Finn Wolfhard releases debut solo album Happy Birthday, marking a defining moment in his music career as he branches out from his established success on Stranger Things and previous band projects. Released last Friday, the album showcases Wolfhard’s evolution as a songwriter and draws from his love for classic indie rock, giving fans an intimate look into his creative process and influences.
Originally known for his role as one of the stars of Stranger Things, Finn Wolfhard has nurtured a parallel path as a musician, cultivating his passion from his early days in Vancouver. Throughout his acting career, Wolfhard has been an avid fan of a diverse array of bands, and music has remained tightly interwoven with his personal and professional journey. Before his solo endeavor, he kicked off his musical pursuits as a member of Calpurnia and later as part of the Aubreys, collaborating with Calpurnia’s drummer Malcolm Craig. This new release, however, marks Wolfhard’s move into the spotlight as an individual artist.
How a Creative Challenge Sparked the Making of “Happy Birthday”
The inception of Happy Birthday stems from a personal challenge Wolfhard set for himself back in 2022: to write 50 songs in a single year. His motivation behind this ambitious goal was to push himself to write more consistently and to improve as a songwriter. The challenge led to the generation of numerous tracks and provided the foundation for this solo album. When asked about the origin of this idea, Wolfhard candidly explained his motivation for self-improvement and his desire to maintain a steady creative output without imposing rigid limitations on style or genre.
Although he experimented with various instruments and tried out new equipment, Wolfhard kept most of the compositions rooted in a singer-songwriter, indie rock sensibility. He did not venture into dance music or other genres that diverged from his signature sound. The process allowed him to expand his sonic palette while remaining true to his musical identity.
The Ongoing Role of The Aubreys and Why Go Solo Now
Some songs created during the challenge found a home with the Aubreys, Wolfhard’s project with Malcolm Craig. However, Wolfhard clarified that the Aubreys are not on hiatus; scheduling conflicts, primarily due to Malcolm’s academic commitments and Finn’s travels, have delayed new collaborative work. A new Aubreys album is planned for the future, but for now, Happy Birthday stands as a distinctly personal project. Wolfhard explained that while logistics played a part in the decision, the songs on this album felt particularly suited to a solo effort, offering him both autonomy and a chance to experiment creatively.
Recording with Kai Slater and Embracing Analog Techniques
Most of the nine tracks on Happy Birthday were co-produced with Kai Slater, known for his work in the bands Lifeguard and Sharp Pins. The collaboration introduced a unique recording process, with sessions held at Kai’s apartment and practice space in Chicago, capturing the energy of the city’s vibrant indie scene. Much of the album was recorded on four-track and eight-track cassette tape, embracing the imperfections that come with analog technology. This hands-on method encouraged Wolfhard to accept unpredictability and fostered a handmade quality throughout the record.
Wolfhard described how the dynamic recording environment shifted between solo takes, collaborations with Kai Slater, and contributions from Chicago-based musicians. The process culminated with final overdubs at the Palisade studio, rounding out the project with contributions from the region’s talented artists. Through this collaborative spirit, Wolfhard and Slater captured a sound steeped in authenticity and raw musical energy.
Channeling Influences from ’80s and ’90s Indie Rock
Happy Birthday carries a distinctive lo-fi guitar-pop feel, taking inspiration from cult icons like Guided By Voices and Big Star. Wolfhard reflected on the allure of pre-Y2K indie rock, particularly its less produced, authentic aesthetic. Artists from this era, he noted, delivered music that felt genuine and unpolished, an approach that appeals to his sense of honest storytelling and creative freedom. Recording on tape, in particular, drew out what Wolfhard described as a “non-perfectionist” approach, embracing flaws as part of the artistic process.
This reverence for indie rock’s past is echoed in the resurgence of similar influences among Wolfhard’s contemporaries, including the Lifeguard and Horsegirl scene in Chicago and the bands emerging from Asheville, such as Wednesday and MJ Linderman. Wolfhard observed that many of his generation’s artists share an appreciation for strong melodies, a characteristic inherited from earlier decades, especially the melodic rock of the ’60s, reinterpreted through a ’90s lens.
Origin of Collaboration with Kai Slater
The partnership with Kai Slater began through a mutual friend, Cadien Lake James, best known from the band Twin Peaks. James introduced the two, recognizing their shared creative drive. Wolfhard encountered Slater after watching Lifeguard play at an in-store performance, an experience that left a significant impression and inspired Wolfhard to pursue his own new musical chapter. Impressed by Sharp Pins’ output, Wolfhard saw in Slater the right collaborator for bringing Happy Birthday to fruition. Slater’s prolific nature and complementary musical taste helped shape the direction and sound of the album.
Oh, you have to meet this kid named Kai. He’s super prolific and amazing, and I think you guys would get along really well.
—Cadien Lake James, Musician
The collaboration highlights the close-knit, supportive nature of the indie music community, where introductions and friendships often spark creative growth and unexpected artistic partnerships. Wolfhard credits James for making the initial connection and acknowledges the influence Twin Peaks and its members have had on the broader indie rock landscape.
Stranger Things, Music Videos, and Notable Friendships
Beyond his solo album, Finn Wolfhard continues to maintain a robust presence in various creative fields. Alongside his band projects, he has appeared in music videos for established acts such as PUP and Weezer, blending his talents across acting and music. He maintains close connections with artists like Mac DeMarco, drawing inspiration and creative energy from these friendships. Despite the demands of his acting career, especially with Stranger Things, Wolfhard finds motivation in balancing multiple artistic lanes, with his solo venture serving as a natural extension of his lifelong love for music.
The Impact of “Happy Birthday” on Finn Wolfhard’s Artistic Identity
The release of Happy Birthday solidifies Finn Wolfhard’s standing as more than just an actor turned musician; it positions him as an emerging figure among his generation’s indie artists. The album’s lo-fi approach and candid songwriting reflect his personal journey and the influence of his community, from bandmates like Malcolm Craig to collaborators like Kai Slater and Cadien Lake James. As he tours with the Slaps as his backing band, Wolfhard’s ability to navigate between acting and music continues to shape both industries, inspiring fans and peers alike.
With plans for future projects, including a possible new record from the Aubreys and continued collaborations with fellow musicians, Finn Wolfhard’s debut solo album signals not just a milestone but the beginning of a new, creatively rich chapter—one that underscores the enduring connection between music, personal growth, and collective artistic exploration.
