Neil Finn Talks Advice & Anecdotes At BIGSOUND

Renowned New Zealand-bred (but Aussie-adored) entertainer Neil Finn has opened Brisbane's BIGSOUND conference with a keynote Q&A in which he recounted a variety of tales, from his childhood growing up in remote Te Awamutu, on the North Island, and singing at family events with his brother, to joining breakout Kiwi band Split Enz and his advice to budding songwriters.

"Don't slavishly learn other peoples' songs note for note," Finn told the packed Judith Wright Centre audience.

"Immerse yourself in creativity," he continued, alluding to the fact that as an aspiring musician himself, he was spurred on by his ears more than any theoretical imperative, finding competitive motivation in watching his elder brother, Tim, learn songs on the piano that the young Neil then decided he, too, would learn how to navigate the ebony-and-ivories.

Over the course of the chat, Finn spent time discussing his parents — his mother was a devout Catholic with a party-hardy streak; his father used to offer ratings and reviews for his sons' albums — his friendly rivalry with Tim (who he acknowledged was an almost suspiciously encouraging elder sibling throughout their childhood), and his late arrival into Split Enz, as well as his transition from being "the new guy" shoved way down in the mix to being responsible for penning some of the iconic group's most renowned songs.

"I was incredibly fortunate to have [Split Enz] come into my life at the age of 13," Finn reflected, noting that his musical aspirations were given tangible form the first time he saw Tim on stage with the band.

The hour's over before we know it, with barely any time to adequately cover the back nine of his distinguished career — he'd be a welcome sight again next year, if we're honest.

We'll have footage of Neil Finn's whole keynote address available online tomorrow — be sure to check back to watch all he had to say.