The Overtones Interview

Timmy Matley is one of the five members from The Overtones and earlier this week and visited us for an interview, where our reporter Charley-Jean put him under the grill and covered topics including fans, selfies and hidden talents besides talking about the groups new album!

The Overtones Timmy Matley interview with MarkMeets Entertainment

After three consecutive Top 5 albums, 750,000 sales and to reboot classic sounds for contemporary audiences. The overtones release of their fourth collection ‘Sweet Soul Music’ on March 2nd.

Table of Contents

How has 2015 treated you lads so far?

2015 has got off to a flying start as we’re gearing up for album release. Even though It took some time for my body to get moving after having a lovely 2 weeks off at home in Cork, Ireland.

So you’ve got your single and album coming out very soon how excited are you?

Personally I’m so proud of this album, Sweet Soul Music definitely shows us singing in a more gutsy way – and we’ve recorded all the covers and originals in the same vocal booth like they did back in the Motown era. It does have a fuller sound and more energy, which soul music needs by the bucket full .

What is the inspiration for the single and album?

The title track Sweet Soul Music, originally by Arthur Conley, was a must for the album. It has a great vibe, and in the song he sings about all the different male artists who created soul music. And since we wanted to put our spin on it we were surprised that Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin were not mentioned. So after a little re-write, I’m pleased to say they get a verse each in our version. Especially the queen of soul Miss Franklin. Our first single is Something Good. It’s one of 3 originals that we wrote on the album. It’s simply about, moving forward, letting go of the ‘not so good’ times. You know those mornings when you wake up and the sun is shining and you say to yourself today is going to be a good day. It’s getting some good radio play at the moment and a lot of folks are enjoying it. Which is always nice to hear on Twitter, Facebook etc

How much of your own life has an impact on your songs?

Singing has to come from an emotion for me. And a lot of these songs come from a place of heartbreak, love, and better times to come. Which does mean you have to dig deeper: I Heard It Through The Grapevine was hard for me vocally as I know you can’t compete with Marvin Gaye but I’m proud of our version. There is some lovely texture to it because of the harmonies and I really enjoy the later part as I got to add my own flavour to it.

What music artists/band inspires you?

I love good mix of music, old and new, just looking through my iPod and I’ve got Haim ( like these girls and obviously love the harmonies), James Morrision (he can sing and is great live) Usher ( R&B master – I secretly wish I could move like him). With new music: I’m very happy for Sam Smith (he has stayed true to himself and I loved his speech at the Grammys) well deserved that he won 4 of them. Also new music I’m liking Years & Years – the guy’s voice reminds me of Michael Jackson. I am enjoying some of the 90’s Inspired dance music that’s out some of it has a gospel, soul feel which I love in a dance track. I remember going clubbing to that music in 99 so it brings back good memories!!!

Did you boys write all songs or did you get help for other artists?

We wrote collaboratively on this album as always. But what was great about working with Duck, Patrick, and Jules Hinton was that they are amazing and quick on production which left us to get cracking with melody and lyrics. I love how when you start a session – you have nothing- then 3 hrs later you can have a song that can inspire people, make them cry etc. We are looking at a publishing deal at the moment so hopefully you will be hearing other artists singing our songs. I’d love us to have a song on a film soundtrack.

Who would you love to collaborate or work with?

Would be unreal to write a song with Smokey Robinson. Tracks of my Tears is such a beautiful song,what a lyric. And if Beyonce ever wants to do a Gladys Knight and The Pips inspired album, she can call us up!! I could do with learning a few new moves for this album!!!

With the album are you having a party to celebrate or anything?

Last year we went to a sweet pub in Soho and invited all the amazing talented producers, musicians, label people who work with us and Management on the week of release. It’s like a toast to the album. We feel very blessed and thankful as this is album number four and we are aware this doesn’t happen very often these days.

How excited are you for your tour lined up to celebrate with your fans the new album.

We have the best fans in the world and they are with us every step of the way. We are the type of band that isn’t everywhere. Doing a great live show is the best bit of promotion an artist can do, so we always try our hardest to put on a great tour for everyone. We want to give people and night to remember, forget their worries and as Taylor Swift says “shake it off”! It’s a great way to say thank you to our supporters.

Any surprises going to be happening?

We are known for our dance moves as well. So all I can say is that we may be currently learning the body ripple. We’re thinking of setting up our own crew you heard it here first!!!

