Combining his love of the surreal with pop hooks, Novelty Island lies somewhere between electronic pop and pop-rock. The solo project of Liverpool-based Tom McConnell and he is about to release a 5-track EP Suddenly On Sea (out on 21st August). We spoke with Tom about the new EP and tons more!
Why did you decide to enter the music industry?
I love endlessly emailing people…
Can you tell us about Suddenly On Sea?
Suddenly On Sea is the new 5-track Novelty Island EP that comes on August 21st on Abbey House Records. It’s an imaginary seaside town where Novelty Island will be taking you on holiday this year. If you want to go, that is.
What was the recording and writing process like?
Real fun! ‘Jaunty View’, ‘Francesca Relax’ and ‘Thoughts Of The Fish Quay’ were old tunes of mine that I decided could fit the seaside holiday theme. ‘The Desperately Strange’ was the newest of the batch. I wrote that at the start of lockdown and put all of the recordings together through April and May.
Does the single have any significant meaning for you?
It’s another step away from reality and all of the noise. That’s what it means to me.
What do you hope people take from your music?
I hope it inspires them into creating a better world. I can see ‘Jaunty View’ being sang outside the White House.
What is more challenging for you – melody or lyrics?
Lyrics. It takes time for the right lyrical ideas to filter through…they do come though!
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I run around the block every morning just waving at all of my neighbours.
How would you describe your sound?
Surreal, psychedelic pop.
What do you think is the best way to discover new music?
BBC 6 Music.
What does the future hold for you?
Well, the EP comes out in August and then I’ll turn 70 years old in April 2063. It’ll be the ’60s again. The new Beatles will have arrived, but I’ll be too old and I won’t understand it. ’ll scream, “what is all this racket!?” at my 100-inch TV-3000 and then I’ll shoot at it with my future-pistol. Dementia setting in, friends gone, deaf in one toe.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Hi, this is Novelty Island. Sorry, we missed your call, but please leave a message after the beep…
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