Andrew Farriss
Andrew Farriss “Something Stronger”
Andrew Farriss’ “Something Stronger” Sets the Stage for a New Era of Country-Rock Fusion
Andrew Farriss AM, the multi-platinum, award-winning songwriter of INXS fame, continues his stellar career with the release of his new single, “Something Stronger”.
A blazing fusion of country and rock, “Something Stronger” captures the raw energy and reckless abandon of youth, fueled by hot emotions and a thirst for life’s wilder moments.
“I wanted to record a song about grit and passion,” says Farriss, and indeed Farriss’s signature storytelling and evocative melodies have again created a powerful anthem, evoking a sense of nostalgia for youthful adventures, filled with cheap whiskey, burning rubber, and the thrill of chasing dreams.
“We drank cheap whisky burnin’ down our teenage throats. A fire on the end of a hand-rolled smoke.”
“These words capture the raw energy and recklessness of youth for many past and present,” Farriss explains, “the deep yearning for something more intense… something stronger.”
“Something Stronger” is a taste of what’s to come from Farriss’s highly anticipated second solo album, “The Prospector“, due in early 2025.
“The songs on ‘The Prospector’ are about searching for the gold in life – reaching out for something higher,” Farriss explains. “It’s about digging deep inside, and encouraging others to look for the real treasures in life.”
The accompanying music video is a visual feast that captures the song’s essence – “fast cars, open roads, burning embers, a welcome home and raised glasses,” he smiles.
Farriss kicked off his solo career with an acclaimed self-titled debut album in 2021 featuring the high-rotation radio hits “Come Midnight” and “Good Momma Bad”, with “You Are My Rock” achieving a Top-100 Billboard Indicator chart hit in the USA. In 2022, he earned a Golden Guitar nomination for ‘Heritage Song of the Year’ for “With The Kelly Gang.”
ANDREW FARRISS – BIO
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.
Accomplishments
● Member of the Order of Australia recipient 2020
● Producer of the Year (ARIA Music Awards, 1990)
● Coombs Fellowship (Australian National University, 2015)
● Inducted into the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame (2016)
● Solo artist with a critically acclaimed self-titled album released in 2021, featuring hits like “Come Midnight” and “Good Momma Bad.”
● Golden Guitar nomination in 2022 for ‘Heritage Song Of The Year’ for the gunslinging historical track With The Kelly Gang.
● Top-40 Billboard Indicator chart hit in 2022 with ‘You Are My Rock’.
● Participant in Don McLean’s nationwide Australian tour in 2023.
● Featured showcase artist at SXSW in Austin, Texas in 2023.
● Eurovision Australian judges panel member in 2023.
Awards and Nominations with INXS
● 10 Australian Top 10 Singles
● 7 U.S. Top 10 Singles
● 3 Grammy nominations (Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, 1988; Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, 1989; Best Music Video – Short
Form, 1993)
● BRIT Award (Best International Group)
● 5 MTV Music Video Awards (Best Rock Video, 1988; Best Dance Video, 1989; Best Group Video, 1989; Best Video from a Film, 1991; Video of the Year, 1992)
● 7 ARIA Awards (Best Australian Single, 1987; Best Australian Album, 1987; Best Australian Single, 1988; Best Australian Album, 1988; Best Australian Single, 1989; Best Australian Album, 1989; Highest Selling Australian Single Overseas, 1991)
● Inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame (2001)
Soon To Tour Australia, INXS Co-founder Andrew Farriss Is Also Set To Make His Grand Ole Opry Debut in Nashville
The announcement comes as Andrew kicks off his Australian tour in Sydney on October 24, winding his way around the country to cap off the jaunt in Perth on November 10 whereupon he jets his way to Nashville in preparation for this historic performance.
Andrew, whose songwriting and musical contributions helped shape the sound of INXS and drive their success to over 80 million albums sold worldwide, is now stepping onto one of America’s most revered stages. The Grand Ole Opry is a place of deep-rooted tradition, where countless country music legends like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks have graced the stage, as well as Australian icons such as Reg Lindsay, Catherine Britt, Tommy Emmanuel, Keith Urban, Smoky Dawson and Slim Dusty. Andrew is in esteemed company indeed.
For Farriss, a global rock icon, this performance marks not only a personal achievement but a merging of two worlds – the international rock stage and the heart of American country music.
While INXS achieved major success with 7 US Top 10 Singles, 3 Grammy nominations, and an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, Farriss is now channeling his creativity into a new direction, one deeply influenced by American roots and country music. His self-titled debut solo album released in 2021 blends Americana, rhythm, and country, revealing a new dimension to the artist behind some of the most memorable songs of the last 40 years.
Over the past 15 years, Andrew has built strong songwriting connections with writers, many based in Nashville, while transitioning from his rock and funk roots to his signature blend of country and Americana. His upcoming Opry performance offers fans a rare chance to experience his unique Americana and country-inspired sound live on such an iconic stage.
Beyond his solo work, Farriss’ songwriting legacy extends to producing and collaborating with global talents. In addition, his writing credits include artists like Tom Jones and Dua Lipa, whose hit “Break My Heart” charted internationally, Farriss’ versatility and influence continue to resonate across genres. However, it’s his passion for country and Americana that has brought him to the Opry, and he couldn’t be more thrilled to share this part of his journey with fans.
“Performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is an American dream come true,” says Andrew. “It really is the home of the country music greats and I’m also proud to join the ranks of the amazing artists who have performed at this important and historic venue.”
With a career spanning four decades, Farriss’ Grand Ole Opry debut is not just a nod to his musical past but a look toward his future. As he steps onto the stage in Nashville, he’ll be joining an elite group of performers whose music has left an indelible mark on American culture.
For the past 32 years, Andrew and his family have owned and operated a cattle and grains farm in northwest NSW. Living and working alongside cowboys and cowgirls, Andrew draws inspiration from his rural lifestyle, the rugged beauty of the land, and the authentic spirit of country music. This way of life has naturally influenced his transition into the Americana, country rock, and folk genres.