Interview: Divine Comedy

Where have The Divine Comedy been over the last few years? Ten years ago their Casanova album catapulted them into the mainstream with hits like Frog Princess and Something For The Weekend. At the time it served as the perfect antidote to a Britpop scene dominated by the likes of Blur and Oasis. Their next three albums, however, didn’t quite bring the same level of success. Now, with an impressive nine albums under their belt they return after a break with brand new album Victory for the Comic Muse. Lead man (and sole full-time member) Neil Hannon fills us in on what’s been keeping him ticking over.

What you been up to since releasing Absent Friends in 2004?
I’ve been doing lots of stuff for other people, writing and composing for everyone and anyone. My song Home for Jane Birkin’s album Fiction is the only one that’s been given the light of day as yet though.

Do you prefer writing for yourself or others?
Well… writing for yourself is more satisfying yet more terrifying. When I’m writing for others it’s almost a challenge, trying to impose my own style on them, but I feel that if people ask me to write for them they must want that anyway. I think it’s probably easier to write for others but you don’t get the same thrill or adrenaline rush as writing and performing something for yourself. But it’s cool to be in the background once in a while…

How do you feel that your Songs of Love theme for the Father Ted TV Series has helped your career?
People see or hear your work and if they like it they’ll want to use you I suppose. Father Ted was such a great sitcom that anyone who worked with it would have boosted their career in the way of becoming a recognised name, so of course it’s helped. I’ve composed the music for The IT Crowd too, another sitcom for Graham Linehan. It’s something I enjoy doing. Like I said, if people like what they hear then it works in my favour.

Do you feel that your music has improved and evolved as a result of working for others?
Yeah. I think I’m just a lot better at it and not just from doing it for other people. You think differently and write differently as you get older. I wouldn’t be able to write as I did when I was 21 and I wouldn’t want to. I never want to stay in the same place for too long and I think that that is what I have achieved through the years.

Is this shown in the new album?
Well yeah. I’m still writing with the same aim, to try and amuse or move or do something vaguely interesting. But like with anything, the more you do it the closer you get to your aim. With age comes wisdom.

Your first album was called Fanfare for the Comic Muse and your new (now ninth) album Victory for the comic muse what’s with the titles?
Well I love the names and they’re perfect to confuse journalists as much as they confuse me. Fanfare for the Comic Muse was about starting out with a request and Victory for the Comic Muse is a way of saying “Hooray I’m still here!” The title is also an original quote from EM Forsters Room With A View.

So does this suggest you’re surprised to still be here with a ninth album?
I’m just glad … very glad.

You’re playing in Nottingham in November. What do you think of the city?
It’s a beautiful place. I really love Nottingham.

Any interesting stories from past gigs here?
I remember a Radio One Roadshow we did in the Market Square where we played with the great and long-lasting pop band Let Loose. Remember them?

I try not to...
Well that was cool, but I also remember our first show at Rock City supporting Supergrass in 1995. It was a great show, but I’ll always remember this one very aggressive girl sticking her finger up at us all through the gig. She really didn’t want to see us play.

It didn’t put you off then?
God no, it just made us more determined. Not everyone’s going to like what you play, but it’s not nice if they make it so blatantly obvious.

What are you listening to at the moment?
The Artic Monkeys album… and I’m not just saying that to be cool, I do really like them. Also I love the Flaming Lips and Belle and Sebastian… the list could go on.
My favourite album so far this year is probably St Elsewhere. I do really love Gnarls Barkley. I think their stuff is mad! I love it and I don’t care if it’s overplayed on the radio… you’ve just got to think past that!

Is music a source of motivation for you?
That and being alive generally. I don’t know why I’m here but whilst I am I may as well do something good with my time. That’s my motivation!

Are you going to heaven, hell or purgatory?
I’d like to think im going to heaven.

Anything else you want to say to Left lion readers?
Actually yeah … I want to say ta to you for being nice and secondly don’t read the Portsmouth news.

Why?
Because I’ve just had an interview with a woman from a Portsmouth paper who kept trying to get me to diss other bands and the music business in general and I’m just not into it. I asked her if she was gonna ask me about the new record and she said “No its not really my cup of tea.” I just put the phone down on her. It proper pissed me off! I don’t care if people don’t like my music… just don’t tell me you don’t!

Feel better now?
Yeah. Thanks for allowing me the rant …and by the way this interview has been a lot better, so thankyou.

The Divine Comedy play at Nottingham Trent University Students Union on Sunday 5 November 2006. The new album Victory for the Comic Muse is out now.

Divine Comedy website