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Primary Wave Music has announced a new partnership with veteran singer-songwriter Neil Finn, founding member of Crowded House, long-time member of Split Enz, and solo artist. The multi-million dollar deal gives the company a writer's share of Finn's music publishing catalog and public performances of his Crowded House work and solo work.
The deal includes the release of many of the hit songs Finn wrote for Crowded House, including “Don't Dream It's Over,” “Better Be Home Soon,” and “Weather With You.” It also includes his solo songs and songs he wrote. He was a member of Split Enz, whose songs include the 1980 hit “I Got You.”
Released in 1986, “Don't Dream It's Over” was included on Crowded House's debut album of the same name and became the band's biggest hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching several international records. It topped the charts in the country. It also includes 'Weather With You', which Neil wrote with his brother Tim (founder of Split Ents). From the band's third studio album. In 2001, the song “Better Be Home Soon'' was chosen by members of the New Zealand Performing Rights Association APRA as one of the best New Zealand songs of the 20th century. Regarding the song, Finn said, “This song is easy to sing from beginning to end in a Crowded House set, in a group, in a community, or in any other setting. That's always been very important to us. ”
“I look forward to seeing Primary Wave’s plans for continued management of my songs. I am confident that they see my entire body of work as important music. This agreement will last for a long time. It's been a long process and we feel it's the right thing to do,” Finn said.
David Weitzman of Primary Wave added: “We are thrilled to welcome Neil Finn to Primary Wave. Not only is he a master songwriter, but he is also a songwriter’s favorite songwriter. We are thrilled to welcome Neil Finn to Primary Wave. I look forward to working closely with the team on the next phase of his storied career.”
Finn has been active as a solo artist in recent years, joining Fleetwood Mac (along with longtime Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell) in 2019 for the group's final tour.
Crowded House, which also includes Finn's sons Elroy and Liam, will release their eighth album, Gravity Stairs, next month.