The Fold Neil Finn on the broken promise of the internet – and why he won’t give up on it
10 snips
Aug 12, 2025 
Join renowned singer-songwriter Neil Finn, the creative force behind Crowded House and Split Enz, as he delves into the internet's broken promises and his ambitious community projects like MUFGAL. He reflects on the early utopia of the internet, shares his unique experiences with live streaming, and discusses why he distanced himself from social media. Finn critiques algorithmic systems and AI's threats to music while advocating for independent platforms. This conversation sparks joy and insights about building community through music and creativity.
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Anagram Born Festival
- MUFGAL started as a joke inspired by Neil Finn's father's love of anagrams and became a rallying motto: Make Us Feel Good About Life.
- Neil invited artists he admired to join and designed it to lift community spirits during winter languishing.
Panic Fuels Live Creativity
- Neil doubles ideas and embraces panic moments as part of creating ambitious live events.
- Adrenaline often turns near-disaster rehearsals into successful performances.
Early Dial‑Up Livestream
- Neil recalls his first livestream in 2001 from a Parnell basement with about 20 viewers, including messages from listeners in Stockholm and Hawaii.
- That early direct artist-to-audience feeling convinced him the internet could bypass gatekeepers.
