The word is out that Tim Farriss - one of the songwriting, music composing, guitar playing Farriss brothers of INXS fame hasn't had time to scratch himself in recent months. As one of the driving forces behind a new commercial studio, Montana Productions, Tim together with Guy Delandro and Matthew (Baz) Barry have been writing and producing music for films, television commercials, sports campaigns, are recording and producing for some great new Aussie bands and even have a new album up their sleeves.
"Montana isn't just about the money, we do a lot of the stuff we take on for the fun," said Tim. "We've just finished composing the theme music toa 26 part series called Our Century for Channel 9 and are just about finished the new campaign song and theme music for the relaunch of the NBL. It's fantastic, Robbie Douglas is directing a full blown film clip produced by Saatchi's that together with our music just sizzles."
Montana have recorded and produced new Sydney bands Centrepunch and Hoopsnake (who have unfortunately just broken up) as well as a number of bands we can expect to hear of very soon.
Additionally, Montana has almost completed the 45 minute, million dollar fishing documentary that follows a crew on a game fishing tournament crawl up the east coast of Australia called 'Fish In Space'. "It's definately an adventure doco but we wanted to show how tag and release works with the fish," said Tim.
Of most interest to us however is the new album laid down by Tim, Guy and drummer Paul Wheeler. Known as the Fun Tongues, Tim has been able to draw in guest appearances that only 20 years in the business can do. Produced my Mark Opitz (INXS producer), Tim described the album as basically modern dance/thrash versions of sixties songs, "there's an awesome version of Nights in White Satin plus about 10 original compositions". With the finesse of the strings troupe Coda, the sound is dynamic and well produced.
Fun Tongues haven't signed yet. As Tim says, "I guess there's an advantage to having a good history in this business. Interest is pretty keen from most of the labels, but the beauty is none of us really need the money. It's about the quality and timing. I guess, it'll be the right label at the right time. But I'll tell you what, I'm dead keen to get out in front of an audience again."
© aXs Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 1