Phil Judd

Last updated

Phil Judd
Birth namePhilip Raymond Judd
Born (1953-03-20) 20 March 1953 (age 71)
Hastings, New Zealand
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • producer
  • artist
  • singer
  • songwriter
Instruments
Years active1972–present
Formerly of Split Enz, Schnell Fenster, The Swingers
Website www.philjudd.com

Philip Raymond Judd (born 20 March 1953) is a New Zealand singer-songwriter known for being one of the founders of the bands Split Enz and The Swingers.

Contents

Split Enz

In 1972, Judd and Tim Finn founded the arty folk band Split Enz. In its early days, the band was known for its eccentric behaviour, wacky clothes, makeup and crazy hairstyles. During the initial stages, all the band members adopted their middle names, with the exception of Phil Judd, the only member from that era to use his first name.

While the other members of the group had hairstyles that were out of the ordinary, Judd chose to shave his head after the release of the first album Mental Notes . After the second album Second Thoughts was released, tension arose between Judd and Tim Finn. Judd left the band in 1977 shortly after the release of the single Another Great Divide, to be replaced by Finn's younger brother Neil Finn.

After leaving Split Enz, Judd wrote songs and recorded demos until later that year he was approached by Tim Finn to rejoin the band. Split Enz toured in 1978 with two lead guitarists in Judd and Neil Finn, who got along rather well. During this time the band played some new songs by Judd that won favour with the audience, including a self-confessed favourite of keyboardist Eddie Rayner, "Play It Strange".

Later that year, Judd once again left the group. It was after this time that Split Enz went on to their greatest international success.

After Split Enz

After leaving Split Enz, Judd became involved with Auckland punk band The Suburban Reptiles. He produced their second single, "Saturday Night Stay at Home", and performed live with them. He was also briefly a member of Chris Knox's band The Enemy. Out of the remnants of The Suburban Reptiles he formed The Swingers with future Midnight Oil band member Bones Hillman and Buster Stiggs. The band went through a couple of lineup changes, but managed to release a No. 1 song in New Zealand and Australia, "Counting The Beat". The song was used in the 1990s on commercials for DEKA chain of general merchandise stores, and was also used for the New Zealand TV3 Slogan "There aint no place I'd rather be" in 2011. The Swingers also wrote songs for Gillian Armstrong's 1982 New Wave musical Starstruck .

After The Swingers broke up in 1982, Judd recorded the Private Lives solo album, released by Mushroom Records in 1983. [1] It would be 24 years before he released his next solo album. In the US, selections from Private Lives were released as a five-track EP called The Swinger.

In 1986 Tim Finn contacted Judd to write some songs for his new album Big Canoe . It would have been the first time they were to write together since Split Enz. According to Finn, instead of writing, the two spent most of the time drinking and catching up on old times and wrote no material.[ citation needed ] Instead, Judd played guitar on the album.

Schnell Fenster

In the late 1980s, Judd was a member of Schnell Fenster alongside former Split Enz members Nigel Griggs, Noel Crombie and Eddie Rayner, as well as guitarist Michael den Elzen. Rayner left the project soon after it began.

The debut album The Sound of Trees was a moderate success, but after Noel Crombie developed tinnitus, the band was unable to tour extensively to support the album. A second album, OK Alright A Huh Oh Yeah, was released in Australia and New Zealand in 1991 after which the group broke up.

Film and television soundtracks

Judd has since worked in film and television. He was involved in recording movie soundtracks, such as The Big Steal ; Death in Brunswick for which he won an AFI award; Rikky and Pete , Amy, and Mr Reliable. He also wrote music for television programs such as Good Guys Bad Guys , Stingers and Sky Trackers .

Split Enz reunite without Judd

Judd has been reported as feeling bitter about not being invited to join Split Enz on their 2006 reunion tour. [2] In an interview on community radio program Living in the Land of Oz, Judd said that Neil Finn wanted him to "get up and do two or three songs or at least be involved somehow" but this did not happen at either of the Melbourne concerts. On stage with the Enz in 2006, Tim Finn claimed that his relationship with Judd is "complicated".[ citation needed ]

Around the time of the Enz tour, Judd and Tim Finn had decided to get together with former Enz violinist Miles Golding for a few recording sessions dubbed 3 of a Kind. With the success of the Finn Brothers' latest album and the resurgence of interest in Split Enz, Tim Finn was offered a chance to release another solo album through EMI and took it. This left no time for any side projects and the project has not come to fruition.

Solo work since 2006

In 2006, Judd worked with Australian band Pinky Tuscadero, producing their EP Look Your Best. [3]

He has released seven solo albums in the 21st century, as well as a collaboration with Roger Grierson as the UNthinkables.

