TIMMY MATLEY, Irish-born lead singer with retro novelty act The Overtones, talks to EOIN BUTLER
The Overtones are touted as a "doo-wap boyband". You're a novelty act then, are you?Well, it's fine for people to be cynical if they want to be. But we're passionate about what we do and we're passionate about the style of music we perform. We're a modern-day boyband with an old-school sound. You'll feel like you've heard us before, but you'll know you haven't.
Is there a doo-wap circuit or where did you guys first start out singing together?We started out singing in Covent Garden. When the opera singers would take a break, we'd hop up and sing a few songs. We weren't looking for money, we just loved to sing. We'd do old songs like Goodnight Sweetheart and Why Do Fools Fall in Love, as well as newer stuff like Lady Gaga and Cee Lo Green. There was something for everyone then, I suppose. We may be a niche act, but we have broad appeal.
Your official biography says you were discovered working as painters on Oxford Street. A talent scout overheard you singing together during your tea break. Is any of that really true?Sure it is. We'd all been doing different jobs in London and found it difficult getting together to practise. So someone had the idea of setting up a painting and decorating business. That way we were always together and we got to earn some pocket money, too. One day a woman from Warner Bros came along and asked us if we'd like to come in and audition. It went well and, ultimately, we were offered an album deal.
The album Good Ol' Fashioned Love entered the UK album charts at number four. Who chose the songs?Some of the old songs like Longest Time and Sh-Boom had been in our set for years. Others are originals. When the record company heard us singing Gambling Man for the first time they were like, guys, we have to put that on the album. That's a great song.
You're originally from this side of the Irish sea yourself, aren't you?Yes, I'm from Farranree in Cork city. When I was 17 I got a scholarship to a musical theatre college in London. I've been based there ever since. I studied singing, dancing and a bit of acting.
You're the baby of the band, but you seem to be the boss.I don't know if I'd say that. I've definitely got strong opinions when it comes to music. It's what I'm passionate about, so I'll let my thoughts be known. But we all have our areas. I tend to to look after the singing and the song-writing.
You're a singing group. What other area is there?Well, Darren would be more on point for fashion.
Did you always want to perform on stage?No, I've battled with nerves all my life. The first time I sang in school, I forced the entire class, including my teacher, to face the other way. That struggle continues right through to the present day. Which is crazy when you consider that I managed to get up and sing live in front of nine or 10 million people on Dancing On Ice earlier this year.
And Torvill and Dean were skating around you while you sang.It was a bit mad alright. But to be honest, we were so in-the-zone that night, we weren't even thinking about that. Being trusted to sing nine songs on live prime-time television was just an amazing honour. That's far more than any other act have been asked to do. I was so proud. It seemed like all of those years of pub gigs and practising on street corners had finally paid off.
Any other pinch yourself moments?Lots. Supporting Matt Goss at the Royal Albert Hall was amazing. There's so much musical history in that room. This band has a wish list and that was right up there on it. Performing on the Late Late Show was another for me, personally. Tom Jones and Michael Flatley were guests. Need I say more? And obviously, doing a sell-out show at the Cork Opera House – my home town – was another.
Finally, you're booked to play the National Concert Hall in October. Are you confident the "doo-wop boyband" craze will still be riding high in five months time?Absolutely, we grew up listening to this music. We love the passion and the style of the doo-wop era. It's joyous music. At a time when there are so many grey clouds out there, it's nice to sing songs that put a smile on people's faces.
The Overtones play the National Concert Hall in Dublin on October 4th
