Crowded House and Split Enz’s Neil Finn sells Primary Wave Music his catalog (EXCLUSIVE)

The veteran singer-songwriter Neil Finn, a founding member of Crowded House, a longstanding member of Split Enz, and a solo artist, has announced a new relationship with Primary Wave Music. Finn’s music publishing library, writer’s share of public performances for his work with Crowded House, and his solo compositions are being acquired by the corporation as part of a multi-million dollar agreement.

The contract covers Finn’s solo work, songs written as a member of Split Enz, including the 1980 smash song “I Got You,” as well as his numerous successes written for Crowded House, such as “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” “Better Be Home Soon,” and “Weather With You.”

“Don’t Dream It’s Over,” which debuted on Crowded House’s self-titled first album in 1986, went on to become the band’s greatest success, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in several other nations. Included is also Neil’s portion of the band’s third studio album track, “Weather With You,” which he co-wrote with his older brother Tim (who established Split Enz). Members of APRA, the performing rights organization in New Zealand, selected the song “Better Be Home Soon” as one of the greatest New Zealand songs of the 20th century in 2001. Finn describes the song as one that “people can sing from beginning to end very easily, in a group context, community singing and all that.” It is part of a Crowded House performance. It has always been a significant issue for us.

“I’m excited to see Primary Wave’s strategy for my songs’ continued maintenance. I’m sure they consider my body of work to be important music. This agreement seems natural and has been in the works for a long, Finn added.

David Weitzman of Primary Wave continues, “We are ecstatic to have Neil Finn join Primary Wave. He is the songwriters’ favorite songwriter in addition to being a great songwriter. We are excited to collaborate closely with Neil and his outstanding team at Shelter Management as they embark on the next chapters in their remarkable career.

In 2019, Finn—who has been touring as a solo artist lately—joined Fleetwood Mac for their farewell tour with longtime guitarist Mike Campbell of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.

Next month, Crowded House, which now features Elroy and Liam, Finn’s sons, will release their eighth album, “Gravity Stairs.”