We got the chance to catch up with Temple One who is setting the trance alight with his productions over the past few years and will soon be setting the very legendary Technoclub alight this week as he steps behind Talla's iconic decks...
Over the past twelve months Temple One has enhanced his reputation as one of the scene hottest trance talents. Enhanced that is as it is indeed the first word of the label Enhanced Recordings who have been a huge supporter of his releases over the past five years. They continue to do so with his latest single on Enhanced ‘Zebra’ going down a storm for its deeply moving emotional atmosphere. His style of trance is one to be savoured and has a pure talent for putting emotion into melodies. Things can only get bigger for Temple One as he tours around the DJ circuit and more people discover his superb music. His DJ journey this week takes him through Germany and into Talla 2XLC’s iconic Technoclub in Frankfurt, which has moved to a new venue in the past month. It will be his debut at the club and one very much overdue for this London based trance sensation. We went for a word on that and a catch up on everything Temple One.
i:Vibes: Joe thanks for taking some time to speak to i:Vibes. The last time we spoke it was August 2009. How would you say has your sound progressed since then?
Temple One: I think I’m experimenting a lot more than back then...it’s always nice to try new things and with my Tu Casa alias it gives me a chance to do that. However, I’m still focused on the uplifting side of trance but taking influences from the ‘current’ trance sound.
i:Vibes: You recently revealed on your facebook site that you just finished a new track that you were very happy with. Can you give a little insight about your new masterpiece?
Temple One: Yeah it’s a something a little different from me in terms of my previous releases but I aimed to make something that would work well in the clubs and I’m really happy with the result. I look forward to the reaction.
i:Vibes: For me you are an artist where I never not like a new production by you. What trance artist is the same for you where you just love awaiting new tracks and are never disappointed by it?
Temple One: Orjan Nilsen...he’s an amazing talent that in terms of getting that ‘hook’ and vibe on his tracks.
i:Vibes: One of your big inspirations is Dutch producer Ferry Corsten. What track by him has inspired you the most?
Temple One: System F – Out Of The Blue
i:Vibes: How would a Ferry Corsten/Temple One track sound like in 2011?
Temple One: Ha-ha....chance would be a fine thing. I would say something very electric with melodic, emotional undertones.
i:Vibes: 2010 was a year where you released very much! You released 13 remixes in all. Do you think that 2011 could be a year where you might release as much or even more?
Temple One: Wow...was it really 13? I was busy lol. This year I’m focusing on more original works than remixes...there will be a few remixes but original work this year.
i:Vibes: My all time favourite Temple One production is your Blue Skies remix for Ata. Where do you rate this production in your own collection of productions?
Temple One: I would say average...I have my favourites, but it’s not in my personal top 3.
i:Vibes: You don’t do as many vocal productions, but how much is it a challenge to remix a "Hands to hold me from Tritonal featuring Christina Soto as opposed to a instrumental track?
Temple One: Mixing vocals, especially in trance is challenging but fun at the same time. For the Tritonal remix, I based it around the main chorus and worked around that
i:Vibes: I really enjoyed your remix for Neptune Project "Atlantas". This is an uplifting track at its best. Was this a remix that you banged out quickly or did it take more time to tweak it out to sound just right?
Temple One: I took about a week on, off on it...wanted to keep the lead pure and not go too fancy and I think it worked.
i:Vibes: Another of my favourite remixes from 2010 was "Prestige" from Ferry Tayle. I love the melodic intro. Did you find that melody and work from there? You always say that you start with a melody first when making something new?
Temple One: Yes, when working on a remix I will always start with the chord progression, melody etc and build from there. On the ‘Prestige’ remix I did exactly that.
i:Vibes: You produced the very lovely "November Lovely" with Estiva. How did this collaboration come about and what were the duties of you two?
Temple One: I had this idea for a track a few years back but never really made anything of it until Steve and I got in touch about working on a track together. I sent him the idea and we got to work on it...we was really happy with the result. The title came from and old song file I had with that melody in it...it was November at the time and it sounded sort of lovely lol...
i:Vibes: You also produced "Halo" with Jorn Van Deyhouven. He is one of the new shooting stars on the horizon. Did you know when you entered the studio that he had been responsible for some all time classic tracks ages ago?
Temple One: I’m good friends with Jorn and was well aware of his contribution in the trance scene. He’s a fantastic producer and was a pleasure working with him.
i:Vibes: How did you and Van Deyhouven split the duties on halo in the track?
Temple One: It was actually done over the internet....these days you can just send over ideas in a flash. It’s how a lot of collaborations work now.
i:Vibes: What made Hannah Ray the perfect voice on Autumn Leaves?
Temple One: I was looking for a kind of soft, sweet vocal to suit the vibe of the track and happen to come across Hannah...I sent her the track, she sent the vocals.
i:Vibes: How was the feedback on the Feel for you EP?
Temple One: I think it was well received in terms of radio plays, download charts. Again, I had the melody for that track years ago and finally finished a mix for it.
i:Vibes: What was your inspiration behind "Daytona"? Another track that is perfectly produced with the lovely melodic atmosphere in the break.
Temple One: I just sat in front of the piano and let my mood take to the chords.
i:Vibes: Your latest track is Zebra. How has the feedback been so far?
Temple One: ‘Zebra’ was a more laid back affair. I think the reaction was just right in what I was expecting and Nuera done a great job on the remix.
i:Vibes: What makes Zebra so unique in your mind?
Temple One: I wanted to try something a little more subtle and airy with a non sequenced lead.
i:Vibes: What makes your Terminal One radio show so unique?
Temple One: It shows my type of sound...in terms of quality and writing. If you enjoy my music then Terminal One showcases that type of flavour.
i:Vibes: I have stated more than once that you should get a gig in the Technoclub of Talla 2XLC. You remixed his "Shine" last year. How is the contact to Talla 2XLC these days? You will play in May 2011. I guess my support helped a bit!!!!!lol
Temple One: Ha-ha....I first met Talla when I played at Heavensgate a couple of years back. It was only when he approached me for a remix last year when we got in touch. I did the remix which followed with and invite to play at Technoclub.
i:Vibes: What do you know about The Technoclub?
Temple One: I’ve known the brand for years and its legendary status in the dance music scene.
i:Vibes: When do you remember hearing the name Talla 2XLC the first time?
Temple One: I think was around the 2003-2004 period when he did ‘The Air That I Breathe’ track...I was blown away by the Alex M.O.R.P.H remix and was a fan of his works ever since.
i:Vibes: What can we expect from your DJ set in the Technoclub?
Temple One: Lots of emotion and hypnotic melodies!
i:Vibes: What is your favourite Talla 2XLC track?
Temple One: ‘The Air That I Breathe’
i:Vibes: How would a Talla 2XLC/Temple One track sound like?
Temple One: Big room sounds with huge melody......maybe.
i:Vibes: If you could remix the legendary "Voller Sterne" from Mirco de Gouvia. How would you make it sound?
Temple One: That’s actually one of my favourite trance tracks so given the chance Id take full advantage of the beautiful melody and turn it into an uplifting monster!
i:Vibes: What is your favourite football team?
Temple One: Aston Villa
i:Vibes: What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
Temple One: ‘Knight and Day’ with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. Not the best movie I’ve seen but does the job.