Visual art

Judd is also a highly skilled painter and his surrealistic portrayal of Split Enz for the band's 1975 Mental Notes album won a music industry award for best cover design. [4] He has continued to paint over the years and has work in the National Gallery of Victoria. [5]

Personal life

In 1992, Judd was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He suffered a stroke in 2004 which damaged his spleen. [2]

Judd was convicted in March 2009 of stalking three sisters in his Melbourne neighbourhood. He received a 12-month suspended sentence. [2] [6] On 1 January 2010, Judd was jailed for two weeks for violating a restraining order brought against him by his ex-wife during a dispute over custody of their young son. [2]

Discography

Albums

List of albums, with selected details
TitleDetails
Private Lives/The Swinger
  • Released: 1983
  • Format: LP, Cass
  • Label: Mushroom (L 37992)
Death in Brunswick
  • Released: 1991
  • Format: CD
  • Label: EastWest (903174188-2)
  • Note: Soundtrack
Mr. Phudd & His Novelty Act
  • Released: 2006
  • Format: CD, Digital
  • Label: Mana Music
Love Is a Moron
  • Released: December 2008
  • Format: CD, Digital
  • Label: Native Tongue Music Publishing
Play It Strange
  • Released: 2014
  • Format: CD, Digital
  • Label: Phil Judd
Unique
  • Released: 2016
  • Format: CD, Digital
  • Label: Phil Judd
Flightless Bird
  • Released: 2019
  • Format: CD, Digital
  • Label: Phil Judd
Planet Sublime
  • Released: 2021
  • Format: CD, Digital
  • Label: Phil Judd
My Life as a Ghost
  • Released: 2023
  • Format: Digital
  • Label: Phil Judd

Films

TV

Music for several Melbourne Theatre Company plays 1989–1993 including Miss Bosnia, Cosi and Summer of the Aliens, directed by Nadia Tass.

Lyricist for The Lion The Witch & The wardrobe songs, A touring musical production 2001–2003.

Awards and nominations

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony held by the Australian Recording Industry Association. They commenced in 1987.

YearNominee / workAwardResultRef.
1992 Death in Brunswick Best Original Soundtrack, Cast or Show Album Nominated [7]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neil Finn</span> New Zealand musician (born 1958)

Neil Mullane Finn is a New Zealand singer-songwriter and musician. He is best known for being a principal member of Split Enz, of which he shared lead duties with his brother Tim, and the lead singer, guitarist, and a founding member of Crowded House. He was also a member of Fleetwood Mac from 2018 until 2022. Ed O'Brien of Radiohead has hailed Finn as popular music's "most prolific writer of great songs".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Split Enz</span> New Zealand new wave band (1972–2009)

Split Enz were a New Zealand band formed in 1972. Regarded as the first New Zealand band to gain significant recognition outside of Australasia, they were initially noted for their progressive/art rock sound, flamboyant visual style and theatrical performances. The band later moved toward a pop/new wave sound that yielded the breakthrough hit single "I Got You" (1980). Split Enz broke up in 1984. Since that time, the band has staged several brief reunions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tim Finn</span> New Zealand musician and founder of Split Enz (born 1952)

Brian Timothy Finn is a New Zealand singer, songwriter, musician, and composer. He is best known as a founding member of Split Enz. Finn founded the band in 1972 with Phil Judd and served as lead singer and principal songwriter. Following Judd's departure in 1977, he was joined by brother Neil. Finn wrote or co-wrote some of the band's best-known songs, including "I See Red" and "Six Months in a Leaky Boat". While still a member of Split Enz, he began a solo career, scoring the two hits "Fraction Too Much Friction" and "Made My Day" in 1983; he left the band in early 1984, briefly returning for their farewell tour later that year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noel Crombie</span> Musical artist

Geoffrey Noel Crombie is a New Zealand percussionist and former member of the band Split Enz. He fulfilled multiple roles including costume and hair designer, singer, album cover designer, and music video director. Prior to Split Enz, Crombie worked as a postal assistant and was also an artist. He attended Mana College and then moved to Auckland to study art at Elam School of Fine Arts.

Nigel Griggs is an English musician. He is perhaps best known for having played bass guitar in the band Split Enz. He is the brother of Paul Griggs from the 1970s vocal group Guys 'n' Dolls.

Schnell Fenster were a New Zealand rock band formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1986 by Noel Crombie on drums and percussion, Nigel Griggs on bass guitar and backing vocals, Phil Judd on lead vocals and guitar, and Eddie Rayner on keyboards and piano – who were all former members of New Zealand-formed rock group, Split Enz. Fellow founder, Michael den Elzen on lead guitar had worked with Tim Finn Band, another band formed by a Split Enz alumnus. Judd's band were briefly named The Wanx: but Rayner soon left and they changed their name to faux-German for "quick window", because it "appealed to [their] perversity". The group formed the core members of Noel's Cowards, a short-term ensemble, whose sole output was six tracks for the soundtrack of a feature film, Rikky and Pete, in 1988. Schnell Fenster released two studio albums, The Sound of Trees (1988) and Ok Alright a Huh Oh Yeah (1990), before disbanding in 1992. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1989 they were nominated for Breakthrough Artist – Album for The Sound of Trees, Breakthrough Artist – Single for "Whisper" and Best Cover Art for Judd's graphic art.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eddie Rayner</span> New Zealand musician (born 1952)

Anthony Edward Charles Rayner is a New Zealand musician who spent ten years as a keyboardist in the band Split Enz. He has also played in the groups Orb, Space Waltz, Crowded House, the Makers, The Angels in 1986-1987 and 801.

