and why relationships still matter

Advocating for artists when you already have a seat at the table

Learning as you go without pretending you have it all figured out

This one is grounded and essential for anyone trying to build something that actually lasts.

A special thank you to our sponsors... Our lead sponsor, NMPA aka the National Music Publisher's Association. Your support means the world to us!

And  @splice  the  best sample library on the market, period.

Chapters

0:00:00 Teaser

0:02:37 What FINNEAS Would Change About the Music Industry

0:07:40 “What Do You Do?” Identity & Being Multihyphenate

0:08:54 Why taste beats momentum

0:10:51 FINNEAS & Ashe (Not Just a Band Name)

0:12:51 From Workaholism to Efficiency

0:14:17 Tools, Shortcuts & Speed in the Studio

0:16:13 Him and Billie and Their Creative Differences

0:20:11 Stage Fright, SNL & Performing Under Pressure

0:24:23 Writing Songs for Film vs Albums

0:27:49 Writing “What Was I Made For?

0:30:46 Writing Honest Lyrics in LA

0:32:48 Parenting, Legacy & Keeping Ego Out of the House

0:36:42 Creative Endurance: Why some artists last and others disappear

0:38:57 Homeschooling, Childhood & Creative Freedom

0:41:46 Professionalism as a Creative Advantage

0:44:42 Why some songs don’t belong — and that’s okay

0:46:45 Artists FINNEAS Would Love to Work With

0:48:46 How Not to Chase Trends: Why reference points should be old, weird, and far away

0:51:13 Albums Worth Sitting With: Listening deeply

0:53:06 Honesty, Family & Creative Trust

0:58:14 Love, Partnership & Sustaining Ambition

1:01:36 The Lowest Point of His Career

1:04:57 Separating Your Work From Your Worth

1:08:14 Knowing When to Pivot (Without Panicking)

1:11:04 Taste as a Long-Term Advantage

1:14:34 The Myth of Doing It All Yourself

1:17:55 Why Some Artists Plateau

1:21:11 Endurance vs Intensity: Why longevity favors consistency

1:24:33 Avoiding burnout in a high-output career

1:28:01 Creative Confidence Without Arrogance

1:31:14 Aging in the Industry While Staying Curious: Why relevance comes from curiosity, not youth

1:34:36 Learning to Say No

1:38:08 Fear as a Creative Signal

1:41:36 Advice to His Younger Self

1:45:01 What Still Excites Him About Music

1:48:33 Redefining a Successful Career

1:51:58 Building something that lasts without losing yourself

Hosted by Ross Golan

Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad

Edit by Jad Saad

Post Production by Pratik Karki

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.