Crowded House

When Neil Finn and Paul Hester, both with a past in Split Enz, decided to create something new in late 1984, the idea was to craft a fresh sound. After a first attempt under the name The Mullanes in Melbourne, which included guitarist Craig Hooper, the trio — with Nick Seymour joining on bass — moved to Los Angeles to record their debut album. It was there, in a shared house in Hollywood Hills, where the name Crowded House took hold, reflecting the forced closeness during the sessions. The self-titled debut album, released in 1987, catapulted them onto the international stage with tracks like "Don't Dream It's Over" and "Something So Strong". Though their next work, Temple of Low Men, did not reach the same commercial heights, the band earned the respect of the industry as "musicians' musicians" and established themselves as a live act that was unpredictable and captivating.

The true international breakthrough came in 1991 with Woodface. This album marked a special phase, as Neil shared songwriting credits and participation with his brother Tim Finn, who temporarily joined the group. Tracks like "Weather with You" resonated strongly, especially in the United Kingdom and Europe. However, the decision to release "Chocolate Cake" as the lead single in the United States — a song with direct social criticism — did not generate the expected impact. After Tim’s departure, the band continued with Together Alone, which also achieved international success and a minor hit in the U.S. with "Locked Out".