Andrew Farriss of INXS: Songwriting & Storytelling

INXS's Andrew Farriss on songwriting and storytelling.

Filmed at 2115 Studios, Santa Monica, 2022.

Interview by Universal Music Publishing Group's Senior Director Catalog Marketing & Strategy Neil Morris.

[soulaphyrillas]

I cannot say enough about the music genius of INXS. They were way ahead of their time. Absolutely sensational band hands down. Simply one of the best of their generation. Andrew and Michael were a dynamic team!

[Russ]

I've watched dozens of INXS interviews and have to say this is the best one ever. So interesting to hear how the songs and albums came about. Lots of insight that I'd never heard before. Thanks for creating some of the soundtrack to my youth, love you Andrew!

[vinylking]

What a brilliant interview. A. Farriss/Hutchence have cemented a place among the great songwriting partnerships of rock n roll!

[cosmicchrissy]

Andrew is a genius...a brilliant, unique, creative, evolving songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who I admire so deeply. I adored this clip--was sad when it was over! No one writes catchier riffs and ear-candy like the amazing Andrew Farriss and I'm so grateful to know and love his music and I'm really proud of the guy!!!

[ozzyc]

You've got a hell of a story to tell Thanks Andrew😀💜

[superbug]

It is nice to hear Andrew talking about the first two albums again. He once told me that those first two album were a "mistake." I've often wondered if he meant that releasing them was a mistake because the band was still developing. Or maybe he just hated them. At the time he was adamant about his opinion and I was a bit caught off guard by what he said. He seems to see them now within the context of the era, within the context of punk, within the context of what young people love, what surrounds them. I'm glad. Those first two records are full of gems, underappreciated musical nuggets which seem to sample from every possible influence of the day. On A Bus, Just Keep Walking, Body Language--what's not to love about those jaunty little numbers? And then from Underneath The Colors you had Stay Young, a hypnotic tune capable of completely distracting the listener, with a bass line that still gets me pogoing. The title track is beautifully written as is the quirky song, Night of Rebellion. I never tire of it. Hello Andrew. Good to hear your voice.

[markabfalter]

Think of Lennon / McCartney, John / Taupin, Jagger / Richards - arguably Hutchence / Farriss Australia's greatest songwriting partnership.
Creators of timeless global classics with broad appeal, musicology at it's highest.

[cindypchager]

Andrew expresses himself so loving about Michael Hutchence & INXS, so talented, love 💕 him!

[jeffoliver]

Interesting interview, INXS deserved the success they had because they really worked for it - relentless touring to build up a fan base. Bands like U2 and Bon Jovi did it that way aswell - if you work hard it pays off.

[deanbacsi]

Awesome! I was in high school in the late 80’s. Kick and Listen Like Thieves completely consumed me at that time. I memorized ever lyric to every song and was most proud when I could sing every word to Mediate. I loved screaming along with Guns in the Sky and feeling like such a bad ass yelling out, “Well I’m sick of it, it’s a load of SHIT!”

So many good memories! It still makes me so sad Michael is gone. I’m now 51 and INXS is one of my top playlists on Spotify. Thank you for this behind the songs video. I hope you do more.

[lisaturtle]

After watching Andrew on how he and Michael came up with those songs and lyrics, I’ve come to realize Andrew was a complete musical genius Michael and him were a brilliant duo. Andrew still as humble as ever I just love him!

[vulcha]

Thank you Andrew, for your continued contribution to music over the years 🤍

[michaelk]

AF is the king of guitar hooks. LOVE LOVE LOVE this band.

[micheleeve]

Love "Heaven SENT"!!!! Thank you Andrew. Loved INXS then, now & forever. Music AL Geniuses. 💕💖💗💔💟💓

[rusticthumper]

what an insightful interview. Each album is unique and beautiful

[lepxs]

Great Interview and wanted to hear more about INXS history of each album!

[TamTam-ckkb]

INXS I'm 54 years old and this has been my band since they began

[WeAreAllData]

As a UK based Brit and legacy fan of INXS, this interview is a fabulous find! Both Andrew's enthusiastic recall and passion for his craft just shines contagiously, bringing to mind our own memories of the privilege of seeing the band perform live! 👌🎶✨✨ INXS were a perfect union of talent and a big part of my youth! 💖😌

[DonHalli]

Andrew is a mega talent and humble as they come! Brilliant!

[allangault]

I have loved INXS since the first song I heard. Now I suppose they would be considered new wave or Brit pop as we say in Canada. Since I love Duran Duran, hearing INXS was so fresh, exciting and modern. For the times. When Kick came out it was a pivotal time for me and the band without knowing it helped me though high school. I still listen to INXS daily.