Andrew Farriss AM, is one of the most respected songwriters of his generation, crafting a career that spans over four decades.
Revered globally as the co-founder, key songwriter, keyboardist, guitarist, and backing vocalist for INXS, Andrew's contributions have cemented his place in music history. INXS sold over 75 million records worldwide, boasting an impressive catalog of hits that include ten Australian Top 10 singles and seven US Top 10 singles. The band’s accolades include three Grammy nominations, a BRIT Award for Best International Group, five MTV Music Awards, and seven ARIA Awards, with an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001.
Accolades and global success aside, at the heart of it all, Andrew is a dedicated family man who has spent the past 30 years living and working on an established farming property near Tamworth, where he raises cattle and grows grains.
Andrew's journey into a solo career has been met with critical acclaim, with his 2021 self-titled debut album showcasing his ability to blend a rich musical heritage with contemporary sounds.
It produced several high-rotation radio hits, including "Come Midnight" and "Good Momma Bad”, with "You Are My Rock" achieving a Top-100 Billboard Indicator chart hit in the US. In 2022 "With The Kelly Gang" earned a Golden Guitar nomination for 'Heritage Song of the Year', a testament to his storytelling prowess and deep connection to country music.
Set for release on June 28, 2024, Andrew's new single, "Something Stronger," is a passionate quest for something beyond the ordinary, embodying the essence of his solo career. Inspired by "grit and passion – a hunger for nightlife," the song is a fiery blend of country twang and southern rock grit, and sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting period in his musical journey.
Produced by Andrew and co-written with multi-Golden Guitar winner Lawrie Minson (Jimmy Barnes, Slim Dusty, Lee Kernaghan, James Blundell) "Something Stronger" is part of an ongoing journey that will see him tour across Australia in 2024-25. Fans can expect a dynamic show that blends new material with the timeless classics that have defined his career.
Beyond his solo work, Farriss continues to write and produce music for other artists, recently receiving notable acclaim for his collaboration with Yirrmal, a North-East Arnhem Land songwriter. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including a Producer of the Year ARIA Award and an induction into the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016.
Andrew's dedication to music extends to his role as an educator and mentor. Awarded a Coombs Fellowship with the Australian National University in 2015, he lectured and mentored students, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience.
Andrew is also an ambassador for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, supporting individuals with additional needs, using music as a tool for healing and empowerment. His involvement in educational programs and music therapy demonstrates his commitment to using his platform for positive change and his work with Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy highlights his belief in the transformative and healing power of music.
Living and working on his farm with wife Marlina, Andrew draws reflection and musical inspiration from a connection to his home surrounds in the bush with the wider farming community. His contributions to the arts were honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia in 2020, a fitting recognition for an artist whose work has touched countless lives.
Andrew's versatility as a songwriter is not confined to his own albums, having written for and produced a diverse range of artists across genres and across generations, showcasing his ability to adapt and innovate. His songwriting for INXS influenced countless bands and artists, including the likes of Matchbox Twenty, The Killers, Train, Walk the Moon and The 1975. His impact on the music industry is vast, and his creative output continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
His forthcoming second LP, "The Prospector," is a continuation of this exploration. Due in 2025, the album delves into the search for the gold in life and the quest for higher meaning and "Something Stronger" is the spark that sets that journey in motion.
Andrew's involvement in high-profile events such as Don McLean's Australian tour and his role as a 2023 showcase artist at SXSW in Austin, Texas, highlight his ongoing influence in the music industry. His recent participation in the Eurovision Australian judges panel further underscores his versatility and the respect he commands within the industry.
As he prepares to release "Something Stronger" and embark on his tour, Andrew remains committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues. His music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, capturing the essence of the human experience and the relentless pursuit of something greater.
Andrew's legacy is not just in the songs he has written and performed but also in the lives he has touched through his music and mentorship.
As he looks towards the future, Andrew Farriss stands as a beacon of creativity and passion, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans alike. His journey is a testament to the enduring power of music and the unyielding spirit of an artist dedicated to his craft.