Liam Finn has seen a lot of the world lately, albeit from the stages of pubs, clubs, and arenas. The 24-year-old New Zealander has 126,000 frequent flyer miles at the moment, thanks to a year spent touring both as a guitarist for Crowded House and promoting his new Yep Roc album I'll Be Lightning. The self-produced and performed record finds Finn in a reflective mood, and alternates between indie chamber-pop and much more rocking material. Currently on tour with Pela, Finn will drop in to Austin next week for a handful of SXSW gigs before heading back on the road to open on Eddie Vedder's solo tour.

We spoke to Liam Finn this week about Neil Young, loop pedals, and London. We encourage you to attend the Austinist-Gothamist day show on March 12th to see him!

You attended SXSW last year. How did you find Austin and the SXSW experience?

Everyone seems to have such a ball at SXSW. Last year was no exception, but I guess I spent most of my time hanging out with my fellow Kiwis enjoying how surreal it was to be with them in Austin, Texas. I ate far too much BBQ, and put many a friend in a taxi after they'd conquered the quest of intoxication.

What attracts you to using loop pedals in your live show versus an actual band?

It really opens things up to being spontaneous and off the cuff. Every night the show is different, and I enjoy the challenge and danger of the potential train wreck.

Is there a theme or main idea to the songs on I'll Be Lightning? They sound of a piece musically, but we're not as sure about the lyrical content being thematic...

I wrote most of the songs after a pretty grim year living in London. My band broke up, and my long term relationship ended. So I guess the songs have a bit of a "lessons learned" theme, and are pretty personal to me.

Were there lessons to learn from playing with Crowded House on tour that translate to your solo shows?

Not really. It's completely different in every way. My fingers definitely got a lot stronger though - from playing acoustic all night.

You've moved from Auckland to London. We know the beer and the weather are worse in England, but are you enjoying the experience of London? What part have you chosen to live in?

I was living in Shoreditch, which is a pretty cool part of town. [There's] lots of art and music going on. Now I'm not really living anywhere! I was sick of paying rent while being away most of the year touring. So this year, I am a complete nomad. Is your couch comfy?

One local newspaper described you as sounding like a mix of Elliott Smith, John Lennon, Michael Penn, and your father. What bands are actually most influential on you (or simply your favorites)?

I am definitely a huge Elliott Smith fan. I discovered him when I was about 13, and he made a huge impact on me and my songwriting. I am also a huge fan of Neil Young and the aesthetic to which he approaches music.

We hear you have one other musician onstage in your live show. Will you tell us about her?

I play with a good friend of mine called EJ Barnes. She sings, plays autoharp, percussion and does vocal loops. She's great to have on stage, and it's such a good vibe. Also - off stage, she cooks amazing Thai food.

Finally, when you arrive in Austin: beer or margaritas? Tacos or BBQ?

I think Margaritas and BBQ, just to mix it up a little...but I may change my mind.

Thanks for talking to Austinist, Liam. We're happy to have you playing our dayshow!

Liam Finn will perform six shows over four days at SXSW March 12-15, including a headlining spot on the indoor stage at the Austinist/Gothamist party on March 12 at 4:45pm. Other shows:

Mar 13 2008 - 11:00pm - Billions Showcase
Mar 14 2008 - 2:00pm - Yep Roc Party
Mar 14 2008 - 4:00pm - Paste Magazine Party
Mar 14 2008 - 10:00pm - Yep Roc Showcase
Mar 15 2008 - 1:30pm - Day Stage, Convention Center