Lost Songs by Divinyls Frontwoman Chrissy Amphlett Discovered

Three lost songs recorded by the late Australian rock icon Chrissy Amphlett have been discovered more than a decade after her death. Amphlett, the trailblazing frontwoman of the band Divinyls, is known for hits such as "I Touch Myself," "Pleasure and Pain," and "Boys in Town."

The recordings, made in 1998 with Tim Finn, former lead singer of New Zealand band Split Enz, were thought to be lost until Finn found the tapes in his garage in 2023. The songs will be released on Friday as an EP titled "Some Times."

In an interview with the Australian national broadcaster ABC's documentary program "Australian Story," Finn recalled the 1998 recording session in Sydney. He said the timing was opportune as Amphlett was seeking musical change. Around this period, Amphlett had separated from Divinyls guitarist Mark McEntee and was developing a relationship with drummer Charley Drayton, whom she would later marry.

Finn and Amphlett spent several days writing the trio of songs before recording them in a studio with Drayton on drums. Finn described Amphlett as intensely focused during the session, stating he was "in the presence of great talent, great charisma."

Finn had reached out to Amphlett, having long admired her work. He noted an immediate bond and camaraderie, stemming from their shared experience as lead singers of prominent bands. After the session concluded, Finn took the recordings home with the intention of further work, but the tracks were never fully completed at that time.

In 2023, Drayton contacted Finn regarding the 1998 recordings. Finn shared that he believed the tapes were lost but was able to locate the "two-inch tape in my garage," describing the songs as "incredibly important to me, Charley and those close to Chrissy." He confirmed the tape was in perfect condition, enabling the songs to be shared.