<i>Dizrythmia</i> 1977 studio album by Split Enz

Dizrythmia (1977) is the third studio album released by New Zealand new wave band Split Enz. It was the first Split Enz album without co-founding members Phil Judd and Mike Chunn. Neil Finn and Nigel Griggs, the first being the younger brother of band leader Tim Finn, replaced them respectively. Meanwhile, Nigel's old friend and former bandmate Malcolm Green took the place of Emlyn Crowther, who also left around this time. The album was released domestically by Mushroom Records, and overseas by Chrysalis Records.

The Makers were an Australian band formed by ex-Split Enz keyboardist, Eddie Rayner, and musician and singer, Brian Baker. The duo formed in 1988 after recording the tracks for a feature film, Rikky and Pete. The self-titled debut album The Makers released in 1990, provided three singles. The second album, Hokey Pokey, was released in 1992 with two further singles. They toured Australia in 1991 supporting the B-52's.

<i>Mental Notes</i> (Split Enz album) 1975 studio album by Split Enz

Mental Notes is the debut studio album by New Zealand band Split Enz. The album cover was painted by band member Phil Judd. Original vinyl copies featured Judd saying "Make a mental note" in the runout groove of the record's second side, causing the phrase to be looped ad infinitum on manual turntables until the stylus is removed.

<i>Second Thoughts</i> (album) 1976 studio album by Split Enz

Second Thoughts is the second studio album by New Zealand art rock band Split Enz. It was recorded in London with Roxy Music's guitarist Phil Manzanera producing the album.

<i>Conflicting Emotions</i> 1983 studio album by Split Enz

Conflicting Emotions is the ninth album by New Zealand band Split Enz.

<i>See Ya Round</i> 1984 studio album by Split Enz

See Ya 'Round is the tenth and final studio album by New Zealand's premier new wave band, Split Enz, and was released in 1984, following the departure of founding member Tim Finn, whose solo career had officially taken off the year before. Remaining songwriter Neil Finn, claiming to be a little daunted by the prospect of leading his older brother's band, subsequently announced that this would be the final Split Enz studio recording. Since he only had an EP's worth of material ready, the record was filled out by lightweight, experimental contributions from each of the other band members. In interviews, Neil has revealed that the original EP was to have been the first five tracks on the album.

<i>Rootin Tootin Luton Tapes</i> Compilation album by Split Enz

The Rootin Tootin Luton Tapes is a collection of demos made by New Zealand band Split Enz in 1978. During their 2006 tour of Australia it was announced that these recordings would finally be released as an official album after lengthy pressure from the fan club Frenz of the Enz.

<i>The Beginning of the Enz</i> 1979 compilation album by Split Enz

The Beginning of the Enz is the fifth studio album from New Zealand rock group Split Enz. The album is a collection of non-album singles and demos that pre-date the band's first album, 1975's Mental Notes. Three of these songs, "129", "Lovey Dovey" and "Spellbound", were later re-recorded and included on Mental Notes and Second Thoughts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I See Red (Split Enz song)</span> 1978 single by Split Enz

"I See Red" is a 1978 song by New Zealand art rock group Split Enz. It was released in December 1978 as the lead single from their studio album Frenzy.

"Late Last Night" was a single originally recorded by New Zealand band Split Enz in Australia in 1976. Written by Phil Judd, it was accompanied by the band's first promotional video clip. The single was a minor hit on the Australian Top 100, reaching number 93.

<i>Enz of an Era</i> 1982 compilation album by Split Enz

Enz of an Era was a compilation by New Zealand rock band Split Enz. Released to mark the band's 10th anniversary, and composed of tracks selected by members of the band, the album was released in New Zealand and Australia only. The album was followed up by two "Enz Of An Era" 10th anniversary concerts in early 1983.

<i>Anniversary</i> (Split Enz album) 1994 live album by Split Enz

Anniversary is a live album by New Zealand rock band Split Enz. Released in 1994, it was recorded during the band's 1993 tour, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the band's first single. Anniversary is the twelfth and penultimate album released by Split Enz.

References

  1. ↑ Phil Judd at AllMusic . Retrieved 19 March 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Tim Hume (20 February 2010). "Phil Judd: Fallen idol". Sunday Star Times. Retrieved 13 April 2011.
  3. ↑ Trajstman, Adrian (2006). "Pinky Tuscadero – "Look Your Best" in Releases". Mess + Noise. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  4. ↑ "Cover design award to group member". The New Zealand Herald. 4 March 1976.
  5. ↑ "Phil Judd, NGV Collection online".
  6. ↑ "Rock star Phil Judd stalked three girls". Nine News . 1 November 2009. Archived from the original on 12 December 2009.
  7. ↑ ARIA Award previous winners. "History Best Original Soundtrack, Cast or Show Album". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 12 July 2022.
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