Role

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Composer

Country

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New Zealand

 

Split Enz was a New Zealand-based rock band that was formed in 1972. The band was founded by Tim Finn and Phil Judd, who were both students at Auckland University. The band's name was inspired by a phrase that Judd had seen on a road sign, which read "Split Ends Ahead". The band's early music was heavily influenced by the British progressive rock scene, but they soon developed their own unique sound that blended elements of rock, pop, and classical music. The early years of Split Enz were marked by a series of lineup changes, as the band struggled to find a stable group of musicians. However, by the mid-1970s, the band had settled on a lineup that included Tim Finn on vocals and keyboards, Phil Judd on guitar, Eddie Rayner on keyboards, Noel Crombie on percussion, and Malcolm Green on drums. This lineup would remain largely unchanged for the next several years, and would be responsible for some of the band's most iconic music. One of the defining characteristics of Split Enz's music was their use of classical music influences. This was particularly evident in their use of complex arrangements and instrumentation, which often included strings, horns, and other orchestral instruments. The band's music was also marked by a strong sense of melody and harmony, which helped to set them apart from other rock bands of the time. One of the band's early highlights was their 1977 album "Dizrythmia", which featured the hit single "My Mistake". The album was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish Split Enz as one of the most innovative and exciting bands of the era. The band's next album, "Frenzy", was released in 1979 and featured the hit single "I See Red". The album was another success, and helped to cement the band's reputation as one of the most important and influential bands of the time. In 1980, Split Enz released their most successful album to date, "True Colours". The album featured the hit singles "I Got You" and "Message to My Girl", and was a massive commercial success both in New Zealand and internationally. The album's success helped to propel the band to even greater heights, and they embarked on a world tour that included shows in Europe, North America, and Australia. Despite their success, Split Enz continued to evolve and experiment with their music. In 1981, they released the album "Waiata", which featured a more stripped-down sound and a greater emphasis on acoustic instruments. The album was another success, and featured the hit single "One Step Ahead". The band's next album, "Time and Tide", was released in 1982 and featured the hit single "Six Months in a Leaky Boat". The song was a tribute to the band's New Zealand roots, and helped to establish Split Enz as one of the country's most beloved musical exports. In 1984, Split Enz released their final album, "See Ya 'Round". The album was a departure from their earlier work, and featured a more experimental sound that drew on elements of funk and world music. The album was not as successful as their earlier work, and the band decided to call it quits shortly after its release. Despite their relatively short career, Split Enz left an indelible mark on the world of music. Their innovative and eclectic sound helped to pave the way for a new generation of musicians, and their influence can still be heard in the music of artists today.

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