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Television Overdose (or TVOD if you’re cool), first appeared on Vitta Morales’ radar a few years ago when the band played at the Dominion Tavern in Ottawa on one of their countless tours. Immediately, he was impressed by the captivating stage presence, catchy tunes, and the easygoing nature of these post-punk Brooklynites; he had the chance to ask them a few questions to singer and band leader Tyler Wright ahead of their debut album Party Time.
PAN M 360 : Since I’ve started following TVOD, (probably around 2022), I’ve always been impressed by the band’s dedication when it comes to its touring. In an era where bands increasingly forgo this model in favour of online audience cultivation, why does TVOD continue to tour so relentlessly? Is it simply in the spirit of punk to do so?
Tyler Wright : We love playing live and consider our audiences to be just as much a part of the show as we are. Sure, listening to records is great, and being a recording artist who chooses to forgo the live show experience for an online one can be profitable, but I honestly think they’re missing out on a huge element of music that makes live performances irreplaceable. When you’re at a live show, you get to be fully immersed in the world the artist is creating for you. Better yet, you get to experience that with other people, be it friends or strangers.
If the artist on stage is doing a good job, by the end of the show, everyone there should feel connected in some way. Live shows have this cosmic, crazy tendency to do that. Being together in the moment is something I think our society desperately lacks these days. We hope we’re a part of bringing that magic to our audiences and we look forward to playing a lot more wild shows with them in the future.
PAN M 360 : Staying on the subject of touring for a second: I recall a rather candid conversation I had with a TVOD member during a show in Ottawa where he exhaustedly said “I’ve been playing in bands for over twenty years.” I have to say, that stuck with me and I’m wondering: How do you deal with the fatigue that comes with being on the road after so much time? Any best practices?
Tyler Wright : Good lord, I don’t know who said, “20 years”! I might have been over-served that night and forgot how time works. I’ve been obsessed with music since I was a little kid, but I didn’t start playing in bands until 2013, when I moved to NYC. Tour fatigue is very real, and I’ve been a prisoner in more party jails than I can count. I think having best friends as bandmates and practicing self-care on the road helps immensely.
These are some of the rules and suggestions I try to follow while I’m on the road:
Fast food is poison (avoid at all costs).
Sleep as much and as often as possible. Same goes for showers.
It doesn’t matter who smelt it—it was probably Micki, our bassist.
Keep your shirt on when playing in Germany.
Call your wife.
If you see a sign that says “Peep Show,” it doesn’t mean they’re letting you look at presents before Christmas.
PAN M 360 : The singles from the new album so far have featured a lot more synth than in previous TVOD recordings; what other productions and arranging differences can listeners expect to hear on this debut full length?
Tyler Wright : Yeah, there’s definitely a lot more synth on this record. We made it at Gamma Studios with Sam and Felix, and they both had an insane amount of synths we got to mess around with. I think listeners can expect a wider range of genres this time, not just classic guitar power chord punk.
PAN M 360 : You’ve stated previously that the song “Uniform” from this album is about, among other things, the commodification of music and musicians as well as having to go to work while the world is falling apart. I’m curious to know: what is the importance of punk music, as you see it, during an era where everything is in shambles?
Tyler Wright : Punk music is a great vessel to use against oppression. It gives the middle finger to the ones in power and stands up for the little guy. In today’s toxic, capitalist world, I think the punk rock ethos is one of those guiding principles we should all look to for truth.
Punk preaches equality. It teaches us that no one human being ever deserves to control another. Innocent people are dying for greedy oligarchs and draconian governments. Stop purchasing your salvation and go to a punk show. Love one another. FUCK WAR.
PAN M 360 : What are some of your favourite cities to perform in and what do you like about them?
Tyler Wright : We love a lot of places we get to perform in. Montreal is definitely one of our favourites. The first time we played there, it was with our homies No Waves and Piss for Pumpkin at Bar Lesco. It was complete insanity. The Québécois know how to have a good time and then some. Our label Mothland is based there now, and it feels like we’re in Montreal all the time. We joke that it’s our second home. We always love going back to see all the friends we’ve made there. If you’re reading this—Hi Marilyne, JP, Philippe, Max, Rose, Sergio, Felix, Elian, Sam (owes me $20 CAD), Angel, No Waves Sam, Sy, Clarence, Grace, Noelle, Kenny, Alex, Melissa & Laurence! Miss you guys 🙂
PAN M 360 : Are there plans for other full lengths in the near future? I’m only guessing, but I understand that Tyler Wright first conceived of TVOD sometime around 2019 and I can imagine that a back catalogue of songs might exist.
Tyler Wright : Haha, yeah there are definitely plans in the works. I can’t stop writing or I’ll die. That’s the deal I made and the reality that I have to live with. I have no intention of ever breaking that oath.
photo: Kristin Solletico
