Finn Wiest

Biography

“Very tasteful and musical.” — Pablo Held

German-born drummer Finn Wiest is a highly sought-after sideman and bandleader based in New York City. Known for his nuanced musicality and dynamic touch, Finn has performed on renowned stages worldwide, including Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, Birdland, Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center, Konzerthaus Berlin, and the Philharmonie Cologne.

Born in Biberach an der Riss, Germany, Finn began playing drums at age four. A recipient of numerous national and international awards, his early career saw him performing with the Youth Jazz Orchestra of Baden-Wuerttemberg, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (BuJazzO), and the prestigious Gutenberg Jazz Collective, where he collaborated with luminaries such as Billy Hart, Ben Street, Kris Davis, Becca Stevens, and Ingrid Jensen. He went on to study at the Conservatory of Cologne under Jonas Burgwinkel and Michael Küttner before moving to New York in 2022 to complete his Master’s studies at The City College of New York with Carl Allen, Steve Wilson, and Mike Holober.

As an active international performer and educator, Finn has toured and recorded with leading figures in jazz, including Ray Gallon, Pablo Held, Florian Ross, Tyreek McDole, Pat O’Leary, and Gabrielle Stravelli. In 2024, he served as an assistant teacher for CCNY’s Bachelor’s ensembles and led a masterclass and trio residency at the Struttin Jazz Lab in Mexico City.

His accolades include a composition award at Avignon’s Tremplin Jazz (2022) for his quintet and finalist honors at the Biberacher Jazzpreis (2020) with Hat Trio. Finn’s discography includes Stefan Schöler Trio’s Wiedersehen (Unit Records, 2021), Pablo Held’s Meet Me At The Loft (Hopalit Records, 2022), and Melissa Pinto’s Proyecto Colonia (2022). In March 2025, he released his debut album as a leader, Aurora.