Indie project The fin. was founded by Yuto Yuchino and Kaoru Nakasawa and have performed at festivals around the world. Their new track Echoes is a danceable psychedelic treat. Yuto Yuchino tells us the story so far.
How did your band first start? Is there a story to tell about it?
We started as a four-piece band when we were students. It still feels unreal that I’ve known Nakazawa since we were four years old! We used to share our favourite music and the things we liked, so it felt really natural to pick up instruments and play together. It’s been over a decade since we formed the band. I still remember the day I shared my first song like it was yesterday.
What was your first gig?
My first gig was a small event organised by students. I remember my hands were shaking from nervousness. I didn’t realise at the time that it was just the beginning of something bigger. That experience made me understand how much I love performing and connecting with people through music.
How have your music/live performances been received by fans?
I think my audience connects deeply with the emotions in my music. My live shows tend to be immersive experiences, where I try to take people on a journey through sound and atmosphere. Over time, I’ve noticed that my fans appreciate both the detailed production in my recorded music and the raw, spontaneous energy of my live performances.
What three words best describe your musical style and why?
I’d say atmospheric, emotional, and evolving. My music blends ambient textures with organic sounds, creating a sense of space and depth. It’s driven by deep emotions—nostalgia, longing, transformation—and constantly changing as I grow, always pushing into new sonic territories.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I draw inspiration from a wide range of artists, from rock, pop, jazz, and soul musicians to experimental and electronic music producers. My sound is influenced by both the rich harmonies of classic songwriting and the atmospheric textures of more contemporary production styles. I’m still amazed by how The Beatles evolved their music in just ten years. I always admire musicians who don’t stop growing and experimenting.
Tell us about your new release.
My new song, Echoes, is deeply tied to my hometown and the emotions it holds for me. It’s about reconnecting with my past self—the version of me that existed before life became complicated. The song captures a journey of rediscovery, where old memories resurface like distant echoes, reminding me of who I was and who I’ve become.
Musically, Echoes blends atmospheric textures with a sense of movement, mirroring the feeling of standing on a hill in my hometown, surrounded by clear air, stars, and the quiet sounds of autumn insects. It’s nostalgic but not stuck in the past—it’s about embracing those memories while moving forward.
What inspires your lyrics?
A lot of my lyrics come from personal experiences, memories, and the emotions tied to places I’ve been. Nature plays a big role in my songwriting—seaside landscapes, mountains, and quiet moments of solitude often appear in my songs. I also explore themes like self-discovery, nostalgia, and the complexity of emotions.
How do you hope listeners will feel after hearing your music?
I hope my music gives listeners a sense of reflection and connection—whether that’s a deep emotional resonance, a feeling of escape, or even just a quiet moment of introspection. I want my songs to feel like a space where people can immerse themselves and maybe even discover something about themselves in the process.
Do you have any upcoming tour dates?
Right now, I don’t have a tour scheduled, but I’m always open to playing live when the right opportunity comes. I’ve been focusing more on writing, producing, and refining my sound, but I definitely want to bring my music to the stage again soon.
What are you/your band working on next?
I’ve been working on a new album that will be released this winter. I love being in a phase of reflection and experimentation, seeing where my next step will take me. I’m really looking forward to finishing it and sharing it with the audience.
Listen here:
