The sounds of crashing thunder and gushing rain usher in a new era of folk-inspired music as New Zealand-born artist Finnegan Tui makes his debut with track “Once I’m Gone”. A stellar example of a modern-day ballad, Tui’s character-filled and entrancing vocals exude the twang associated with the folk genre whilst nature-inspired production offer listeners a taste of the artist’s travels which inspired the track. With heartache and hope standing as the foundation on the songs lyrics, the multi-faceted artist uses his songwriting skills to transport listeners on a journey through his tale while stormy sounds ring throughout.

“Laying in the Kalahari Desert as the hail hammered holes in my tent, I found myself in the middle of a storm that changed my life and inspired this song. I wrote ‘Once I’m Gone’ to translate this experience into sound,” explains the artist. “I grew up in New Zealand playing violin on top of a bus. I now live in London where I explore mixing my folk roots with experimental electronic sounds. It’s been an absolute blessing to work with Matt Lawrence, a Grammy Award-winning producer, and Niv Adiri, an Academy Award-winning sound designer for this track.”

With a rich musical education under his belt that saw the Tui gain a scholarship to study Jazz and Electronic Music at the Guildhall School of Music, it is clear his work is built upon a deep knowledge and understanding of his craft. And, with the glimmering track “Once I’m Gone” introducing the artist into the industry and debut album Zephy in the works, it is clear that the young talent is about to embark on a whirlwind rise to musical stardom.

Listen to “Once I’m Gone” below…