Templo
by Mister Mime
September 29th 2020
One-man electronic jam band Templo dropped the Zebra EP earlier this year. This melodic glitch extravaganza may be called Zebra, but the music is way more than just black and white. Moody morsels layered atop of gnarly basslines infused with glitchy bits of goodness will leave you feeling wonky and wanting for more. Give these free-flowing funk-bass tunes a spin and get your wobble on.
MM: Hey Liam! How has 2020 been for you so far?
Templo: Yoooo. It’s been different obviously. I've managed to stay productive and with everything being shut down, it’s been a great opportunity to learn and focus on the music in a different way. I've been diving into a lot of genres and techniques I would normally never have time to really explore. I didn’t really realize how much I was always just focusing on the next show, and the effect that mentality has on the music.
MM: Why is the EP called ‘Zebra’?
Templo: Unfortunately, I honestly really never have an answer to why any of my tracks have the name they have haha. I just get a feeling and name it. Sometimes the name changes but I’m definitely a believer that the sound defines the name more than the name defines the sound.
MM: You seem to draw elements from various genres : Bass, IDM, Glitch- hop, etc. while still having your own sonic identity. What’s your take on the concept of genres? Do you have any tips on finding your own sound as a producer?
Templo: I definitely just always try and go with the flow, & I usually never have a set idea of what’s about to get made.. I got introduced to music through just improv jamming and that style never really left. Over time you just start to hear where all the little details can be included. After you feel comfortable managing the main elements like drums and synths and figure out exactly what that compressor or limiter or whatever is doing, I feel like your brain just starts to naturally tell you what you need to do to fill in the gaps.
Finding your own sound is definitely one of the tricky parts. Sometimes you just try some new things for no reason and end up liking it. A good old happy accident. Remember those little tricks. And in my opinion having an original sound is more to do with making unique & consistent mix choices rather than trying to make a sound no one has heard before.
MM: How has being an instrumentalist helped your electronic music production sensibilities and process?
Templo: It definitely helps me with a quick workflow. I guess it all comes down to which part of the process really interests you personally. For some people it’s sound design, some people love mixing and mastering, ect... (it doesn’t mean you can neglect the other parts). My favorite part is just the creation process. I obsess over just being in the studio working on literally anything. I have like 5 side projects and honestly I think actual instrumentation is a lot more prevalent with those. My stuff with Templo is mostly just all in the box.
MM: Who are some artists that you’re really digging right now?
Templo: 6_years , Oliver Tree , 100 gecs , Aphex Twin, goodnightmoon , Jake zimma, Dmvu
MM: What are some of your Influences and interests outside of music? Like from other art forms & forms of media, cooking, nature, etc.
Templo: I play a ton of chess online and have been getting more into video editing. I honestly don’t do a lot outside of music.. it keeps me very entertained.
MM: You have been churning out quality music on the regular since you started out in 2014. What advice do you have for up and coming producers?
Templo: Thanks brother. Different stuff obviously works for different people. In my opinion anyone really trying to get into it should make literally thousand songs as quick as they can. Don’t even think about comparing to anyone else’s music and don’t expect it to get you anywhere. Just do it for the love of making music. After you do that you can really get started. You’re not gonna reach your final form as a musician for a LONG time so don’t rush it, and just don’t quit. I gotta believe anyone who does that will find some kind of career in music. If you’re in it just to play shows and reap the benefits of doing that, just don’t even start because people can feel that vibe from a mile away.
