In this deep-dive interview, Noise11’s Paul Cashmere sits down with the legendary Chong Lim, the longtime Musical Director for John Farnham, to discuss a career that has shaped the sound of Australian music.
Chong Lim reveals the details behind the upcoming “You Are The Voice” concert, a massive event aiming to set an Australian record for the largest synchronized singalong. He discusses the emotional weight of bringing the original John Farnham Band back together for the first time since 2020, and how they plan to honor John’s legacy through music and archival footage.
The conversation travels back to 1994, with Chong sharing the hilarious story of how he was “secretly tested” for the Farnham band at the ARIA Awards before being officially invited on the Talk of the Town tour. He also opens up about the daunting task of succeeding David Hirschfelder and the creative process behind iconic albums like 33 1/3 and Jack.
Fans of the Sydney 2000 Olympics won’t want to miss Chong’s behind-the-scenes memories of composing the “Nature” segment and working with Olivia Newton-John, Vanessa Amorosi, and Nikki Webster during one of the most high-pressure years of his life.
Chong Lim also discusses his latest project: conducting the orchestra for Beck’s highly anticipated Australian shows, and reflects on his 15-year stint as the musical powerhouse behind Dancing with the Stars. From touring with Kylie Minogue to recording the final Christmas album with John and Olivia, Chong Lim’s stories are a masterclass in musical history.
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