Crowded House have followed being crowned an Icon at the 2024 Shure Rolling Stone Australia Awards with a new single.
Neill Finn and his bandmates today released their latest single, “Teenage Summer”, a track that’s set to feature on their much-anticipated eighth studio album, Gravity Stairs. This fresh offering gives fans a second glimpse into the forthcoming album, following the release of their previous single “Oh Hi”.
Initially performed live under the title “Life’s Imitation”, “Teenage Summer” underwent a spontaneous name change thanks to the insight of Neil Finn’s grandson, Manaia.
“My grandson Manaia told me ‘Teenage Summer’ was one of his favourite songs. He’d identified the peak moment in the song, and a light went on. It’s that simple: the children must be heard,” Finn explains.
The track is produced by Crowded House along with Steven Schram (Paul Kelly, San Cisco). It will feature on Gravity Stairs, set for release next month. The title Gravity Stairs draws inspiration from a tangible element in Finn’s life—a heavy stone staircase at one of his favourite getaway spots.
“It’s a metaphor for getting a little older and becoming aware of your own mortality, your own physicality,” Finn says. “Things are getting a little harder, and there’s more determination needed to get to the top, but there’s still the same compulsion to climb them.”
Accepting the award, he said: “Thank you Rolling Stone for making us into an icon. I’m not sure what that truly means, but I think it means you need to go to Mecca and buy some makeup, so I’ve done that. I’d like to thank all the band members of Crowded House, so I’m representing for them, they send their love. For everybody, thank you so much for honouring us in this fashion.”
Tones and I, Dom Dolla, and The Teskey Brothers were among the other winners at the 2024 Shure Rolling Stone Australia Awards.
Crowded House’s “Teenage Summer” is out now.
