Edgy pop dark solo project of an act called HOMETIME has taken some time for himself Tony Kavanagh to focus upon this all new aspect of his life. Beforehand writing and fronting other bands for a number of years. Now he has had sometime to write and record what is a number of single's, leading towards what is his debut album. No live shows are set to happen right now due to the pandemic, but that will not stop the music creativity and just anything else that comes to mind. Lots are discussed and can be found below.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Hometime is, essentially, a solo project. The sole member is Tony Kavanagh – singer, songwriter, designer, dreamboat (shut up! I am!). Having spent years fronting and writing for a number of bands, I took some “time off.” However, the creative itch refused to go away and so the Hometime project was born. I’m a singer and songwriter from Dublin, Ireland. I dabbled in other genres throughout my stints with those bands but Hometime brings me back to my first love: pop. I managed to get my first single “Gratitude” out there last year just before the pandemic slammed on the brakes.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
In Ireland, the name Tony Kavanagh is as common as, say, John Smith in the UK. So I needed a more distinct identity. I opted for what looks like a band name because, for me music is rarely made in a vacuum. The name comes from the Alison Moyet song and album title, a gloriously dark creation that I would include in a long list of influences.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
I live in Dublin, Ireland. The music scene here is vibrant. The current trend is predominantly guitar-based and that’s reflected on radio and the live scene – well, the live scene before it was shut down. We’re still fighting for a return to live music. For such a small country, we deliver an astonishing amount of great music – and we always have. For every U2, Cranberries, Dermot Kennedy or Sinéad O’Connor you could namecheck, there’s a ton of brilliant acts in every genre delivering amazing work. I’m surprised that acts like Denise Chaila, Wild Youth and True Tides haven’t yet gained traction abroad.
4. How would you describe your style?
It’s pop with a dark, grown-up edge. The tracks so far are in an electronic setting. That wasn’t deliberate – it’s just how the songs exerted themselves in the studio. I like melody, hooks and conversational lyrics that come from somewhere real. Also, I can’t sing words that I wouldn’t use in real life. I love that my producer, Seán Hurley – a rock guitarist – has really taken to the whole pop thing with gusto. He’s a major Max Martin fan and we often disappear down pop rabbit holes in the studio, when we should be working.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
I’ve released just three singles so far. They’re melodic and hooky but they all have a little humanity and darkness about them. One of them is a dance track, one is a pop banger and one is a sad anthem. They’re the first tasters from my album, which will offer a few more shades and moods.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
My album is nearly ready. It’ll be a set of ten originals – although it’s possible that another song or two might make a late arrival. I’d hoped to release it earlier this year but, inevitably, the pandemic had other ideas. The upside is that the extra time gave me space to live with the songs a little longer and revisit some things. I even managed to get the artwork done and settle on a title. It’s called “Past Imperfect.” We’re back into a regular studio schedule now, so the set should be finished in the next couple of months.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Even though the Irish live scene is currently non-existent because of pandemic restrictions, I have no plans right now for live shows. It’s been a while since I last stood on a stage with a band and the prospect of doing it again is kinda terrifying, if I’m honest. I’m ruling nothing out, but I want to concentrate on getting the album right before I think of those steps.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
I’m taking each day as it comes. The urge to create is alive and well, and the results of that will determine what happens next. I’m co-writing for other people as well. The new single - It Beats Living Alone – has drawn the attention of another band and now we’re planning a collaboration over the next couple of months. The first single, Gratitude, caught the ear of New York dance maestro/label executive Vinny Vero, who commissioned a Hometime remix for a name act on a big-label release. I’m sworn to secrecy for now, but the track is finished and looks like being released in January. So there’s lots going on. I certainly have material for another album, but I’m taking nothing for granted. Let’s see what the reaction to my album is like.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
I think that Bandcamp is the easiest source. Check out my work so far on www.hometime.bandcamp.com. Everything I release will end up there. I have a website too – hometimemusic.com – for news and stuff.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
I trust listeners to have open ears. I can’t ask for anything more. If they like the stuff, fantastic – I hope they tell everyone. And if they don’t? Well, I hope they save their breath to cool their porridge!
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