College is a time to branch out and develop new relationships, often with peers who have the same interests and passions as you.
If you’re lucky, you can form an indie rock band, end up traveling the country and leaving a profound mark on the Idaho music scene. This happened for three University of Idaho students not so long ago.
The trio calls themselves Finn Riggins, and they’ve made name for themselves in the underground indie music scene across the U.S.. The band is comprised of Cameron Bouiss, Eric Gilbert and Lisa Simpson, all music students and graduates of UI.
After becoming friends and participating in a number of musical endeavors in the early 2000s, all of their collaborating was refined down to the trio in 2006.
They moved to Hailey, Idaho to focus on writing, recording and touring. Since then, Finn Riggins has been signed on the Portland-based record label, Tender Loving Empire, released two Eps, two full length albums and have traveled almost constantly. In 2007 Finn Riggins averaged 150 plus days on the road every year and performed in 43 states leading up to 2012.
“We all thrive on playing live and love connecting with people that way,” Gilbert said.
Finn Riggins took their first extended break starting in August 2013, so that Gilbert and Simpson could focus on having their first child, a little girl named Vera June. They added a new member – bassist Travis Ward – in August 2014, and are just now starting to tour again, making Moscow one of their first stops.
“Since we’ve been touring less, we’ve channeled a lot of that experience and knowledge into a commitment of really helping to strengthen and broaden the Idaho music scene,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert promotes local artists at venues throughout Boise year-round and was instrumental in the creation of the Treefort Music Fest. As a band, Finn Riggins has made an effort to perform a number of benefit shows and encourage their fellow musicians to do the same. They believe that beyond the music, it is important to play an active part in their community.
There is no doubt that Finn Riggins has a passion for what they do, and they live to share their joy with fellow musicians, the greater Idahoan population and beyond.
“It has been an incredible adventure to explore the country like we have, and to get to know so many amazing musicians and to watch our friends succeed on so many levels,” Gilbert said. “I’d say our favorite parts are the music parts, the community building parts and the travel parts.”
Finn Riggins is currently working on their third full-length album and are planning to play occasional shows in the region in the near future.
Finn Riggins performed a free concert in the UI Commons as part of the university’s Homecoming festivities yesterday and will perform again tonight at John’s Alley Tavern on East Sixth Street in Moscow.
Lyndsie Kiebert can be reached at [email protected]