BIOGRAPHY

Darragh Finan is a young Indie/Folk artist based in Hampshire, UK. Despite the fact he was born and raised in England, he holds a deep-rooted love for his Irish heritage. Nonetheless, he quite humorously added, “I do wish to some extent that my name wasn’t so complicated for others to pronounce, but I only have my father to thank for that I guess, haha…” Singing has always been a passion for the young singer/songwriter, however it became clear after some time that it was something more; a means of catharsis. “From an early age, I was faced with a multitude of life’s hardships and like many others, there was no choice but to accept the circumstances and move on. Unknowingly to me, that would later shape my lyricism, and create an emotional character both on stage and in person.”

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“At the age of 14, I watched as two men played to a small crowd of people in the village pub back in Ireland, all with broken hearts and souls,” he continues. “Somehow, this left a sense of awe within me, realising that music has capabilities that not much else does. Something I wanted to be surrounded with from that point onwards.” Inspired by this sentimental experience, Darragh started playing guitar and exploring his songwriting abilities. It was the honest reaction to original material from friends and loved ones that gave him the drive to share this talent further. A burning desire that continues to push this budding individual today.

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In 2015 and 2016, while in his last year of secondary school, Darragh began co-writing and recording tracks with a producer in Chiswick, London. This venture lasted for approximately one year, but with only 5 tracks under his belt, he was encouraged to start prioritising his A-Levels over recording. “Although most of my time was invested in studying for the grades I needed to enter university, I began performing live music at the weekends, alongside other independent musicians from my hometown, and my passion began to take over.”

Darragh would go on to perform at all kinds of venues and events, from weddings and corporate parties, to festivals and uptown bars and pubs. In 2018 and 2019, he was selected to play at BBC Children In Need’s Charity festival ‘Carfest’, set up and hosted by Chris Evans. “My love for performing, songwriting and entertaining crowds grew week after week whilst at college. It led me to the decision of studying Creative Artistry at the Academy of Contemporary Music, Guildford.”

While simultaneously studying for his BA (hons) in Music Industry Practice, Darragh is currently in the process of recording his debut EP, ‘XLIV.’ “The reason I gave my EP this name is due to the common occurance of the number 44 (xliv) throughout my day to day life. Call it superstition, however I believe that these appearances have been significant signs of reassurance throughout my life, sent from loved ones who have passed on. A belief so strong to me, that I had the roman numerals (xliv) tattooed on my arm, there for life. A constant reminder too, of how much ‘XLIV’ means to me.” With a breath of fresh air, and set to pull on all of our heartstrings, ‘XLIV’ is due for release in August 2020.