It's Finn for some: Hot Press meets Neil Finn

It would be easy for me to make a very adult, tasteful, singer-songwriter record – as you get older the tendency is to become more neat and tidy….That didn’t seem very appealing!” laughs Neil Finn. The songwriting legend is in his Roundhead studio in New Zealand chatting to Hot Press about latest outing Dizzy Heights. It's an expansive, multifaceted collection with unconventional twists courtesy of producer Dave Fridmann.

The outing is a departure from his previous solo ventures: grander in scale and markedly more sonically adventurous. That's especially true of atmospheric track ‘Divebomber’, inspired by the '50s film of the same name.

“I loved the sound of the plane engines in that film. I recorded them and wrote chords and a melody, which was quite unusual,” he explains. “Unfortunately I couldn’t use that plane because Warner Brothers owned it and wanted $30,000 for it! So actually Peter Jackson, who has a huge library of old planes, was kind enough to let me use some for no cost. More power to him!”

Neil worked with Jackson – his ‘Song Of The Lonely Mountain’ played over the closing credits for The Hobbit. On another fantasy fiction note we remark Game Of Thrones is name-checked in one of the album tracks, ‘Recluse’. Is Neil a fan?

“I look up when there’s a nude scene. That’s about the extent of it!” he laughs. “And that’s quite a bit! No, I'm being facetious, it just happens to be on in the house a lot. I don’t really have the patience to sit down and follow a whole series. It was in the ether when I was writing. I was musing on how it's easy to spend your life being distracted by your interactions with the world via-the internet and TV and end up feeling quite reclusive.”

Given Neil’s prodigious work rate over the last few years, encompassing studio and live duties with Crowded House, Seven Words Collide, Paul Kelly and more, being a recluse is the last thing he could be accused of. He also made time in his hectic schedule to contribute to the second Duckworth Lewis Method album.

“I did my vocals backstage on tour with Paul Kelly. I recorded myself and sent them off,” he says. “Obviously Nick (Seymour) was involved in the record. There was a nice connection there. My mind is boggled that they managed to make two records out of cricket themes and they’re Irish. Add that all up and it’s beyond understanding!”

We’re happy to report Neil is relishing the prospect of returning to these shores.

“There have been some great nights in the bar at the Olympia after the show because we know a good few people in Ireland. There’s always a lot of carousing and good craic,” he smiles. “Also, the good thing about playing under my own name is that I can dip into any era of my music so Split Enz, Crowded House, my solo material, Finn Brothers… And I expect Nick Seymour will get up and play on a few songs. Dublin is always a joy to visit."

Speaking of Mr Seymour, we enquire whether there are any plans afoot for Crowded House’s 40th anniversary in 2015?

“Oh God, I hadn’t thought about that but now you’ve reminded me I’ll have to buy a present for Nick!” he exclaims. “There’s nothing planned. I’ll give it some thought now. We recorded a few songs last year that are sitting in the can so maybe we'll put together a special package with some rarities and a few new tunes. Now that I’m talking it out with you I’m starting to get excited!”

Neil Finn gives Dizzy Heights a live airing on April 30 in The Olympia, Dublin