Liam Finn's father and uncle achieved success in rock music.

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Liam Finn has discovered a newfound fondness for touring solo, away from his longtime New Zealand rock outfit, Betchadupa.

"I am having a ball," Finn said. The 24-year-old singer-songwriter swings through Plush tonight with opening band The Veils on his way to the West Coast.

"It's a lot easier to just look after yourself. There are aspects I miss, like having my childhood best buds around. But we are touring around with quite a big posse, so that has filled the void."

Finn, whose father and uncle are Neil and Tim Finn of Crowded House and Split Enz, is touring the States in promotion of his 2007 album, "I'll Be Lightning." The indie pop recording marks Finn's first solo release and features him singing, producing and playing nearly all of the instruments.

Finn spoke to the Star last week by phone and by e-mail from the road.

"Definitely. I am really proud to be a Finn. I love my father and my uncle's music, and I feel lucky to have grown up the way I did. It feels special to make this kind of music with my family."

"My folks were always really supportive with anything I was interested in or passionate about. I think it was my determination, drive and love for music that has brought me to where I am now. But I definitely couldn't have done it without the encouragement and support from my family."

Was there a direction or concept behind "I'll Be Lightning"?

"I just wanted to make a record with the same aesthetic that I approach doing bedroom demos, experimenting at will and being completely alone with no reason to be self-conscious. I think you capture something more raw and honest when doing demos. Lots of bands seem to chase that magical demo when they record in a studio, but it's never quite the same."

"In the past, I have worked with my band, and that has been a real live, 'full band recording at once' kind of experience. On this record, I did most of it track by track, starting with an acoustic and vocal (base) to build upon."

"Totally. I think I managed to make it sound like it did in my head."