Getting To Know... Temples Of Youth

Having already found countless support for their string of releases over the last few years, Southampton-based outfit Temples Of Youth have now returned with their stunning new effort 'Susan Gets Confused'.

With a wonderfully diverse sound that takes influences from dream-pop, shoegaze, and grunge influences, 'Susan Gets Confused' makes for a brilliantly vibrant listen. Filled with a pulsing atmosphere, soaring hooks, and some compelling vocals at the helm, these two are certainly destined for big things in the months to come.

So with the new single out now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them lately.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

Paul: The first music that I connected with was indie rock and I was drawn to the guitar. Not just because of all the crazy noises it could make but because they looked so cool! My first guitar was a sunburst Squier Stratocaster that I dented on the day it was given to me. I patched it up with black nail polish.

Jo: I think it was probably the piano. I remember there being one in my Auntie’s lounge when I was a kid and I loved it. I took lessons in school but couldn’t commit to it. I’d still like to learn.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

Paul: I vaguely remember the first time that I realised there was something powerful about music, listening to Moonlight Shadow on my parents record player. I didn’t understand the story but I knew that there was a lot of emotion in it and the melody got that across as much as the lyrics. As a kid, I liked that there was music that made you want to jump around like Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody and music that just made you sit and think, like Waterloo Sunset.

Jo: My parents had a record player and I loved the 50’s rock and roll albums my Mum used to put on. As I got older I started to get more into the guitar music my Dad used to listen to - The Kinks, T-Rex, The Who.

What was the first album you remember owning?

Jo: I can’t remember! It was probably something incredibly 90’s pop.

Paul: I think the first album that belonged to me was the Ghostbusters soundtrack and the first I bought with my own money was Alanis Morrisette – Jagged Little Pill.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

Paul: One song is Creature of Mine by Billie Marten. I listen to it a lot. I love everything about it from the intimacy of the lyrics to the abrupt chord changes and the beautiful brass arrangements.

Jo: Diamonds and Rust by Joan Baez. I love the lyrics and structure of it. I watched a video of her playing it live and was just in awe of her.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

Paul: I used to approach it in a more formulaic way but I’ve tried to avoid that so I don’t repeat myself. I try lots of different things, like starting with a title and developing something from that, noodling on a guitar to create a riff or chord progression, or sometimes the whole thing just pops into my head and then I have to try and capture it. Usually it’s while I’m driving or in the shower, which is not ideal!

Jo: I will often go back through my notes to see if there’s any pieces that stand out, or ideas I might have missed. I’ll usually make sure I’ve got time to myself too with no distractions.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

Jo: I’m glad Florence is back - I’ve really enjoyed the two tracks she’s released so far. I’ve also been listening to Lanterns on the Lake and Barrie.

Paul: I really like Wet Leg, they sound so fresh and they have a sense of humour about what they’re doing. I recently discovered Pip Blom, and Caroline Rose and I always enjoy Everything Everything.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Paul: Wild Nothing or Beach House. I’d probably be like a deer in the headlights around them though!

Jo: Florence or Patti Smith and I’d have to have a medic on standby.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

Paul: I think the part I’ve always enjoyed the most is developing a new idea and then sharing it or hearing one of Jo’s new sketches, which are always interesting. But with the pandemic limiting what we could do, I have a greater appreciation for meeting to rehearse with Jo and Mike, and playing live.

Jo: I think the most rewarding part is having a creative outlet to put your emotion into - at least for me anyway. I enjoy developing ideas and then listening to a finished track gives you a real sense of achievement.

And what is the most frustrating part?

Paul: I think it’s hard to get perspective on what you do when you’re creating it, so sometimes I’m unsure about an idea. Jo always gives honest and helpful feedback on ideas which really helps.

Jo: I think trying to be heard - you put so much heart and time into something, and it sometimes feels like it exists for this short period of time and then everyone’s onto the next thing.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Paul: The one thing that comes to mind is a Beach House interview I read, where Victoria Legrand said something along the lines of – let a song become whatever it wants to be, rather than trying to replicate exactly what’s in your head. I think that’s good advice.

Jo: I was speaking to Steve Lamacq at The Joiners in Southampton and he said just keep going, most bands don’t make it because they just stop, don’t do that.

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Temples Of Youth's new single 'Susan Gets Confused' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.