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Q&A with Tim Finn

Tim Finn stands as one of our (okay, New Zealand's) most beloved singers and songwriters. From his solo career, his brief but memorable stint with brother Neil in Crowded House to his defining work with Split Enz, Finn is one of the most praised and admired artists of the last 30 years. With ventures into film, theatre, musicals, as well as a new record deal and album [The View is Worth the Climb] under his belt, Tim Finn is as passionate and remarkable as ever.

Ahead of his one-off performance at the gorgeous scenary of Adelaide's Bird in Hand Winery, Tim Finn took some time to answer questions with Glam Adelaide music writer Gianni Borrelli.

GB: You signed a publishing deal with ABC Music Australia earlier this year; can we expect a plethora of new music from you in the years to come?

TF: It was a record deal for this one album, The View is Worth the Climb. I am still finding inspiration in the 3 minute song. Writing is very pleasurable, although challenging and elusive sometimes!

GB: The title track of your recent album The View Is Worth The Climb was co-written by Megan Washington. An unlikely pairing to say the least, but how did you two begin working together?

TF: Megan toured with me prior to her first album [I Believe You Liar] being released. She’s talented and funny, and I figured we could write together. I had a chorus; she had a verse. They fitted together and that was that!

GB: Were you a fan of her music?

TF: I had only found out about her on that tour, but I was immediately impressed.

GB: Your 2009 retrospective North, South, East, West… Anthology featured reworked versions of past songs. Why did you wait until then to revisit some of your work?

TF: I revisit my old songs constantly, as people who come to my live shows know. I enjoy re-working them and have played a lot of them acoustically, as a duo, trio, quarter, with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra… It just gets better.

GB: There’s always been a keen overseas interest for your work, be it as a solo artist or as a collective. Was that something you had always set out to achieve or just a happy accident?

TF: I did set out with Split Enz to find an audience outside Australasia, but most of the time the best things always happen by accident, despite yourself!

GB: What is it about Crowded House’s music that leaves it so freely open to musical interpretation and to be so immediate even when being covered?

TF: Simple – A good song is a good song.

GB: Do you have a favourite cover of one of your own songs?

TF: I’m not sure on Crowded House songs (there are so many) but Missy Higgins doing ‘Stuff and Nonsense’ from the Split Enz album Frenzy is one.

GB: Performing at Bird in Hand Winery in 2012 should be magical. They’ve hosted some impressive names in the last year. What is the allure of performing at a venue surrounded by vineyards?

TF: It’s a great setting, an all ages crowd. Everybody is happy!

What else is on the cards in 2012 for Tim Finn?

TF: I’m currently doing some soundtrack work on a movie, developing a theatre work and also a film musical!

Tim Finn will play one night only at the Bird in Hand Winery on February 25, 2012
Tickets are available through Foxtix on 1300 GET TIX or www.foxtix.com.au
Visit www.starsinhand.com.au for more info

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