A Clear Slate

Hold Steady front man Craig Finn talks about his new solo album, Clear Heart, Full Eyes

Craig Finn recorded his new album, Clear Heart, Full Eyes, over five days in Austin, Texas.

Image credit: Jeremy Balderson via Shore Fire Media

By: Drew Kerr

Craig Finn detached himself, if only briefly, from The Hold Steady in order to write and record his first-ever solo album, Clear Heart, Full Eyes, which will be released by Vagrant Records on Jan. 24.

The Hold Steady front man will be back in Minneapolis touring in support of the album on Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Triple Rock Social Club (the show is sold out). He recently spoke to METRO from the confines of his Brooklyn apartment.

METRO: The name of the album, Clear Heart, Full Eyes, is a juxtaposition of Coach Taylor’s message to his players in Friday Night Lights, and I understand you’re a big fan of the show. Has anything moved in to fill the void since the show ended?

Craig Finn: I don’t have anything that I love as much, and I’ve been pretty busy the last few months. After Friday Night Lights got done I went into Breaking Bad and I did all four seasons of that, and then got really caught up on Boardwalk Empire. I’m always rooting for Nucky Thompson but they’re all gangsters, so there’s no one you can totally trust.

So what compelled you to write a record on your own and what was it like working with musicians outside of The Hold Steady?

We took a few months off and so I needed something to do. These songs didn’t really fit the band. They’re much quieter. Especially in a live setting it’s so loud you wonder if you’re even being heard, so I had the idea to do something quieter. I was writing songs and it just seemed like the right thing to do. It was exciting to work with new people, put yourself in a challenging situation. I didn’t know any of the musicians, so that was a unique, new experience and I think it made me better as a musician.

What was the song-writing process like for you on this album?

I wrote roughly 50 songs, then cut it down to 25 that I sent to the producer. Rather than sitting there waiting for inspiration, it was a way to create something that you could improve upon rather than try to write something right away. You can always go back and edit…I think it’s the idea of, you know, this doesn’t have to be awesome right now.

You recorded this album in just five days. Are you surprised at how quickly it came together? 

It was sort of by design. It took longer to get the whole thing captured, but we wanted to make a record where we’re capturing people right as they’re hearing it for the first time. I think you get more emotional performances, and there’s a discovery when people are playing that makes for an exciting, really cool sound when people come together for the first time.

What can you tell us about the new Hold Steady Album, and do you think the more subdued tone of the solo album will have any influence on its sound?

We’ve got about ten songs, and we usually get 20 or 24 before we go into the studio. I really hope to have it out by the end of this year. I don’t think the style will change at all. The Holdy Steady is the The Hold Steady.

In March, you’re going to be touring with The Felice Brothers around Europe. Have you ever thought about what band you’d most like to tour with?

I’ve opened for a lot of them. The Rolling Stones, that was always the first and foremost, and we’ve done that. I’d say [Bruce] Springsteen, but with bigger bands the audience isn’t always that receptive to you. I’ve always wanted to play My Morning Jacket, that’s probably a more attainable goal.

There are some big festivals with yet unnamed performers coming to the Twin Cities this year. Should we expect to see The Hold Steady take the stage locally?

I’m not really sure what we’re doing this summer. But I will say that when I go see bands, I’m pretty happy to see them in clubs. There’s a certain asshole factor at festivals.

+ Learn more about Craig Finn’s new album and tour at steadycraig.tumblr.com.