8 December 2025
Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with Seán from London based band Seán Finn and the Late Bloomers to find out more…
Who is in the band, how did you meet, where are you from and how did you come up with the name?
I am from the West Coast of Ireland. I’m from a tiny village called Tourmakeady, in Co. Mayo. I began playing piano at the age of 11. I played piano for years and did all the classical grades, but didn’t begin singing and writing music until I was 18.
As a band, we all met at our music uni, LCCM (London College of Contemporary Music). Myself and my bassist Schindler, have known each other for 3 years, and I’ve been with Rich for about a year.
Schindler Brown – Bass
Richard Marletta – Drums
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
When I began listening to music more and more as a teenager, I was big into David Bowie. Later I became a huge fan of the Beatles, they were by far the biggest influence on my song writing and recording etiquette.
Another huge influence for me was Mac DeMarco, I adore his production style and songwriting.
Nowadays my taste is varied, but recently I’ve been loving Djo who I got into after watching Stranger Things. People like Olivia Rodrigo and Nation of Language I also really enjoy.
How would you describe your sound?
I’ve been trying to find a term for my music for a while, it’s a bit tricky, but here’s what I came up with.
Jazzy Alt. Pop
Pop Sensibility with a Jazz Ethos
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
This year we released an album titled “Late Bloomer”.
There’s quite a few influences behind it. Ultimately, we were trying out a number of ideas. One thing that I think stands out, is that all the tracks are live backing tracks, meaning that we recorded the rhythm track in one take as a full band. No metronome, no overdubs. The drums, bass, rhythm guitars and keys for the whole album were recorded that way. It’s a very old school approach, and makes the recording day a special occasion.
The Beatles essentially recorded this way from Revolver onwards. Record a strong rhythm track, then overdub vocals, solos and anything else. It’s a fun approach, and requires a certain level of musicianship. Luckily for us, we had been gigging loads so we were well equipped to do it. I have a lot of good memories from that time!
What’s your local music scene like?
It’s great. It’s very varied.
In London, you have everything from indie rock, to R&B, to straight ahead Jazz. The tricky part can be finding your corner to fit in, but there’s no shortage of places to perform and musicians to collaborate with.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
Right now we’ve finished a big cycle of gigging, touring and promoting this new album.
So, we’ve been taking a little creative break from all that, and have been focusing on new material.
I look forward to touring again, and releasing new music, but it will be just a little bit before that happens I think.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
If I could open a show for someone like Mac DeMarco or Djo that would be sick!
Recording wise, I reckon someone like those two would be loads of fun in the studio.
Then there’s just loads of people I’d love to have a conversation with. Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, or anyone that I’ve listened to. Errol Garner would have been interesting.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
This summer we went on tour in Europe.
Our first gig in Amsterdam was a bit chaotic. We were taking the Eurostar over, and were to drive the remainder from France to Amsterdam. Firstly, we missed our train, and had no idea if we’d be allowed to cross the English Channel. Luckily we made it across, but we probably spent almost 12 hrs just travelling. By the time we arrived in Amsterdam we needed to go straight to the gig and perform, it was hilarious.
Our manager Avantika, had bought us random scraps of meat from the supermarket so we had something to eat, these we ate on stage while we played, it was a hilarious night. Probably the best gig of the tour.
I think the adventure of touring is truly one of the best things about it.
Do you have any upcoming live dates and performances?
Our final gig of the year is the 17th of December at Nambucca on Holloway Road.
Our first headliner of the new year will take place on the 10th of February, 2026 at the Crazy Coq’s Cabaret Bar in Soho.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I only make music that I personally would listen to. And while I don’t believe in complete perfection, as I like the humanity in music, I do my best to only release material I believe can’t be improved.
You can find out more about Seán Finn and the Late Bloomers via Apple Music, Bandcamp, Instagram, Spotify, Substack or YouTube. You can find out more about their Nambucca gig here.
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