philip judd
A founding member and early creative force behind New
Zealand's Split Enz, Phil Judd quickly became disillusioned with the music industry and
dropped out of the band in 1977. After rejoining Split Enz and leaving again, he spent a
short time with two legendary New Zealand punk bands -- Suburban Reptiles and
Enemy -- eventually setting up his own three-piece band, Swingers. Swingers had some
minor success in their homeland (including a number one hit with the unforgettable
"Counting the Beat") but fell apart by the early '80s. Judd released his first and only solo
album in 1982, Private Lives (edited down to The Swinger EP in the U.S.). It was
virtually ignored and Judd changed directions, focusing more on composing film music
and pursuing art. In 1986, he joined with former Split Enz bandmates, Nigel Griggs and
Noel Crombie along with guitarist Michael Den Elzen, to form Schnell Fenster. After two
albums, the group broke up in 1992. Judd has since returned to film music along with
rumored future solo projects in the works. Despite consistently producing some really
terrific music, Judd's eccentric approach to pop music and skewed outlook have sadly
been overlooked.
-- Chris Woodstra
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