The Creative Retreat Where Inxs Wrote 11 Songs In 3 Days

April 1, 2025

In the summer of 1987, a palpable air of excitement hung around an unassuming house tucked away in the hills of the Australian countryside. This was no ordinary retreat; it was a haven for creativity. With the sun pouring through the tall windows and birds chirping outside, the members of INXS settled in for what they hoped would be a transformative experience. Little did they know, this creative retreat would birth eleven songs in just three days, songs that would propel their career to new heights and resonate deeply with fans around the world.

As the band gathered in the spacious living room, their guitars resting against the walls and notebooks scattered about, a sense of nervous energy filled the room. The pressure to follow up their previous success loomed over them, yet a spark of inspiration ignited as they began to play around with melodies and lyrics. The creative atmosphere encouraged them to let go of their inhibitions. They found themselves laughing, sharing stories from their lives, and pouring their hearts into their music. Each song seemed to flow naturally from the band, as if they were channeling something greater than themselves.

Day after day, they worked tirelessly, often pulling all-nighters fueled by coffee and the thrill of creation. “New Sensation,” “Devil Inside,” and “Need You Tonight,” among others, emerged from these late-night jam sessions. Each song carried with it a piece of their collective soul, capturing the essence of youth, love, and longing. The camaraderie of the band deepened as they collaborated, and their connection allowed them to reach depths in their music that they had never explored before.

On the final day of the retreat, a wave of exhaustion swept over them, but it was accompanied by a newfound sense of accomplishment. They had crafted not just songs, but pieces of art that reflected their journey as individuals and as a band. The experience was a reminder of their passion for music and why they had come together in the first place. As they gathered to play through the finished songs one last time, laughter filled the room, and they realized they had created something special, something that would resonate not just with them but with countless fans around the globe.

When they returned to the stage, it was with a brand-new energy and an undeniable bond that seemed to shine through their performances. The songs birthed from that retreat became staples in the INXS catalog and catapulted them to international fame. They received accolades and applause, topping charts and filling arenas, but it was the love and support of their fans that kept them grounded. Each performance reminded them of that transformative retreat, where passion and creativity merged into something extraordinary.

Years later, as they reflect on that summer, the members of INXS recognize it as a turning point in their careers. The retreat taught them the power of collaboration, the beauty of vulnerability, and the necessity of following one’s heart. They realized that creativity thrives in moments of connection, and that sometimes, stepping away from the chaos of the world can allow for the most profound artistic expressions. Their journey, marked by perseverance and passion, continues to inspire musicians and dreamers everywhere to pursue their own creative adventures.