Even during the demise of his MCA band Kicking Harold, Tim David Kelly never lost his passion for the music he creates. Now keeping himself busy as a truly indie solo artist and producer, you get the feeling from his self-written, self -performed and self-produced solo debut 'Growing Up Naked' (reviewed for indiemonkey by Limeygit) that he's even more passionate about it these days.
Indiemonkey's Andrew Ellis catches up with MR K about what he's been up to lately, and addresses such burning issues as what he has on his car CD player at the moment.

TIM DAVID KELLY INTERVIEW

'Growing Up Naked' has been out for a year or so now. Are you pleased with reaction to it from fans, industry people and critics?

Fans? Yes. Critics? Yes. Industry? Well.....I try not to worry or think about industry anymore because that stuff just comes if it's meant to happen. For example, Kicking Harold was a band that I started for fun and we got signed at our first gig. Before that I spent 4 years in a band that did anything we thought would get us a deal, but it never happened. My advice is to create art as if no one will ever hear it. Do what you love and would do for free. Then you will always be fulfilled. I believe that everything in life just seeks its own level. The fun is in enjoying the ride. Ok. I'm climbing off my soap box now. Sorry to ramble. :)

What was the inspiration behind '1000 Miles From Lonely' and one of my other favorites, 'Broken On The Inside', or are your songs not autobiographical?

Thank you I'm glad you enjoy those tracks. As for inspiration, every song I write usually starts, at least lyrically, with a true life event. I tend to fluctuate between personal songs and songs about people I know. Either one works for me as long as it is a true opinion or emotion at the heart of the matter.

How do approach writing songs? Are you a prolific writer?

I'm lazy prolific. In other words, I never have any trouble writing songs, and they come fast and furious, but it's hard to make myself sit down and do it. I have found that I work very well under a pressure deadline.
I don't really have an approach but I do always write on an acoustic. The music and melody usually happen first and then I rewrite the lyrics over and over and over until I'm not embarrassed of them.....wait....That is an approach! Duh!

Judging from the song 'Grow', I guess you don't have a desk job to support yourself whilst looking for a deal!

Ha ha. I have had soooooooooooooo many shitty jobs over the years but right now my "day job" is producing songs for other musicians. It's become a real passion in my life. I really enjoy using the recording tricks I have learned to make other people's music really sound killer. Plus, working for myself is a dream come true in itself. Oh, and just "for the record", I am not looking for a deal, It's looking for me.

The photographs used on the album cover are very cool. I don't know why, but for some reason they actually look like they were taken in England. Was it your concept?

No. These were done by a great friend and awesome photographer named Aengus MacNeil. Yes, they were actually taken in England. I saw them years earlier while doing the first Kicking Harold CD and I just made a note to use them in the future. I love those shots.-

Backtracking a bit, I'm sure you have recounted the tale many times, but for those who don't know, what happened with your old band Kicking Harold?

Well, to make a long story short......we rocked.....we failed......and we moved on.

Having been 'chewed up and spat out' by MCA, would you be wary of taking the plunge a second time if labels became interested in your music?

Yes, but at this time it's still a necessary evil for huge commercial success. I personally enjoy making music I think is the best I can do and then just seeing where  it leads me. If that's to the majors then cool but I don't measure my feeling of success on that goal alone. If I did, I would have killed myself by now.

Having recorded in a full band situation for Kicking Harold, was it a torturous situation to record 'Growing Up Naked' all mostly yourself? Will you do the next one solo?

Torturous!? That's a little strong don't you think? ( ha ha ) Bands are beautiful when everyone's piece makes the puzzle fit together. I just got to the point creatively where I was bringing in finished puzzles and it wasn't fair to the other guys. I totally understand how hard it would be, I couldn't be in a band with me. I'm a dick! (ha ha) So, yes, I plan to keep recording my little dumb songs on my own. My old band mates (ie: friends) like me better this way. At least, I think they like me..................Hmmm?

Are you writing for the second CD yet? Any more killer songs like 100 miles/Track 12/ Broken On The Inside up your sleeve for the second solo record?

Thanks for the "killer songs" comment. Again, I'm glad you enjoy them. I didn't write at all last year because I was so focused on promoting Growing Up Naked. I decided after Christmas that I better get some ideas pulled together into song form and  in a few weeks I had 12 songs ready. See! I'm lazy prolific. Now, I'm just going to tweek them, work out the kinks and test drive the songs at full tilt. You can't really tell if a song works until it's blaring in a small room that smells of sweat and cigarettes. I hope to record this summer and release by the end of the year. I  will be playing all this year also.

Will you release it on CD Baby again? Has that been a successful avenue for you?

Yes. That is a great company and Derek is a god! I highly recommend CD baby.

You've done a load of touring for the record. You alternated between your acoustic and full band shows,  which do you prefer?

It depends on my mood. I have always loved bare acoustic music and heavy stuff too.  That duality is reflected in the choices of songs that make it to my albums.
Wait! Did I just use duality in a sentence? That kicks ass Beavis!

While we're on the subject, any plans to release a live show of yours? I think live acoustic versions of your songs would be very interesting.

I think so too, but I have no plans for that now.

How was your trip to England last year? You should get some gigs sorted out here if you come back over this year.

I loved it! As a dumb American, I forget there is a world outside our vain shores. I would love to play shows in your neck of the woods. Anyone that will book me just give me an email. I'll do it cheap! 1 pint and a room........Yea Baby!! (Ed note: Limeygit is likely to hide in your luggage Mr. Kelly, so pack carefully).

Any plans to develop the Fuzztone label and release any other artists on it?

Not now. Maybe someday.

Do you think that it's a lot easier these days for someone in your truly independent position to actually make a record, but that it's much harder to make the breakthrough with it?

Yes and yes. It's a trade off but if you gave me the best oil paints and a canvas I couldn't paint you shit. It's not about the technology really. The Beatles never got past an eight track. It's about the final product. No one cares how you do it. They just care how it sounds and if a lyric touches them enough to go out an buy it. (Ed note: Every single indie artist please read and absorb the last statement before submiting to Indie Monkey!).

What's in your CD player at the moment? Speaking of which, are you any closer to getting your dream of a car with air conditioning?

A Perfect Circle. It's like an epic dark dream. Great drums. Also, Geddy Lee's new solo disc. I love old Rush so that was a must have. Again, great drums on that one too. A London friend turned me onto the new Soul Wax disc.....the production blows me away! My car does have AC, thank you. That was meant to be a joke. I guess it failed. :)

Finally Tim, If you could play with any five artists or bands past or present, who would they be and why?

I'll play with anyone that would have me.........I'm not picky. Just jaded.

Thanks for your time Tim. Check out www.cdbaby.com and www.timdavidkelly.com for more info on Tim's music.