Tempelhof: The 'Monday Is Okay' Mix

Music

Founded in 2007, Tempelhof are a duo from Italy who have been making waves since their early days. However, these currents have not been thrashing and wild, rather more peaceful and subdued, much reflective of the music the pair make themselves. This summer saw them release their second collaboration with the much renowned Gigi Masin, a feat in its own right, which few can be said to have achieved. Shimmering electronics and elegant pads feature prominently in much of what they produce as they draw upon ambience and a balearic innocence. We caught up with the duo following theire latest release for Hell Yeah Recordings and talked Mondays. Listen to the mix and read the interview below:

Please introduce yourself, who are you, where are you, what are you?

We are Tempelhof, we are a band, we are in Italy, we are a sort of biologic synthesizer.

How did the Tempelhof project come to be?

After few years spent in various local indie bands, many years ago we discovered the analog sound synthesis. From that moment, nothing remained the same again.

What were the early musical inspirations behind the project?

We were, and we are still now, desperate for electronic pioneers, cinematic sound, soundtracks, ambient and instrumental music in general.

Tell us about the Monday mixtape you’ve put together for us.

Of course Monday is not the top of the week, it’s the blue day, remembering the New Order. The Monday we had in mind mixing the tape is that day when you decide to not go to work because you’re still hangover after a heavy late night out. The best you can do is to wear your pigiama, or stay in pants all the day, depends on the season, putting on some music. If the mixtape doesn’t work with the hangover, get out and get a Bloody Mary…

If it were to be drawn what would it look like?

Nighthawks by Hopper.

If it were a food what would it be?

The celery they usually put in your Bloody Mary.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

Nothing in particular, but you’d better to lie down… you’re still drunk, don't forget it!

What should we be wearing?

Your fav pigiama will be ok.

Where was it recorded?

The mixtape was recorded in our headquarter/studio in Mantua countryside.

Are you on the same wavelength as the boomtown rats or do you actually like Mondays?

Well, bank holiday Mondays are cool indeed!

Who got you hooked on electronic music?

Some friends first introduce us to the electronic sound. Then, we started our personal research and developed our musical taste.

Who would you say are your biggest influences and what are you hoping to achieve with your music?

Travelling all over the world playing our music, meeting people, breathing the urban electric air, discovering stunning location in the nature. That’s our goal.

What were your original aspirations as musicians and how do you think you're shaping up?

Playing music is simply something that we can’t do without, is not an aspiration, is a necessity. At the beginning of our musical path we have just followed the instinct, putting some note together to see what happened. Of course, time and dedication makes you better and teach you how to stay on stage or how to behave in studio, but the most part of being a musician is an unconscious and magical process.