A-Sides Interview: INXS Co-Founder Andrew Farriss Finds ‘Love’ With Surprise New EP
INXS co-founder, keyboardist, and chief songwriter Andrew Farriss has released his new solo EP Love Makes The World today, a work he said was “born by accident” because of the pandemic. While the INXS co-founder, keyboardist and chief songwriter was planning to release a full solo album — something ten-plus years in the making — he felt a pull to release new music in the form of a five-song EP sooner than later especially since so many of the songs were about the human condition. Farriss sat down for a chat to discuss the process of this happy accident during a very sad time. Read below, and watch the music video to his new song. And be sure to give the album a listen — a real listen. A masterful songwriter, as always, these words resonate as do the melodies.
Talk to me about how Loves Makes The World came to you. You had these songs for quite some time. Why did it seem like the perfect time record and release them?
I was actually releasing my self-titled LP Andrew Farriss. I had already released two tracks — “Come Midnight” and Good Momma Bad” — then the pandemic kicked in and the record label suggested I pause my album release due to the chaos caused… My LP will now be released March 2021.
And so…the five-song EP soncept Love Makes the World was born by accident as the world was and still is struggling with the pandemic and trying to contain it. By coincidence, the already recorded songs on my EP made sense to me as one body of work — especially the song lyrics — as an EP to release at this time.
“Tears in the Rain” [is about] nature, the environment. “My Brother” [is] about the loss of a male figure in your life. “Love Makes the World” [is] about the cycle of life. “All the Stars are Mine,” from an international perspective [is] about embracing and recognizing that we are the same but also different culturally — which is the beautiful part. “First Man on Earth” is about us as biological humans and the increasing obsession with technology.”
In terms of process, how did you record the EP?
First came the songwriting, then the recordings were achieved over time between my home farm studio in NSW Australia, in London and in Nashville. I was fortunate to work with some amazing musicians. I also sang, played on the recordings.
In quarantine or isolation, I often have turned to music and obviously binge watching as a refuge. I’m curious what music you’ve found inspiring as of late or during this. Living in Nashville itself, I’m sure, must also aid that.
Good for you…I’ve been listening to many different artists during isolation — some old, some new. When I visited BMG headquarters in Berlin ten months ago, the label presented me with an awesome book — cd collection.
Many people will comment on the EP’s country nature and your past efforts in that genre, but I always found INXS hit on all cylinders. How did that genre specifically speak to you?
I’m a songwriter. I like the storytelling and historical, cultural aspect of country music — the older styles and contemporary styles.
Where do you see live music being at when we get out from under this?
It’s tough. I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen.
eINXS was my first band concert. Michael was an idol of mine. Still is. Your music has never left my car after all these years. Did you realize the music you were making would be timeless?
Thanks Jon! I love INXS music, too and I miss my mates, my brother and Michael.
What’s next for you after this EP? Will INXS return in another incarnation or, speaking about time, is it hard to focus beyond this EP?
After the EP, my LP will be released March 2021. [I’m] not sure regarding INXS. I hope to see my brothers over Christmas and their families.
