Finn Wolfhard, best known for his performance in Stranger Things, has released his lo-fi indie rock album Happy Birthday, launching a solo music journey after years with bands Calpurnia and The Aubreys. The album, crafted with clear influence from Wolfhard’s favorite bands and shaped by personal reflection, marks a significant step in the actor-musician’s evolution in 2025.
Transitioning from Acting to Solo Music Venture
Wolfhard, who has made a name for himself as Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things and as co-director of the horror-comedy Hell of a Summer, brings serious musical credentials to his latest work. He previously fronted Calpurnia, a Canadian indie rock group, for two years until the band’s disbandment in 2019. Wolfhard then collaborated with former Calpurnia drummer Malcolm Craig as part of the duo The Aubreys for five years, before turning his creative energy toward a solo career culminating in Happy Birthday.
The Influences Shaping Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday exudes a playful, self-aware energy reminiscent of the bands Wolfhard admires. There is a sense that if his Stranger Things character, Mike Wheeler, left Hawkins, Indiana behind, his collegiate playlists would mirror the energetic sound of Wolfhard’s new album. Influences from Nirvana, Descendants, Green Day, and even pinches of The Beatles are evident throughout, resulting in music that radiates enjoyment while maintaining its authenticity and focus.
Wolfhard appears to have built the album in line with the philosophy embraced by many of his fellow artists—creating what he personally loves to hear. The end product is an easy-listening, fun-filled collection, simple on the surface yet hiding deeper creative accomplishment within each track.
An Ambitious Songwriting Challenge
The conception of Happy Birthday began with a personal challenge: Wolfhard tasked himself with writing 50 songs by the end of 2022. From this extensive self-imposed catalog, he handpicked the nine tracks that form his debut album. Despite the risk of uneven results due to this fast-paced approach, Wolfhard’s album maintains a consistent feel whether he leans into upbeat pop-rock or explores more introspective, folk-inspired tunes.
This new album forms part of Wolfhard’s journey to discover himself as an artist in 2025, a process that has included directing the film Hell of a Summer. However, while his work behind the camera is a significant milestone, Happy Birthday stands out as a project that is directly and deeply personal. The music gives listeners a clear look at Wolfhard as not only a performer, but also a storyteller expressing his own life experiences.
Modesty and Personality in the Music
Although Happy Birthday is undeniably a personal statement, it does not come across as an ego trip. The songs are grounded in Wolfhard’s own anxieties and quirks, delivering stories at varying tempos. Tracks like “Crown,” “Eat,” and “Objection!” showcase his more energetic side, while songs such as “You,” “Everytown There’s A Darling,” and “Trailers After Dark” provide moments of reflection. What stands out is Wolfhard’s ability to articulate vulnerability and emotion, even in the midst of lively, guitar-driven rhythms.
I still have a lisp / I still have some fans / But I never thought I’d dream of you,
—Finn Wolfhard, from the song “Crown”
With this lyric, Wolfhard offers a charmingly democratic approach—even as he imagines a crown, he asks for permission with humility instead of simply assuming he deserves it. There is a playfulness here rarely seen in songs about personal ascent or fame, especially from young artists navigating their relationship to celebrity.
The Tension and Positivity Running Through the Album
The single “Crown” encapsulates the blend of anxiety and optimism that defines much of Finn Wolfhard’s music. Whether the song addresses his acting career or his relationship with popularity, its catchy, upbeat melody contrasts with the nervous energy of the lyrics, highlighting Wolfhard’s habit of examining difficult emotions through a positive lens. This approach is visible on other tracks as well, notably “Objection!,” where he takes a more introspective and refreshingly self-critical stance than many of his contemporaries.
And what did I do / To make me hate you so much?
—Finn Wolfhard, from the song “Objection!”
Here, Wolfhard breaks from the conventional narrative of heartache in indie rock, choosing instead to examine his own part in emotional conflict, rather than assigning blame. This self-questioning sets his lyrics apart, demonstrating maturity and a willingness to broach uncomfortable topics with candor.
Sentimental Side and Artistic Growth
“Eat,” another standout on Happy Birthday, explores the push and pull of passion and frustration, set against dynamic guitar and snare drums. It is a track that could have easily followed “Objection!” in the album’s sequence, as both deal with personal contradictions and internal back-and-forth.
Back and forth / Switching hate to desire,
—Finn Wolfhard, from the song “Eat”
Through such lyrics, Wolfhard displays the sentimental core that runs through Happy Birthday, highlighting not only his laid-back sensibility, but also his instinctive skill as a songwriter comfortable working in the lo-fi indie rock space.
Context and Cultural Connections
As Wolfhard explores new creative ground, his career continues to intersect with film, television, and music. The legacy of past work with Calpurnia, and his partnerships with talents like Malcolm Craig, feed directly into his current sound as he channels both classic and contemporary influences. In this sense, Happy Birthday not only reflects Wolfhard’s own story, but embodies a broader moment where young artists like him are expanding their horizons and reshaping expectations about what it means to be multi-talented.
Mention of cultural milestones such as the characters of Mike Wheeler and Andy Crump’s cinematic coverage, as well as bands like Nirvana, Green Day, and The Beatles, reminds listeners that Wolfhard’s work fits into a greater tradition while also carving out something uniquely his own.
Significance and What Lies Ahead
Finn Wolfhard’s move into solo music with Happy Birthday shows a strong understanding of lo-fi indie rock, proving that his creative ambitions extend far beyond acting. The album serves as evidence of growth and experimentation, capturing moments of joy, uncertainty, and warmth with a blend of humility and energy.
Given Wolfhard’s background and his drive to challenge himself artistically, Happy Birthday could signal the start of a vibrant new chapter in his career, one where he continues to push boundaries in both music and film. The positive reception for this debut suggests that Wolfhard’s influence in both arenas will only grow in the coming years, setting the stage for what comes next from this evolving performer.
