Alan Finlan has steadily carved out a space for himself in the ever-growing UK country music scene. From his debut at Buckle & Boots to headlining sold-out shows and brewing his own beer, Finlan’s journey is anything but ordinary. We sat down with the rising star during Country On The Coast to talk about his roots, his rise, and the road ahead.
Finding His Voice
Although Finlan has long been a performer, it wasn’t until 2019 that he stepped into the spotlight with his own original music. His debut at Manchester’s Buckle & Boots was a defining moment: “It was probably one of the most nerve-wracking things I’ve done because I’d never released these songs… but as soon as I’m on stage, everything is gone—the nervousness, everything. I’m zoned in, locked on,” he shared.
That adrenaline rush has since become his hallmark, and it’s clear he’s made peace with the vulnerability of performing his own material. His honesty and intensity have quickly gained him a loyal following.
Making History—And Beer
When Finlan headlined his first show, it wasn’t just a musical milestone—it was a historic one. “It was just unbelievable that 250 people wanted to come and see me,” he said. That night, he also became the first UK country artist to brew his own beer.
Partnering with Powder Monkey Brewery and Quay West Studios, Finlan helped create Till Last Call, a 5.2% ABV brew named after one of his singles. “I got covered in grains, mash, everything! At least it washed out,” he laughed. “A lot of people stumbled home and I am not to blame for that one!”
The Power of Performance
For Finlan, live shows are where the magic happens. He points to Buckle & Boots 2022 as one of the most emotional performances of his career. “That was the start of what I call the annus horribilis. I’d lost my grandfather… I sang the first and last song he ever heard me perform, Country Roads, and even now when I sing it, I still have a little tear in my eye.”
Despite personal hardships, Finlan never lets the audience see him falter. “Every festival I play, I always try and give 110%. People are there for a good time… you should entertain, while also having fun yourself. Once I’ve got the band with me, we have a party.”
Family, Fans, and Finding His Identity
Family has played a central role in Finlan’s journey. “My grandfather always said, ‘live your life,’ and that kind of sticks with me,” he reflected. Finlan has worn many hats—from aspiring paleontologist to character artist and video game designer—but his parents have always backed him. “They’ve said, do what makes you happy.”
Though once recognized as the UK’s first unofficial Luke Combs tribute act, Finlan has since stepped into his own image. “Donna Zanetti said, ‘You are Alan Finlan.’ That hit me. So the next show, I ditched the black shirt, cap, even the cowboy boots. I went on as me. And at the end of the show, I said to the crowd, ‘I am Alan Finlan.’ That was powerful.”
Challenges in a Digital World
Like many artists, Finlan grapples with the demands of social media. “I feel like an old sea dog… I don’t necessarily like what social media has become,” he admitted. “I struggle with content creation. I do quite a lot during the week, and by the time I’m home, I just want to play video games.”
Still, he’s looking to merge both worlds—hinting at starting a video game stream in addition to his music.
Looking Ahead
So what’s next? A tour is on the cards—albeit unofficial. “When I can organize it,” Finlan laughed. “I want to do smaller, intimate venues. There are a few I’ve seen, especially up in Scotland.”
New music is also in the works, including a heartfelt tribute to both his grandparents and a potential collaboration with Jaret Reddick from Bowling For Soup, also a country artist himself. “He said, ‘Send me over whatever you’ve got,’ and inside I was so excited!”
He’s also set to return to Quay West Studios, where producer Nick Bowen continues to help elevate his songwriting. “Nick is just an absolute maverick… he really pushes you.”
Big Dreams, Bigger Heart
When asked who he’d love to collaborate with, Finlan’s face lit up: “Dave Grohl, hands down. But in the country world, Luke Combs saved me.” After seeing Combs perform Hurricane in 2016, Finlan was reinvigorated. “He sang with this gravel that I thought I could match. From then on, I was hooked.”
Today, Finlan channels that same gravel and grit into his own songs—unmistakably his own.
The Future of UK Country
Finlan is optimistic about the UK scene. “It’s gonna get bigger. I hope fans start appreciating the talent here because there’s a lot of heart in this community.” He’s especially passionate about supporting new artists: “The ones who’ve just released one song and feel like they’re not getting anywhere—I want them to succeed. I want them to be a part of the family that I’ve grown to know and love so much.”
With passion, humility, and an unstoppable drive, Alan Finlan isn’t just another country artist—he’s the real deal. As he put it, “We are here to stay. I am here to stay. And we are here to say: We love country.”
Want to hear more from Alan Finlan? Follow him on social media and stay tuned for new music and tour announcements. Who knows—maybe you’ll be sipping Till Last Call at his next gig.
Main Image: Little Ninja Photography
