Photo credit Brendan Duffy
Bell-X1 drummer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Tim O'Donovan aka Neosupervital has released his second single, I.S.T.H.I.S.L.O.V.E, and plays Starbar in Dublin on Saturday 12 April. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Tim was also one half of synth duo Buffalo Woman and has played support slots for The Divine Comedy and Stewart Copeland as well as performing at numerous Irish festivals like Electric Picnic, Body and Soul, Forbidden Fruit and All Together Now.
Neosupervital has released two albums to date, Neosupervital in 2006 and 'Battery Power' in 2010, with new album, Transporter, due soon.
Speaking about I.S.T.H.I.S.L.O.V.E, Tim says, "I wanted to veer away from the verse/chorus/verse type pop song and stretch out a little with a mostly instrumental track.
"I wanted to make something to nod your head to take a late night drive to, maybe even dance along to at a house party.
"The phrase `is this love' is certainly a question I've asked myself in my time, and I'd imagine I wouldn't be alone in that. It's a hard one to answer, but I think when you know, you know."
Neosupervital will be launching his album at the Starbar in Dublin City Centre on 12 April. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I have too many bicycles. I love dancing. I once saw The Edge in his underpants.
How would you describe your music?
Wonky melodic electronic pop music for the head and for the feet.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Every single thing I've ever listened to, from my mum singing to me when I was a baby (Deep In The Heart of Texas and the bells Of the Angelus bring me right back to me sitting on her knee) to the tune being played in the pub last night that I just had to Shazam (Something To Remember Me By by The Horrors - shoutout to Dudley's Pub on Meath Street in Dublin 8 for their consistently great playlists :)
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Lenny Kravitz at the old Point Depot on his Mama Said tour. I was blown away by his complete rockstarness. Also, his first two albums are so good, I love the almost lo-fi dry sound. He was doing retro analogue stuff from the get-go. I learned to drum to those two records, and his harmonies are class. Thanks Lenny.
What was the first record you ever bought?
My first 7" single was Green Door by Shakin' Stevens, the Welsh Elvis. My first 12" album was The Essential Jean Michel Jarre. Hmm, now that I think about it, Neosupervital is pretty much an amalgamation of those two legends.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I.S.T.H.I.S.L.O.V.E. by Neosupervital. Possibly the best tune ever released by an Irish act ever.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time", from Wichita Lineman by Jimmy Webb, sung by Glenn Campbell. I'm sure I’m not the first person to pick this, but the longing and love in that lyric gets me every time.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
See above. It's been described as the first existential country song. It could well be the perfect song of any genre, from the beautiful string arrangement, to Carol Kaye's bass, to how James Gordon gets subtly funky on the drums towards the end. Also love the fact that Jimmy Webb only had one verse written, so Glen Campbell just did a baritone guitar solo instead. I could go on.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My website, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok.
Alan Corr
