Finnia Griffiths – Rock ‘n Roll

The biggest joy I get from this adventure I am on is discovering “New to me” musicians/bands and the subsequent friendships that develop thereafter. I had seen Finnia in the audience of various concerts prior to seeing her on stage. February 14, 2023, I finally got to see and hear her on stage. She is a confirmation of the vast talent in this city. Finnia, this story is yours!

1). Who is Finnia?

A wife, mother and a Rock’n’roll gramma. Lived in Austin since 2005

I grew up in a small Gulf Coast town in a large family of 5 sisters.  Both my mom and dad  were music lovers who had a huge record collection from the 50s through the 80’s, a mix of all genre R&B, classical, old Rock’n’roll and Latin music.  Some of my fondest memories as a child were watching my sisters singing and dancing showing off their talent, but I was the quiet extremely shy child and never would have thought music entertainment would be such a passionate experience in my life today. That all changed when I was in my early teens after I heard my best friends brother playing with his heavy metal band and that moment inspired me to want to learn to play electric guitar. I saved up enough money when I was 13 and bought my first electric guitar a Les Paul copy then began teaching myself to play after being told by  boys at school that girls don’t play electric guitar. At first I thought it was true till MTV came out then I heard a voice in my head saying that girls can do anything boys can do. 

Houston had free concerts and I saw a lot of bands with women guitar players such as Heart, Joan Jett, and Lita Ford to name a few who all inspired me and paved the way for many girls. I never got to the pro level, after becoming a wife and mom in my 20s which was a full time job .I am very grateful and blessed to be who I am today. 

2). What are you current projects?

I’m a guitarist in Dogs and Diamonds an original all female power trio heavy hitting hard core punk rock band also guitarist in Ready Betty an all-female Rockabilly 50s 60s cover band. Bassist for the legendary Danny B Harvey and the Jazzabilly Blues band.  I also volunteer for GirlsRock Atx band camp during the summer as a band coach bass& guitar instructor.  When I’m not playing or teaching I am supporting other local musicians.                                 

3). Give me your interpretation of the Austin Music Scene of the past, present and your hope for the future. 

In the late 80’s early 90s I began coming to Austin to visit my oldest son’s grandmother who was a huge part of the Austin music scene with her own music being in her late 40s she inspired me to bring my music back into life after 20 years of being a domestic goddess. Austin has changed so much. It’s becoming unaffordable for musicians to survive to live here.  I remember parking for free on 6th street all the venues were packed every day of the week with original music and you could walk from club to club with a drink in your hand and never felt unsafe.  N.& S Lamar was a two lane road with no streetlights all the way to downtown I miss the old Austin music capital.  It’s still a great city and the future is looking brighter as long as we continue to support our local artists by doing our best to share , listen, buy there music and merch but most importantly got to a show!!!                                   

4). A.I. and music, your thoughts.

My thoughts are that real live humans make real live music.     

5). What is the question you never been asked?

Will I ever stop loving music? The answer is no ! Music is my super power, my medicine that helps me come to grips with my feelings and emotions. It releases stress from life’s pain. Experiencing music has shown me inner tranquility for developing love and compassion through a song . It gives me inspiration to have hope to believe in something. It is a total workout for my brain, key to memorizing, developing creativity, and lastly music is my social bonding entertainment with my granddaughters. 🤘🎶❤️