Taking advantage of their visit to Mexico, we had the opportunity to talk with Alfie Templeman, and the members of his band, Adam Philip and Cam Owden, where they shared with us what they enjoyed most about their time in CDMX, what inspires them and their new album, Radiosoul.
Few artists can be considered truly multidisciplinary at such a young age, but Alfie Templeman is an exception. Since his childhood, he explored music and began composing and producing songs as a hobby, until at the age of 15 he was signed by Chess Club Records after being discovered in the sectionn “Weekly Discovery” of Spotify.
Now, at 21 years old, with an EP, two albums and a band that accompanies him on tours, alfienext to cam and Adampause after an intense weekend to talk and reflect on their recent presentation on October 19 at the West Pavilion of the Sports Palace.
“The crowd was incredible because a lot of our fans came out, which was very exciting. So we saw a lot of familiar faces and the people were really lovely. It was great to see some people, from the Crown Capitalwhich was like 2021 when we played, but yeah, it was a show very pretty. We wish it had lasted forever. It was a set very, very short.”
Due to the logistics of the event, they were only able to play one set short, composed mostly of songs from their most recent album, Radiosoul. Therefore, they hope to return soon to offer a set more extensive and please the fans. Even so, their stay in CDMX was not so short, and they had the opportunity to learn a little more about what the capital offers.
We ate a lot of food. Yes, the food is amazing. We've been to three taquerias and other places these past few days. Yes, even walking through the streets, you feel like you absorb a lot of the culture.”
“You don't need to go to a specific place to see Mexico City; everyone is special here. Every place feels so intense, but incredible.”
During the talk, I asked them if anything about the Mexican public had surprised them, and they answered yes, especially because of the details they received from their followers. That's when I mentioned the famous Simibut they didn't know what it was about and asked me to explain it to them. By knowing the story behind the dolls Simicommented that they would love to receive one at their next presentation.
“We must have been very bad (they joke with a laugh), but we received some works of art from the fans, they also gave us flowers, so we don't leave empty-handed. But yes, we would love to receive one in the future,” he said cam.
“They gave me a glass of tequila on the occasion of the Day of the Dead, like a skull. It's incredible. They also gave me two bracelets. “I'm happy, you don't get that anywhere else in the world,” he said. alfie.
His visit to Mexico was part of the North American tour he undertook to promote his most recent production, Radiosoulwhich will conclude in Europe in December of this year. This new album, released in June, featured the collaboration of Dan Carey, Karma Kid, Oscar Scheller, Will Bloomfield, Justin Young, Josh Scarbrow, Charlie J Perry and the legendary Nile Rodgerswho in the past has worked with artists such as Michael Jackson, David Bowie and Duran Duran.
This last collaboration led him to create his single “Just a Dance”whose title was inspired by the anecdotes of Rodgers with bowie and in the chorus of the iconic song “Let's Dance” of the late artist.
The process was going into the studio with different producers whom I admire. I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted, we just improvised and the music emerged from that energy. Nile Rodgers came in because I mentioned in an interview that I loved his guitar style, and he listened to the interview. “I eventually flew to Miami to work with him and we created the song ‘Just a Dance’ together.”
Influenced by various artists from an early age, the London artist has managed to organically adapt into his music all the styles that have marked him throughout his life.
“I think it's something subconscious. When I record songs, I add layers. Sometimes I'll use an '80s drum sound and then add something more folky on the guitar, something that sounds more '60s or '70s. It just happens; “My subconscious takes things from different eras and bands that I admire, and everything blends together, creating an amalgamation of sounds.”
The composition and production process is something exclusive to Templeman; however, Adam (drummer) and cam (bassist) agree that alfie have creative control, while they focus on bringing the songs to life on tours and live performances.
“We let alfie take control in that part. For us it is important to take the songs and transform them into a great show live. It is almost the next phase of the process after writing and production,” he commented. cam.
The synergy they have achieved as a band is reflected in their camaraderie and affinity for a wide variety of musical genres, ranging from classic rock and funk to Japanese jazz bands. They don't just mention examples, after all, naming Rodgers in an interview, it was the beginning of their collaboration.
“Well, I can name a couple. At first it was progressive rock, like King Crimson, Forks, Genesis, Jethro Tulland then like Dog and Newbut I never made that kind of music. As I grew older, I began to listen to Mac DeMarco, Tame Impala, Clairo, Boy Pabloindie stuff like that. Recently I have been listening to New and Talking Headsand when I do weirder things, they come from there. Also Nile RodgersOf course, funk and things like James Brown. There are many layers, such as The Beatles, pink floyd, Nick Drake, Frank Zappa”he explained alfie.
“I agree. For me, the accumulation of different musical tastes is what makes us work well. My dad listened to a lot of classic rock. As a drummer, probably Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers It was an influence. Red Hot Chili Peppers They have their own style in the industry, and the funk and power they bring to the songs inspire me. I also like Keith Moon“, said Adam.
As a bassist, Tetsuo Sakurai from Casiopea and Les Claypool from Primus are my biggest inspirations,” Cam mentioned.
When asking Templeman What is the part he enjoys the most as an artist, he answers.
“Engrave. I grew up recording and it has always been my passion. Since I was eight years old, it has been the thing I love most in life. It's my flow state, something I do effortlessly, it's my everything. Recording is what I will always do.”
The career of the musician born in Bedfordshire is admirable considering the short time that has passed, and a future full of success is foreseen. Therefore, he offers a recommendation for those who, like him, are starting out and want to dedicate themselves to this.
“I would say, honestly, start listening to records. When I was about seven or eight, I started listening to records and I was surprised, being so young, not fully understanding what was going on, but that's what helped me. The music enters your head and grows quickly. That's how fast it is. So keep listening to music, try instruments, experiment. I taught myself to play the guitar, I never took guitar lessons, I started when I was seven or eight years old and I listened to records all the time. “That's what brought me here, being passionate and inspired.”
Radiosoul It is now available on all digital platforms and in physical format through the artist's page. Plus, you can anticipate more music from Templeman in the future, which promises to explore different sounds and styles.
“I want to continue adding albums to my discography, make a kind of painting with it. In a few years I want to look back and feel satisfied with a 10 or 15 year journey in music, constantly challenging myself and without leaving many gaps in my career.”
