Fin Greenall, known professionally as Fink, is a British singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, and DJ. Born in Cornwall and raised in Bristol, Fink's journey through music has been as eclectic as his sound—moving from electronic beats to acoustic, soulful blues, and a blend of indie-folk, always grounded by his unmistakably rich voice and introspective lyricism. As of 2024, he continues to thrive as an artist, balancing his personal musical projects with collaborations, creating a name for himself across different genres.

Early Life and Influences
Fin Greenall was born in 1972 in Cornwall, England, and later moved to Bristol, a city known for its vibrant and innovative music scene. Music played a significant role in his early years, and he recalls his father’s treasured possession—an old Martin acoustic guitar—as a pivotal symbol in the household. Greenall once shared that while everything in the house was communal, the guitar was untouchable, sparking in him a fascination with music as both personal and universal.

During his teenage years, Greenall explored a wide array of musical genres, ranging from the alternative sounds of The Cure and The Smiths to the more ambient and electronic landscapes of artists like The Orb. His love for African music and Japanese hardcore punk also showcased his diverse taste. However, it wasn’t until his time at the University of Leeds, where he studied History and English, that he discovered electronic and dance music—genres that would shape the early stages of his career.

Early Career: DJ and Producer
Fink’s professional music career began in the mid-1990s, focused largely on the electronic and dance music scenes. After graduating from university, he became involved with London-based record labels such as Def Jam and Virgin’s Source, working behind the scenes in the industry while simultaneously establishing his own path as a DJ and producer. His debut single, “Fink Funk,” was released in 1997 on Ninja Tune’s subsidiary, N-Tone, followed by his first album, Fresh Produce, in 2000. This album was rooted firmly in electronic music, blending beats, samples, and grooves into a smooth, laid-back sound.

Despite early success, Greenall began to feel disillusioned with the club scene by the mid-2000s, leading him to take a significant shift in his artistic direction.

The Acoustic Shift: Biscuits for Breakfast and Fink as a Trio
The turning point in Fink's career came in 2006 with the release of Biscuits for Breakfast. Marking a stark departure from his electronic roots, this album introduced Greenall as a singer-songwriter. Accompanied by Guy Whittaker on bass and Tim Thornton on drums, Fink transformed into a more traditional band setup, with Greenall’s finger-picked acoustic guitar and husky, blues-inflected voice at the center. The stripped-back, intimate sound resonated with audiences, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Greenall’s career.

The album’s lead single, “Pretty Little Thing,” showcased Fink’s ability to blend raw emotion with minimalist instrumentation, while tracks like “All Cried Out” further cemented his position as a unique voice in the indie-acoustic scene. Zero 7 took notice, inviting Fink to support them on their UK tour, further broadening his fanbase.

Building Momentum: Distance and Time and Sort of Revolution
In 2007, Fink released Distance and Time, an album that expanded the trio’s sound. Produced with Andy Barlow from Lamb, the record featured more robust, band-led compositions without losing the emotional intimacy that defined Biscuits for Breakfast. Songs like “This is the Thing” and “If Only” demonstrated Fink’s growing confidence as a songwriter, with evocative lyrics and layered, atmospheric arrangements. The album's success brought new opportunities, including tours across Europe, the United States, and beyond.

During this time, Fink also caught the attention of American R&B star John Legend. Their collaboration on Legend’s hit single “Green Light,” featuring André 3000, earned Greenall a BMI Award in 2010. This partnership continued with Legend co-writing songs for Fink’s next album, Sort of Revolution (2009). On this record, Fink delved deeper into experimental territory, balancing stripped-back folk arrangements with electronic undertones, all while maintaining a strong emotional core.

Collaborations and Expanding Horizons
Fink’s growing reputation as a songwriter and collaborator led to several high-profile partnerships in the years that followed. One of the most notable was his work with Amy Winehouse. Fink co-wrote the track “Half Time,” which appeared on Winehouse’s posthumous collection Lioness: Hidden Treasures. Greenall has spoken fondly of these sessions, describing Winehouse as a "no-compromise, full-on artist" even at a young age.

In 2012, Fink collaborated with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam, resulting in the live album Fink Meets The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. This project was a testament to Greenall’s musical versatility, as his songs were reimagined with sweeping orchestral arrangements, bringing a new dimension to his introspective style.

Continuing Evolution: Hard Believer and Horizontalism
By the mid-2010s, Fink’s sound had evolved yet again. His 2014 album Hard Believer saw him working with producer Billy Bush, pushing the boundaries of his signature acoustic sound. The album’s standout single, “Looking Too Closely,” gained significant radio play, earning Fink top spots on charts in Germany and the Netherlands. The follow-up album, Horizontalism (2015), was a more experimental project, reinterpreting tracks from Hard Believer with an electronic, atmospheric twist.

Recent Years: Bloom Innocent and Beauty in Your Wake
In 2019, Fink released Bloom Innocent, a deeply reflective album that explored themes of love, loss, and redemption. Once again produced by Flood, the album was praised for its lush production and emotional depth, showcasing Fink’s continued growth as an artist.

In 2024, Fink returned with his latest album, Beauty in Your Wake, marking yet another evolution in his sound. Released through his independent label, R’COUP’D Records, the album is a blend of haunting melodies, introspective lyrics, and innovative production techniques, solidifying Fink’s place as one of the most consistently intriguing artists of his generation.

Legacy and Influence
From his early days in the electronic music scene to his reinvention as a soulful, acoustic artist, Fink’s career has been marked by a refusal to be pigeonholed. Whether collaborating with legends like John Legend and Amy Winehouse, or pushing the boundaries of his own sound with orchestras and experimental production, Fin Greenall continues to surprise and inspire. His ability to traverse genres, while remaining true to his introspective, emotionally honest core, has earned him a devoted global following.

Now splitting his time between Berlin and London, Fink’s story is far from over. As he continues to evolve musically, one thing remains constant: his dedication to creating meaningful, transformative art that resonates deeply with listeners.