What does “The Finish Line” represent to you beyond the literal meaning, and how did that concept shape the emotional tone of the track?
The Finish Line encapsulates a lot of what The Wrens ethos stands for — being present, realising our time in existence is finite. We wanted to shake people awake with the track and say, “hey, we’re here, we’ve got something to say.”
How did your songwriting process evolve while creating this single compared to your earlier work?
This track first took the path of being an instrumental jam with freestyle verses. The song informed the message based on where we were at during the time. We were creating community, finding our feet, and exploring existential questions — feeling like through music we were discovering how to be and how best to make the most from life.
Was the sense of tension and release in the track intentional from a production standpoint, or did it emerge naturally?
I guess all music is exploring the contrast between tension and release. It emerges naturally as we put songs together based on where we feel the song wants to take us.
What sonic influences shaped the record, and how did they inform the final sound?
Being a band with a lot of members, we draw on a pretty wide range of influences. Some that spring immediately to mind are Parcels, The Cat Empire, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Corto.Alto, Rage Against the Machine, and System Of A Down.
What specific moment or experience triggered the creation of “The Finish Line”?
We were in a pre-production session for another track, and the riff came to one of us. The song came from there.
How do you approach balancing vulnerability and restraint in your lyrics?
There’s no restraint — I feel unrestrained in this.
Was there a particular lyric that unlocked the direction of the whole track?
The first lyric, inspired by meditation practice: “Take a moment, come to a cross-legged seat.”
How do you want listeners to feel after hearing this song for the first time?
We want them to feel whatever they feel, but notice that they’re feeling it.
Where does this single sit within your broader artistic trajectory or upcoming releases?
The Finish Line is just the beginning.
If “The Finish Line” is a chapter, what comes next in the story you’re telling as an artist?
There’s no way of knowing, but probably Wombat Road Safety.
SF WRENS ‘THE FINISH LINE’ LAUNCH SHOW
Friday 8 May The Oak TIGHES HILL
Supported by Lonely Mountain Garden Party
FREE SHOW
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