We are a creative collective based in Des Moines, Iowa. We create incredible design, film, animation & brand identity.

Songwriting, the music business, and the meaning of life.

Posted: January 20th, 2011 | Author: finnmiles | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | No Comments »

At some point in every musician’s life they reach a point where they struggle with justifying their craft and therefore their existence. For me this happens around 10:30am, 2:45pm, and 11pm, daily. It is perhaps, a symptom of life-as-we-know-it in the modern/post-modern age. “What’s the point?” Is it the pursuit of celebrity, or ego? Fame, riches? There certainly must be a better way.

I am small.

A stage name, vinyl pants, a theater of dishonesty, and sycophantic behavior …seriously? The great leveling off of the music business may separate the shallow fame-grubbers from the everyday craftspeople. What is greater than everyday beauty? The best songs are folk songs (whether rap, country, reggae). They become songs of the people; a cultural treasure. Owned by all who have lips to sing, and ears to hear.

I’ve wrestled with methods of making money with music, and I’ve wrestled with how to make music perfectly free. While wrestling with these concepts I have distilled a few vital things:

1. I don’t really need much money to make music and be happy.
2. I love writing songs and will continue to create music…no matter what.
3. The ridiculous compulsion that drives #2 might be a clue to “the meaning of life” for me.

4. Existence may be its own reward.
5. The opportunity to create and share beauty is a noble pursuit, even if you need to “keep your day job.”

That’s it for now.

Go hug a musician today.


A list of ten highly regarded albums

Posted: January 16th, 2011 | Author: finnmiles | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »

Inspiration…right here. Do research. Follow these bands. Go to their concerts. These are some of the greatest albums, and greatest Singer/Songwriter albums.

Andrew Bird – The Mysterious Production of Eggs
Sufjan Stevens – Michigan
Ray Lamontagne – Trouble
Over the Rhine – Good Dog, Bad Dog
Tom Petty – Wildflowers
U2 – The Joshua Tree
Van Morrison – Moondance
Bob Dylan – Blood on the Tracks
Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
Elliott Smith – Either/Or


Localize Your Listening

Posted: January 10th, 2011 | Author: finnmiles | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Just an FYI – there are a couple of Central Iowa radio stations that tout local and regional talent on a regular basis. Both of these fine stations play Finn Miles music, and both are open to requests or receiving feedback.

Check these guys out!

Channel Q – Ames, IA

Capital 106.3 – Des Moines, IA


Join the list

Posted: January 8th, 2011 | Author: finnmiles | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | No Comments »

FYI – we have an email list signup form (in the righthand sidebar).

Join the list and we’ll give you a link to a free song from our latest, greatest album.

The song “Right by my side” is a sweet little ditty inspired by Romeo and Juliet…sign up and enjoy the new music!

Plus, there will be goodies and brief monthly updates straight from Finn Miles – just for the lucky folks on our email list. Join the club!


FMR RNP – Incredible Pre-amp, Great Company

Posted: January 7th, 2011 | Author: finnmiles | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , | No Comments »

FMR Audio are the nicest folks.

I bought a FMR RNP (really nice preamp) off Ebay and it was missing a knob. I called up Mark McQuilken and he said he’d send me some knobs right away (even though I bought it used) and reiterated that they’re interested in keeping the RNP up and running at it’s full ability.

Wow. Who does that?

I love the preamp; it’s really highly rated and it really fits my mobile recording system nicely. I highly suggested FMR products; I’ve used the RNP and the RNLA with great success.

Ladies and gentlemen take notes…this is how you do customer service!


Finn Miles on iTunes

Posted: December 23rd, 2010 | Author: finnmiles | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »

Our new EP Modern Saints on now on iTunes. Listen today!

Modern Saints - EP - Finn Miles


Modern Saints EP – Released

Posted: December 21st, 2010 | Author: finnmiles | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Enjoy the new music from Finn Miles. Buy the album at a show or online…right here!


We have our own Finn Miles radio station.

Posted: December 20th, 2010 | Author: finnmiles | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

It’s Finn Miles radio on last.fm. You can listen to Finn Miles and other music like ours by clicking here.


Finn Miles “Modern Saints” EP Release – Scented Vinyl @ Mars Cafe

Posted: December 20th, 2010 | Author: finnmiles | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , | No Comments »

As expected, we had an incredible time with Dan Bosman of “Scented Vinyl” at the Mars Cafe for our Modern Saints EP release celebration. Dan spun some great records as we chatted about our new EP, releasing the new CD from the box in front of the crowd, prompting one participant to wave money until he got THE FIRST CD.

Celebration continued with free CDs for the band and design team, as well as a mini-acoustic show that ended in a chorus of applause and hoots.

We love you guys…thanks for making it fun!


Modern Saints EP – New Music From Finn Miles

Posted: December 16th, 2010 | Author: finnmiles | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Join us for a weekend of unabashed celebration!