It's a nondescript Tuesday night. For the regulars at Jammin' Java, it's probably just a night to unwind, have a drink and listen to some nice acoustic background music.

Too bad nobody told Liam Finn that coffeehouses are not venues for Who-like power colliding with Lennonesque melodies, such as the ones on his new album, I'll Be Lightning.

During his set, Finn - the son of Crowded House's Neil Finn - utilizes several effects pedals and loops to approximate the sound of a full band. In the span of one song, he'll play rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass and drums, as well as sing harmony with musical partner Eliza Jane 'EJ' Barnes.

The act goes over well. Rarely would you categorize a coffeehouse crowd as frenzied, but on this night they are just that - so much so that Finn and Barnes, the opening act, are called out for an encore.

What makes Finn, 24, tick? CNN sat down with the singer before his performance to talk about playing many instruments, the influence of family, and touring with Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder. The following is an edited version of the interview:

Click here for the full interview.