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Known for his part in legendary Australasian bands Split Enz and Crowded House, as well as for Finn Brothers with younger sibling and frequent bandmate Neil Finn, Tim Finn is also recognised for witty, insightful solo material.
Having led chart-topping art rock/new wave outfit Split Enz since 1972, the success of Tim’s solo debut in 1983 signaled the end of the group, whose remaining members — including Neil issued their final album in 1984. Neil then stepped into the role of singer and main songwriter, and he subsequently launched the even more successful Crowded House in 1985. Tim briefly joined the group as guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist then resumed his solo career by releasing several popular albums. Tim also managed a pair of wide-ranging full-length collaborations with Roxy Music guitarist, Phil Manzanera.
Early Beginnings: The Formation of Split Enz
Brian Timothy Finn was born in New Zealand in 1952. Studying at the University of Auckland in 1971 , he started jamming in practice rooms with friends. Inspired not only by British Invasion acts like the Beatles and the Kinks, Tim dropped out of school the following year to pursue music, forming Split Enz. Tim was the main songwriting force of the band’s early years and their first single, “For You”/”Split Ends,” was released in 1973. In 1974, the group’s shows took on a theatrical tone, as the bandmembers wore wild, colorful costumes and sported a variety of hairdos. Finn acted as master of ceremonies, giving odd spoken soliloquies.
Rise to Fame: Split Enz's Breakthrough Years
In 1975, the band traveled to Australia, where they earned a small cult following .Their debut album, Mental Notes was recorded in two weeks. While their inexperience in the studio combined with an unsympathetic producer led to a less than satisfying result in the band’s eyes, the album encapsulated the project at its artiest and most ambitious.
International Success: Chart-Topping Hits and Global Tours
At this time, Split Enz had caught the attention of ROxy Muisc’s Phil Manzanera, who offered to help the band with their next album; they arranged to meet him in England to redo Mental Notes. Before leaving, they recorded a new single, “Late Last Night.” Despite the complex song structure, the single showed the group moving toward a pop direction. “Late Last Night” was accompanied by a video, which was an uncommon practice in 1976. The band toured the U.S. early 1977 and Tim’s younger brother, Neil signed on as vocalist and songwriter.
Heading Away from Artiness
Tim Finn took on the leadership of the new incarnation of Split Enz and the group began to move away from its arty, theatrical beginnings. In Australia, their next album went gold and the single, “My Mistake,” became their first Top 20 hit.
Creative Synergy: Tim and Neil Finn's Collaboration
The band then recorded a new single with producer David Tickle. They went back to Australia to make their next album, 1979’s Frenzy and teamed up again with David for their next album, True Colours. With Neil Finn’s seductive “I Got You,” the band finally broke through to the upper echelons of the charts – the single and album hit number one in Australia and New Zealand, with the album marking their first appearances in the Top 40 of the U.S., Canadian, and U.K. markets. The success led to an international deal with A&M Records
Early Days at MTV
By late 81, after many months of intensive touring, the band retreated to the studio to record their most personal album to date, Time and Tide. The advent of MTV and the channel’s commitment to new wave acts helped the band’s growing cult status in America — both “Dirty Creature” and “Six Months in a Leaky Boat” saw heavy airplay on the channel.
Branching Out: Tim Finn's Solo Career
In 1983, Tim took a break from Split Enz to work on a solo album which was a big success in Australasia, spawning several hits singles including the Top Ten “Fraction Too Much Friction.” Before work was begun on the next album, Tim announced that he was leaving the band. With Neil Finn now as the leader, the band carried on for one more album — 1984’s See Ya Round and shortly afterwards, Neil decided to fold the band.
Temple of Low Men: Crowded House's Critical Acclaim
Neil went on to form the internationally successful Crowded House while Tim continued a solo career, later joining the band. In the mid-80s, Tim contributed to the band’s critically acclaimed second album, “Temple of Low Men” His collaboration brought a new depth to Crowded House’s sound, enriching tracks like “Into Temptation” and “I Feel Possessed.” Although his tenure with Crowded House was brief, Tim’s influence left an indelible mark on the band’s evolution.
Diverse Influences: Exploring Various Musical Styles
As a solo artist, Tim Finn has released numerous albums that showcase his versatility and enduring talent. His solo debut, “Escapade” (1983), achieved commercial success with hits like “Fraction Too Much Friction” and “Made My Day.” Subsequent albums such as “Big Canoe” (1986), “Before & After” (1993), and “The View Is Worth The Climb” (2011) highlight Finn’s ability to blend introspective lyrics with diverse musical styles.
Awards and Recognition: Celebrating Achievements
Tim Finn’s contributions to music extend beyond his own recordings. He has collaborated with various artists, including Phil Manzanera, Eddie Rayner, and Bic Runga, further cementing his status as a versatile and influential musician. His work has garnered numerous awards and honors, celebrating his impact on the global music landscape.
Continuing the Journey: Recent Projects and Future Endeavours
Renowned for his melodic craftsmanship and lyrical depth, Tim Finn remains a beloved figure in the music world. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians, ensuring that his innovative spirit endures. Take a listen to his latest solo albums. Tim Finn just keeps getting better!
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Tim Finn is incredibly awesome!!! Everything he has done is gold!! But his best is Now!!