Liam Finn Live Session

Watch or listen to the Liam Finn live session here

Over the last 10 years I've had the opportunity to mix the members of the Crowded House / Finn Brothers musical family dynasty in all it's configurations: The Finn Brothers as a duo, Neil and Tim each solo, plus Crowded House itself. And now, it was Neil's oldest son Liam on his own in the KCRW performance studio.

Coming from a family of musicians it was no surprise when I got the input list. Liam was listed as playing guitar, loops, drums, and Vocals.  Doing the mix, my faders and mutes were really busy, while Liam switched from guitar to drums after creating a full arrangement playing guitar and looping it, and then playing a bass line and looping that into the mix while singing on top. Finally, he ended the songs by sitting down and slamming on the drums and singing. EJ Barnes helped out with her beautiful voice, adding vocal loops, auto harp and percussion.  We have had a few players come in who use loops and layering; creating a one man (or woman) band. This was the first time for me seeing Nirvana-like drum bashing added as well.

Today marks the launch of our new video player! Check it out at KCRW.com, it couldn't be a more perfect session to watch and see Liam's diversity first hand.

Mario Diaz
KCRW Recording Engineer