MEET: TVOD

Brooklyn-based rockers TVOD deliver emotionally charged lyrics over eclectic, infectious, minimalistic melodies, seamlessly blending post-punk, egg punk and krautrock. Known for their raw, unapologetic and unpredictable stage performances, the 6-piece have extensively toured the US, Canada and Europe. They are set to release their debut album Party Time via Mothland on 9 May. Ahead of the album release, The Decibel Decoder spoke to founder and vocalist Tyler Wright to found out more.

Could you share how TVOD first came together?
TVOD started when I began writing these fast, dancy distorted songs in the basement of my old apartment on my tascam 4 track right before the pandemic started. At the time there was a lot of very serious shoegaze music happening in Brooklyn where people would stand around like comatose zombies at shows, so I really just wanted to make music that I could dance and mosh with my friends to. It was just me, the 4 track and a Casio drum machine at first and then I started to enlist my friends that were musicians in the local New York scene.

I believe you formed in 2019.  How did you get through the COVID years?
Yea we formed in late 2019 right before shit hit the fan. We played a couple of shows before the lockdown happened and we were supposed to play at that year’s SXSW. I was let go from my job on 14 March 2020 and then spent the next couple weeks feverishly making demos in my little DIY home studio wondering if the world was going to end or if I would ever play another show. I released Daisy which consisted of the recorded demos I made those first few weeks of the pandemic. I then got really into motorcycles and blew all my money on an old 1971 Honda CL 350. Lol I definitely lost my mind a little without live music. It was a scary time for sure, and I’m so glad shows are back.

Congratulations on your debut album Party Time which is set for release on 9 May via Mothland.  TVOD has already released two EPS Daisy (2020) and Victory Garden (2021).  How did you approach creating your debut album in comparison to the EPs?
Thank you 🙂 we’re very stoked about it. We’ve been working on these songs for a couple years now, honing them during our live shows. I think the biggest difference is that we got to play these songs at shows before hitting the studio, so I think there’s a real raw live energy to them. We also recorded them in Montreal at Gamma Studios with Felix Belisle and Sam Gemme. It was really incredible to work with such talented people like them.

What is the main inspiration behind your creativity?
My main inspiration behind my creativity would be to connect with other people I think. I want to inspire joy and happiness in others and be a part of the insane cosmic magic that music creates.  

I have to ask, what is egg punk!  What track of TVOD’s is best example of egg punk!
Egg punk is a subgenre of punk rock that emerged during the 2010s. It is an internet-based micro genre based upon bands with a lo-fi recording style and satirical tone. Lol I’m not sure if we are super “egg punk” these days, but I’ve heard a couple people say that we are. If I had to choose I think our song ‘MUD’ would be the most egg punk track on the new album.

You played SXSW in March.  How many shows did you play and how was the experience?
Yeah we played 14 shows in 6 days. It was absolutely insane. After our 13th show at Hotel Vegas I spontaneously vomited in their back alley from what I think was a combination of heat exhaustion and excessive beer consumption.

TVOD will be in the UK for The Great Escape in May and again in August for End of the Road.  What are you most looking forward to playing these festivals?
I’m really looking forward to seeing England for the first time and making some new friends. I’m pumped to watch all the bands and check out some acts I’ve been meaning to see. I also really want to try some authentic fish n chips and get a pint at a pub. I also really want to try mushy peas!

If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find?
If you looked in my fridge right now you would find a couple Guinnesses and the leftover sausage lasagna I made from last night.

For more information on TVOD please check their bandcamp and instagram.