How did you come up with who to support you?

Artists and their Management get in touch with us mostly, then we check out their music and videos and see if it will work. Last year we had a really talented guy called Si Cranston who has gone on to release an album. It’s great starting off supporting an artist and it has to be done. It really does help you getting used to a live crowd. We have done many supporting slots and still have in other countries when you’re beginning to get your music out there.

Best city you’re excited to perform in?

Tough one. For me being Irish and living in London I love going back to Ireland. Always nice to see friends family , neighbours in the crowd. And on the UK side, I do love getting out of The London life and hitting up North, the crowds are so much up for a good night. Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Newcastle and Cardiff are always a great treat. I’m a sucker for a Northern accent or any accent really. Second time coming back to the London Palladium which is the most beautiful historical theatre. It the home of variety show and music. That show will be lovely as I’ve got family coming to that night.

If you’s weren’t artists what would yours be?

I’d like to be Kirsty Allsopp’s crafts assistant and would love to learn new things about all things crafty and revamping old furniture etc. Possibly teach yoga or a well-being teacher if there is such a thing.

Where would you like to be in 5 years time?

The Caribbean !!! Eating some jerk chicken rice and peas .

Hidden talents?

I can knit and recently learned how to sew.

Something no-one would know but you can tell us?

There’s two squirrels that come and visit me in my garden and I’ve named them Mel and Kim. Any 80’s fans out there ? Respectable is such a tune!!!

Timmy tell us what it was like to be the winner of the great sewing bee for BBC children in need?

Went into the show having not seen it before and I honestly thought – since it’s for children in need we would make an eye patch or a silly hat for Pudsey. 1st task was a classic men’s T shirt. I was like “what !!!” Second challenge was to change a prom dress into something else, final challenge was make a childhood memory so I made a Michael Jackson’s red pleather jacket from Thriller. It was bizarre I was the only boy in our group and all I wanted to do was not make a fool of myself and I have to admit my I actually got into it and really enjoyed it. It was a great experience knowing you can learn something new especially when I have suffered from anxiety and low self-esteem in the past. I came away feeling proud of myself that under pressure I didn’t cave in and big bonus the clothes raised £400 quid for children in need when they were auctioned for the charity.

How have you celebrated the last albums and singles launch?

Every album had been different, it’s either been a pub last album, 2nd album a posh London hotel paid by the label so drinks were on them. 1st album we had a cheers over tea as we were rehearsing for Dancing On Ice . My favehas been getting our team together and toasting to the album so I’m hoping we will do that again. It’s a roller coaster of an Industry and you have to take the time to say thanks to all the lovely people we worked with and toast to each other regardless of record sales and pressure etc. It’s a great achievement having recorded 4 albums and here’s to another four. And yes that will only happen if you go out and buy it so you know what to do !

The Overtones announce new album!

A little bit for the fans to know about you, are your celeb crush?

You ready for this…I’d like to say a mix of J Lo’s bum, and just Jack O Connell in general, liking that Northern thing he has going on.

Would you ever take a fan on a date?

We already kind of have, last year fans won a chance to go the movies with us so there was 4 fans won the prize we had a great night. So much so we forgot the movie and just had dinner instead. But our fans are lovely and never make us feel uncomfortable, if so they know I would say. It’s an Irish thing to be upfront and honest. Would be fun to do something like that again for this album!

Who’s the craziest?

I would say Lachie in general, or Darren if he’s had a few. Tipsy Darren makes me giggle.

Who’s the funniest?

Mark has that Northern dry humour which I love. Also Mike says things sometimes that crack me up, proper gasp rude jokes. Us naughty Overtones who would have thought it!

Who takes the most selfies?

That would be me I’m afraid. Love a selfie with fans, friends, inanimate objects are the best cause the don’t got a choice in the matter.

Will you be doing any meet and greets or radio tour?

We do A VIP package for the tour which we hang out before the show, have a photo chat/ sometimes they hear our sound check etc. It’s always lovely meeting fans this way, its special for everyone involved and lots of fun. We will be doing a 2 days radio tour in the next few weeks. It’s mad, we get in tour can and hit as many stations as we can in 48 hrs !!!

Do you guys you snapchat?

Nah, think some of the boys have snap chatted each other. I’m only on twitter and can just get my head around that.

Interview by Charley-Jean exclusively for www.markmeets.com