Two Mayo dates for Seán Finn and the Late Bloomers
by Aoife Cafferty
‘Seán Finn and the Late Bloomers’ are a London based, alternative indie pop group.
They offer bouncy instrumentals, soulful harmonies and catchy tunes and lyrics that will linger in your mind for days after listening.
Lead singer Seán Finn is a Mayo man who grew up in Tourmakeady.
He is very well known for his chatty, lively gigs of which he plays both his own songs, and familiar classics.
Seán Finn is joined by bandmates Schindler Brown and Richard Marletta.
In May 2024, the group released their first ever single; ‘A Thousand Guesses’. This song captures the uncertainty and difficulties that romance can bring.
It was then followed by piano ballad 'Damaged Goods'. After that, they released ‘Out on a Farm’, and title track; ‘Late Bloomer.’ In July of last year, the group released their debut album (Late Bloomer’).
I was lucky enough to get an on-the-phone interview with Seán.
When asking him his calling to music, he told me: “I have played piano since the age of about ten and I did all the grades for many years, but I didn't really begin writing music until I was about 18.
"I was listening to the Beatles a lot at the time and they just totally got me into music.
"I liked music a lot before then but in terms of actually writing it and then eventually performing it it definitely began when I was eighteen and began listening to the Beatles.
"I then asked him about favourite songs on the album. He enjoys many songs on the album but there are a few that really stand out to him.
“I really enjoy the opening instrumental ‘Two Lovers’. That's kind of cool. I don't think I'm going to write a song or instrumental like that again any time soon.”
“In terms of actual songs, I really like ‘Damaged Goods’ and ‘a Thousand Guesses’. Those two songs are probably the strongest on the album, especially ‘Damaged Goods'.
"I just don't think I’m going to write a song like that again. Sort of like a ‘baroque pop’ kind of thing.”
My last question was if we could expect any new singles, or even a new album in the near future. “We’re currently working on what's going to be the second album. The working title is ‘The Pretty Years'.”
He also mentioned “I'm releasing a cover of the Clare song 'Spancil Hill' on the twenty third of June.”
He finally added that he is returning to the west of Ireland this week.
On Friday next, February 20, the band is playing in McGings Bar in Westport.
On Saturday they are playing in Maire Lukes in Tourmakeady.
You can listen to Seán Finn and the Late Bloomers on Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud and YouTube.