During sound-check at the Petit Campus, Tom Warmsley of the psych rock band, Temples, is examining his shoes. “Do you think I can sew these back together? I’m worried they’re beyond repair,” he moans. I look down at a pair of 1970s-style disco boots; they seem to fit with the band’s dedicated commitment to dress to impress, perfectly coordinated with jewellery, big hair, and glitter.
The band released four demos last year, their psychedelic sound gaining swift internet popularity. Their single ‘Shelter Song’ is a hit, with a poignant beat, heady, crooning vocals, and breathless glissandos on keyboard. After releasing a 7” in the UK, and touring with big names like The Vaccines and The Rolling Stones, Temples are now on their first North American tour. In honour of their upcoming LP “Sun Structures,” Graphite interviewed the band before their Montreal debut.
Graphite: How did the band come together?
James: The band started about a year and a half ago, but it was only Thomas and myself. We recorded at my house in Kettering, put some songs online, and got asked to play at some gigs. We weren’t a band at first, but Adam (keyboardist), and Sam (drummer) are from the same town and played the same kind of music. We were in rival bands at the time, but decided to start playing together.
You record your music at home- has this affected your sound?
James: Yes. It is an integral part of our sound in many ways. People think there are limitations to recording at home, which is a complete misconception. I think you are less limited because there are no deadlines; you’re also able to hone your own sound because you’re doing it yourself. When you’re not relying on a producer you have to go on your own instincts.
You recently signed with Heavenly Records in London. Do you think being signed to a record label will change that sound?
Thomas: Not with Heavenly. They’re very independent-minded and let us do what we want. We plan to keep playing a big part in the production of our music.
What have been the highlights of the tour so far?
Thomas: We’ve only done three dates, but playing Toronto was probably the best so far. We played at the Horseshoe Tavern and it was packed! We didn’t expect that at all.
James: We don’t have much time in each city though. It would be nice to do more exploring.
Have you noticed any differences between British and North American audiences?
James: We had a really good audience last night, although I don’t know what that means! Playing in England you can have one town that’s really enthusiastic, and then others that are really not. People are maybe more forgiving in some places, so if you cock up they think it’s funny and don’t mind. In other places, people will sit back and judge. You see that in England sometimes, but it can happen anywhere. Every audience is different, and you never know the kind of reception you’ll get.
What music are you influenced by?
James: You can go first. [To Thomas]
Thomas: Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd is my hero, so I’m just going to say him.
James: I want to choose one I haven’t said before… there are so many brilliant artists. When I was around seven, I looked up to Elvis Presley! David Bowie is also quite important to me because he’s cross genre, cross-generational, a cross dresser. He ticks and crosses all the boxes!
Could Bowie’s use of characters and style changes in his music also be an inspiration?
James: Well we haven’t done that yet, but we’ll see! It could work.
Thomas: I’m sure we’ll do something different, because we don’t want to do the same album twice. We love what we’ve done so far, but as musicians, we’re always striving to do something new. It will probably be what we did on the first album, but with full orchestra. All we need is some money.
James: We tried to do it on this album, but couldn’t afford it. It’s quite ambitious.
There probably wouldn’t have been space to record an orchestra in your bedroom anyway.
James: We could have had them scattered around the house! Cellos down the stairs, bassoon in the basement.
Thomas: You haven’t got a basement!
James: We would have to build a basement.
A lot of people on YouTube are asking how you get your hair so big. Does your image play a large role in how you identify as a band?
James: I think so, although unintentionally. We didn’t sit together and plan it, but we’ve all been dressing like this for years, so there’s no intentional image choice. I think fashion plays a big part in how people perceive you. Bowie is known for his costumes and dress sense, for example.
Thomas: Fashion is territorial, people state who they are to others through the clothes they wear, and the music they listen to. It’s no different with us.
“Sun Structures” comes out in the UK on February 11th, 2014 on Heavenly Records; and February 12th in the US through Fat Possum Records.
WRITTEN BY EVELYN STANLEY
PICTURES BY EVELYN STANLEY
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