Source: Western Leader, Thursday, 21 August 2008

It's been 28 years since Neil Finn wrote I Got You, the first big international hit for Split Enz.

But today his songs are still striking the right notes with a new generation of fans.

Neil joined the band founded by his brother Tim in the late 1970s but is even better known as the frontman for Crowded House.

The group called it a day in 1996 but reformed in 2007 and played the massive Glastonbury music festival in England in June.

Neil’s 30-year career has seen his songs achieve top 10 chart success right across the world and it’s certainly not over yet.

The father of two has stayed grounded through it all and being able to escape to his bach at Piha has been a huge help.

"We’ve had a place there for eight or nine years. There’s so much that’s great about it.

"It has such an eventful, active landscape and it feels like you’re a million miles from the city.

"The people there have managed to preserve what feels like a village."

Piha has also inspired much of Neil’s creativity over the years.

"We’ve been there many times to write music because it’s a really good place to go and clear your head.

"Somehow the things you think of out there seem a bit more trustworthy and reliable."

Family has always been important to Neil and seeing his eldest boy Liam follow in his footsteps has been an exciting twist in the Finn story.

"He’s getting a name for himself and he’s made a great album.

"He’s just a natural born musician and he has worked really long and hard."

Neil hopes his son can enjoy the ride without getting dragged down by the rock’n’roll lifestyle.

"I hope from watching me he’s seen the way to live the life and not be swallowed up by it.

"It’s important to take time to smell the roses but I also hope he can enjoy the hell out of it while he’s in there."

Neil turned 50 in May but says his urge to make music is as strong as ever.

"There’s no less passion in me than there ever was.

"Sometimes you kick goals and sometimes it’s a struggle. I want to keep challenging myself and keep making great records."

But his success hasn’t been restricted to the music scene in recent years.

He appeared in season three of TV3’s bro’Town and had a cameo spot in the Flight of the Conchords’ BBC radio series.

"I really enjoy doing stuff like that on the side.

"The Conchords asked me to do a show. They sent me some demos and I liked what I heard.

"It’s wonderful to see a bit more of New Zealand catching on overseas."