THE Overtones celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with ‘Good Ol’ Fashioned Christmas’, a collection of festive family favourites.

The quintet have compiled a stocking rammed with Christmas crackers and follow up the album’s release with their tour A Christmas Party with The Overtones, which visits 02 Guildhall Southampton tomorrow night.

Lorelei Reddin talks festive fun with lead singer Timmy Matley...

You can’t be a scrooge in this band! How much do you love Christmas?

“Even though we started singing Christmas songs in June, I’ve got right into it! I love wrapping up warm in my scarf and everything being wintery and festive.”

There are so many Christmas classics around. How did you choose the tracks for the album?

“We started off with around 30 Christmas songs and decided there were some you just had to have in there like White Christmas and Sleigh Ride. We’ve also got a lovely version of Let It Snow. Some Christmas songs haven’t had many voices on them, like Driving Home For Christmas, so we wanted to do something different with the vocal. Santa Claus is Coming to Town by the Jackson 5 we’ve made less Motown more gospel. We just wanted to show off the best of what we can do.”

What made you decide to include your two new tracks Good Ol’ Fashioned Christmas and This Christmas Time?

“It seemed a good opportunity to write some Christmas songs. Much as I like Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas, it would be nice to hear something else occasionally!”

How different was the process of producing a record on your own label this time around?

“It didn’t really feel any different because we’ve used all the same people. I think with some musicians there’s a lot of input from other people, but we’ve always made sure our albums are a collaborative things between us, management and producers.”

What can we expect from the live shows?

“Christmas songs, Overtones songs, and for everyone to really enjoy themselves. So far, so good. We want it to be like a good old fashioned Christmas party with everyone getting together, family members, office parties, and all having a good dance. Everyone works hard to get everything ready and they deserve a night out! We’ll get the party started!”

What are you hoping Father Christmas brings you this year?

“With everything going on at the moment in Paris and elsewhere, it would just be health and happiness for family and friends. My wish is just for my nearest and dearest and for everyone to have peace and love this Christmas.”

What festive traditions do you have?

“Well normally I’m back home in Ireland in County Cork, but now I’ve got my own place I’ll be staying here in London this year. I’ll be having a couple of friends over. My Mum got quite upset at first, but now she’s given me all her potato recipes and we won’t be short of potatoes!”

What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2016?

“To write more songs, to learn a language, to join a gospel choir and to do a sewing course. I just want to do a lot more creative things. I’ve become a bit complacent really and I’d like to do some new things. I want to continue to record music and tour in 2016. Our music is upbeat and joyous and we want next year to continue the same way.

Tickets for the Southampton date from 023 8063 2601, 02guildhallsouthampton.co.uk