Neosupervital Interview (Neosuperinterview)

The first time I properly heard Neosupervital, I was in a club, he was supporting the Chalets, and I didn't know what I was hearing, but I knew that it was good. Though he's also Bell x1's touring drummer, Neosupervital's synth guitar is where Tim O'Donovan finds his musical expression. In a world where there are a million saviours of rock and roll, he's going to save synth-pop, and he's not going to be the least damned bit embarassed about doing it. With the long-awaited release of his debut album to match his spectacular live shows, he kindly agreed to answer some questions.

How did you develop your stage style? Do you go out as yourself or as a live persona?
I kind of just arrived at it really. I always liked the way the showbands and the new wave bands liked to dress in suits and ties. It's fun to play dress up too, especially when the only other times I get to wear a tin of fruit is at weddings and funerals. I don't go out as myself, no. I go out as Neosupervital, who's me with glasses and a suit on.

Who influenced you musically?
Everything I've ever heard has influenced me musically. If I hear something and like it, that'll stay with me and inevitably creep into what I come up with, whether intentional or not. Equally, if I hear something I dislike, it'll be there in the back of my mind as something to avoid.

Does Neosupervital or Bell x1 more accurately represent you and your music taste?
Neosupervital, because I write all the songs. When I drum with the band, I slot in to a role and play what's already been written. Inevitably I bring some of myself to the drum parts I play, which aren't exactly identical to the recordings, but that's as far as it goes really.

How do you write songs?
On my acoustic guitar, on a piano, or on a synth. Usually on the guitar, because if an idea comes, it's easily grabbable. It's the kind of thing you just pick up and mess with - although I have recently sat myself down and not let myself come away without having written a song or two. That's an interesting way to do things - force yourself.

I"ve seen you live three times, once playing solo, once with an equally smartly-suited man (DancinVin) with you, and at the Bloom festival as a three-piece. How did the newest lineup come about?
Well, I played a show last year at the Hard Working Class Heroes festival, and met up with Jessie LoveAction. We shared similar musical tastes and it turned out that she played bass. I called her up earlier this year, in order to better represent the tunes as recorded on the album. Turned out she had a friend, Miss K, who could play synth. The handy thing is they both can harmonize too, which is another element of the record I couldn't do on my own.

Is the album what you wanted it to be? How happy are you with it?
Yes, it is what I wanted it to be. I wanted 12 songs, running straight into each other, all upbeat, all danceable, all hummable. I wanted as many tunes as possible to be around the 3 and a half minute mark, too. I didn't want to bore people. Yes, I'm happy with it. Hopefully it gets across what Neosupervital is about in 2006, and where it might go in the future.

Do your live antics ever backfire? Eg the crowd participation in 'Jazz Fascist', or the dancing in the middle of the audience - how receptive are audiences to Neosupervital?
I wouldn't say backfire, just audiences that mightn't be as receptive as others. It doen't really bother me if they don't scream and shout at every show, but as any performer will tell you, it''s a lot more fun when they do.

What's your favourite song to play live?
Hmmmm. Possibly Jazz Fascist, cos it's very satisfying chord-wise, and cool when everyone sings along. Rachel is fun too, as it never turns out the same way twice.

What's your opinion on the music made in Ireland these days?
There's music that interests me and music that bores me, be that here in Ireland or elsewhere.

Do you pay any attention to music blogs?
Can't say I read many, but I have come across yours a few times in my journeys on the interweb. I find it hard enough to keep my own website up to date.

Lastly, what book/album/film do you absolutely insist everyone read/hear/see?
I wouldn't insist, but I might recommend:
Star of the Sea, Angel Dust, and Caddyshack.

Download:
Rachel - the catchiest, danciest, synthiest chorus of the year. Grammatically correct English fails it.
Watch:
The video for Rachel here, and download it here. Also, see some of DancinVin's smooth moves at the Electric Picnic here, and listen to some more Neosupermusic at his NeosuperMySpace.