Liam Finn

Liam Mullane Finn was born on September 24, 1983, in Melbourne, Australia, to musicians Sharon (Johnson) and Neil Finn. He later moved to New Zealand as a child. His musical journey began early, playing guitar and drums on his father Neil Finn’s solo debut album, “Try Whistling This,” which was released in 1998. The previous year, in 1997, Finn co-founded the alt-rock band Betchadupa, demonstrating his early involvement in the music industry. Betchadupa released several EPs and albums, including the self-titled debut EP on Flying Nun in 2000, followed by the “3D” EP in 2001. Their full-length album, “The Alphabetchadupa,” released in 2002, reached number two on New Zealand’s charts. After releasing “Aiming for Your Head” in 2004, the band relocated to London before eventually disbanding.

Following the conclusion of Betchadupa, Finn embarked on a solo career in 2007 with the release of “I’ll Be Lightning.” This album, recorded entirely by himself, established his distinct sound and style as an indie pop singer/songwriter. The album’s supporting tour in 2008 included opening for Eddie Vedder’s solo tour across America, and Finn also headlined his first North American tour and toured with The Black Keys in the UK and Europe. In 2009, he released “Champagne in Seashells,” a collaboration with Eliza Jane Barnes. He also became a member of the band BARB, which released a self-titled album in 2010. His second solo album, “FOMO,” was released in 2011, followed by “The Nihilist” in 2014. In 2018, Finn collaborated with his father, Neil Finn, on the album “Lightsleeper.” In 2020, Finn officially joined his father’s band, Crowded House, as a core member and co-writer, alongside his brother Elroy Finn. He appeared on their 2021 album “Dreamers Are Waiting,” contributing songwriting, and continues to tour with the band across various continents.

Beyond his recorded works, Finn has been active in live performances, including contributing to Sound Relief in 2009 for the Victorian Bushfire Crisis, performing with various artists such as Jack Johnson and Kings of Leon. His live shows have often featured his multi-instrumentalist skills, using looping techniques to build songs on stage. He has also explored unique instruments, collaborating with Yuri Landman on a 24-string electric cymbalum called the Tafelberg, which he integrated into his performances. His current projects include the upcoming album “Hyperverse” in 2025 and continued touring and songwriting with Crowded House.