One of this country's most creative, and intriguing songwriters, Neil Hannon has redrawn the boundaries of experimental indie music.

Trading under the name Divine Comedy, he has challenged and amused listeners with wry tales of everyday life for nearly 20 years.

But, he told the Guide, if not for music, he would now be enjoying an altogether more sedate career. As a croquet player!

"If life had taken a different course I may have been the All-Ireland croquet champion," he says.

Neil is at home in Dublin, gearing up for his appearance at Wychwood next weekend. And he is putting the time to good use, by writing lyrics for a new song.

"It's too bizarre for words," he says in his mellow Derry lilt.

"I'm trying to do something with the composer Michael Nyman. I'm writing an awfully long poem, and he's doing the music. He has always been a hero of mine."

It marks something of a departure for a man still famed for such jaunty tunes as Something for the Weekend, Becoming More Like Alfie, National Express, and the theme tunes for comedies The IT Crowd and Father Ted.

"I've done it all," he says, excitedly.

"For a while I tried to pin down what I'm good at, but I got bored. I try and keep myself amused at all costs!

"I like a lot of music, and not just music, I don't see why I should be forced to do the same thing over and over again."

So what else is he working on now? "I've decided to write something about ELO and cricket.

"It's a concept album, but a really stupid concept."

"This job is almost a hobby," he adds. "Which means I do things I enjoy, even if no one else does."

Whether indulging in wry comic observation or deeper soul searching, it is Neil's eye for detail, such as the anatomy of a National Express coach, which makes his work so engaging.

Where does he get his inspiration? "It comes from living," he laughs.

"I don't see my take on things being any different from people in the pub.

"I just put these things into songs. And I put everything in there - not just stuff about 'chicks'!

"It's the little things that are the most resonant in life.

"Things that make people say 'oh yeah!' The grand ideas leave me cold."

And he's looking forward to his Wychwood debut.

"It's a nice place and they sound like nice people," he says. And will he be indulging in a spot of croquet?

"I should do! I think there ought to be more croquet at festivals!"

Neil Hannon plays Wychwood Festival on May 31.

5:44pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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