Fink Brings Decades of Industry Experience to BIMM University Berlin Masterclass
English singer/songwriter Fin Greenall, better known by his stage name Fink, visited BIMM University Berlin on Friday, 13 March to deliver an exclusive masterclass on artist survival and longevity.
His career has spanned several decades, collaborating with top-tier musicians like Amy Winehouse, John Legend, and André 3000. In 2010, his work on Legend’s track ‘Green Light’ earned him a BMI Songwriter award, with the video now boasting over 51 million views on YouTube.
Greenall’s songs have also appeared in major TV series, including The Walking Dead, House, Suits, and The Blacklist.
Check out our video recap on our instagram page.
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In the masterclass, Fink covered a variety of topics involving the unseen aspects of career musicianship.
With the primary focus on songwriters, he shared his wealth of touring experience and knowledge with students, providing tips on how to stay creative in the long-term and avoid burnout, how to stay relevant in today’s rapidly evolving music industry, and how to deal with the “rollercoaster” of fame and success.
Our key takeaways:
1. The importance of authenticity
He stressed that in today’s music industry, it is crucial to remain truthful to yourself, protecting your own processes and USPs that set you apart from other artists.
2. Roles in collaboration
Fink called upon the successful collaborations throughout his career and stressed that when collaborating and co-writing, it is crucial to know why you are there and what you are expected to bring to the table to allow for a more cohesive creative flow.
3. ‘Never Play to the Gallery’
Quoting the late David Bowie, to avoid ‘playing to the gallery’ simply means never to bow to audience expectations, and always be authentic with yourself. Originality is key in today’s music industry, and that must always be taken into account when setting up your image as an artist.
As a regular collaborator with BIMM University Berlin, we look forward to welcoming Fink back in the near future.
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