Finn Wolfhard discusses his musical influences and playlist as he embarks on a new chapter in his creative life, blending his deep passion for music with his continuing success as an actor. With Stranger Things drawing to a close, Wolfhard opens up about the records that inspired him, the albums shaping his debut solo LP, and how his taste has evolved over the years.
Shifting From Acting to Indie Music Ambitions
While Finn Wolfhard is best known for playing Mike Wheeler—a devoted, loyal friend in Netflix’s Stranger Things—his journey could have easily followed a different path on Vancouver’s indie scene. In this reality, however, his fame has helped spotlight his genuine love for music, connecting him with fans through public playlists and memorable moments, including performing onstage with Mac DeMarco.
Wolfhard imagines an alternative direction, explaining his ties to Vancouver and the appeal of grassroots music circles.
“I would like to think that if my acting career didn’t randomly take off, I would be trying to be really present and cultivate a scene in Vancouver,”
—Finn Wolfhard, Actor/Musician. Even with stardom, he has retained a deep respect for the energy and authenticity of independently organized shows and small, passionate communities.
Discovering Inspiration and Seeking Creative Control
Now, as Stranger Things comes to its conclusion, Wolfhard is turning his focus toward fulfilling his dream of being an indie musician. His first solo LP, Happy Birthday, is set for release on June 6, recorded alongside Chicago’s Kai Slater—known for his work with bands like Sharp Pins and Lifeguard. Unlike his work with prior groups—Calpurnia and The Aubreys—Happy Birthday stands out for its personal lyrics and Wolfhard’s hands-on involvement.
Speaking about his evolving ambitions and his outlook on collaboration in the arts, Wolfhard is clear about his desire for creative input and control.
“Acting is so great because you get a different kind of collaboration, but in the end, it’s not your story,”
—Finn Wolfhard, Actor/Musician. He elaborates on the joy of teamwork and making art:
“But directing and making records with people feels like a similar part of my brain, or my life, where it’s like you’re getting a group of these amazing people and you’re trying to make something together. To me, that’s the most fun part about making anything.”
—Finn Wolfhard, Actor/Musician.
This shift to creative leadership has also informed his growing interest in directing, highlighted by his work on the horror film Hell of a Summer, released in April. Wolfhard’s new role as an auteur cements his identity as an artist keen on shaping his own narrative—whether on screen, behind the camera, or on stage.
The Music That Shaped Finn Wolfhard’s Artistic Identity
In conversation about the albums that left a mark on his journey, Wolfhard reveals an eclectic but deeply personal set of influences. As a child, his early exposure to The Beatles proved transformative, courtesy of his mother loading their album Help! onto her iPod for him. He recalls becoming so enamored with the entire Beatles catalog—especially their first four albums and film crossovers—that he gained an appreciation for multidimensional creativity among artists.
Weezer’s self-titled Blue Album marks another defining moment: Wolfhard deems it “gigantic” in its impact. He also points to punk band PUP’s debut as an entry point into a grittier, more visceral side of alternative and punk music, describing how the raw energy of “Reservoir” expanded his perspective on the genre and what music could achieve.
First purchases often signal lasting influence, and for Wolfhard, they include buying Coldplay’s X&Y at a used CD shop and receiving Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs on vinyl. These milestones narrate his evolving taste and penchant for emotionally resonant songwriting that bridges alternative, indie, and mainstream sounds.
Recreating the Energy of Legendary Music Scenes
Wolfhard expresses deep curiosity and admiration for historical music communities—namely, the Minneapolis scene that gave rise to The Replacements and Prince, or the Factory Records-driven Manchester of the 1980s. He fantasizes about attending a week’s worth of iconic shows, stating:
“I’m going to see The Replacements on Wednesday, and then I’m going to go see Prince on Saturday.”
—Finn Wolfhard, Actor/Musician.
He also reminisces about the vibrant local music scene in Vancouver decades ago, referencing stories from his parents about catching The Clash and Ramones in intimate venues. Wolfhard notes with nostalgia that today’s interconnected digital era makes it difficult to recreate the sense of discovery and the mystique that once surrounded emerging bands.
Albums and Songs That Fuel His Present Work
Wolfhard’s playlist and musical recommendations today include Alvvays’ Blue Rev and Sharp Pins’ Radio DDR—albums he describes as flawless, with no weak tracks. He also calls out the band Women’s self-titled LP and The Replacements’ Tim as benchmarks in his listening habits.
Regarding music in film, Wolfhard highlights School of Rock for its well-chosen needle drops (“Roadrunner” by Jonathan Richman, “Stay Free” by The Clash) and praises Edgar Wright’s The World’s End for its solid soundtrack moments, notably featuring the Happy Mondays.
Memorable concert experiences have also left their stamp. Wolfhard recalls the energy of a PUP show in Seattle at age 11 and legendary performances by Twin Peaks at Audiotree and during their KEXP sessions. These live encounters continue to shape his approach to performing and songwriting.
Collaborative relationships run deep in his creative journey: Clay Frankel (Twin Peaks frontman) designed the cover for Happy Birthday, while Stefan Babcock of PUP and Frankel himself serve as Wolfhard’s guiding lights in terms of stage presence and frontmanship.
Personal Mementos and Unforgettable Gifts
One of Wolfhard’s most treasured possessions is a Replacements tour T-shirt, gifted by Winona Ryder, whose own connections to the Minneapolis scene and friendships with figures like Paul Westerberg tie in directly with Wolfhard’s musical roots. Ryder knew of his fandom and surprised him with the rare piece of memorabilia, making it a unique artifact that connects generations of alternative rock appreciation.
Songs Topping His Current Playlist
Wolfhard’s playlist captures both the nostalgic and the contemporary, compiled from favorites and collaborations alike. Picks include “Dreams Tonite” by Alvvays, “Pot Kettle Black” by Wilco, “Bye Bye Basil” from his collaborator Kai Slater’s project Sharp Pins, and Feist’s “1234,” which he describes as the quintessential pop song. These tracks remain on repeat as he continues to draw inspiration and enjoyment from each listen.
Lyrics, Themes, and Emotional Honesty in ‘Happy Birthday’
Wolfhard takes pride in the introspective tone of Happy Birthday, particularly referencing the phrasing in “Everytown there’s a darling” and the opening to “Choose the latter.” He shares a favorite line:
“If there was a choice / To be scraping by / On my own time.”
—Finn Wolfhard, Musician. Such lyrics reflect his ongoing self-examination and the emotional questions he asks about identity and future directions. He shares that the song “Choose the latter” captures a mix of happiness and anxiety, tying together uncertainty and self-discovery as central themes in his new work.
Looking Ahead: Finn Wolfhard’s Musical Path
As Finn Wolfhard prepares for the release of his debut solo LP and continues refining his creative voice, he draws from a foundation built on diverse influences and pivotal moments in music history. From cherished records by The Beatles and The Replacements to close collaborations with artists like Kai Slater and Clay Frankel, Wolfhard’s journey remains grounded in connection, experimentation, and reverence for the power of honest storytelling in art. His evolving playlist, shaped by both nostalgia and a sharp curiosity for what’s next, marks the beginning of a compelling new chapter for the young artist.
