"Islanders" is the result of FINKEL's retreat to their hometown of Mackinac Island, MI, in the early winter of 2021 for a journey of self-discovery and a deep exploration of their roots. The album seamlessly integrates sound samples from the island's natural environment—snapping sticks, crashing waves, island wildlife, and the formation and cracking of ice. In addition, it incorporates sounds from the unique modes of transportation on Mackinac Island, including snowmobiles, ferry boats, horses, and 6-seater airplanes.
FINKEL engaged with the local community by conducting interviews with residents of Mackinac Island, a dynamic population of around 500, to gather lyrical themes for the record. "Islanders" is an invitation for anyone curious about Mackinac Island to experience it from the inside out, offering a creation born from complete immersion in one of the world's most distinctive communities. Gain a glimpse into Mackinac Island during the winter months through the linked local television segment here.
The process of creating "Islanders" was documented by filmmakers who followed FINKEL throughout the songwriting journey. The resulting record not only serves as the soundtrack to the documentary, also titled "Islanders," but the entire experience has been transformed into a feature-length documentary distributed by Kamikaze Dogfight.
