CS EXCLUSIVE | Templeton
We consider self-development and consistency, over simply following the latest trends, to be absolutely key in putting out high quality work, and LA's Greg Gonzalez — otherwise known as Templeton — has got exactly that in spades. We've been supporting Templeton's work for close to a year now, since his very first release actually, and each one has instantly become a favorite of ours. From a feel-good classic remix of Spin Doctor's Two Princes and an ace debut original Search, to unbelievably fresh takes on Boys Get Hurt's Garden and Blondfire's Walking With The Giants, we never cease to be impressed.
Today we're really glad to be able to bring you an exclusive interview with the cool cat himself, in which we talk about...his cat. And much more like discovering dance music, his new studio setup, and long lost aspirations of becoming a professional bowler. Alongside the chat, Templeton's put together a truly killer guest mix for us, including his own work as well as cuts from the likes of Motez, Bontan, Second City plus others. And with the freedom of the long Labor Day weekend just a few short hours away now, this couldn't have come at a better time. Jump in and get down below!
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Track List:
1. Goldroom - Till Sunrise (Templeton Remix) 2. Motez - Own Up (POOL CLVB Remix) 3. Le Youth - Feel Your Love 4. Danny T - Take Me (Original Mix) 5. Soma - Livin Lavish (I Wish) 6. Bontan - Move on out (Original Mix) 7. Linier - Dance With Me 8. Donae'O - Gone in the morning (Tough Love Remix) 9. Madison Avenue - Don't Call Me Baby (Motez Remix) 10. Second City - I Wanna Feel (Original Mix) 11. La Roux - Let Me Down Gently (Playless Club Mix) 12. Templeton - Search (Original Mix) 13. Yam Nor - I wanna feel (Kolombo Remix) 14. Mausi - My Friend Has A Swimming Pool (The Magician Remix) 15. Boys Get Hurt - Gargen (Templeton Remix)
Interview:
Caveman Sound: Before we get into it, can you tell us what vibe you were going for with this mix?
Templeton: This mix is a combination of tracks that I’m playing out right now – stuff from bigger artists I’m inspired by, up and coming guys, and a few of my tunes. Overall, I think it’s got a good energetic summer vibe to it. Hopefully something to get the party going over the Labor Day weekend.
Caveman Sound: When we were down at Splash House earlier this summer, you told us why you chose the moniker Templeton. That day was a little hazy, can you refresh our memory?
Templeton: Haha yeah we got after it at Splash House. Well worth it though. Such good times that weekend!
I came up with the name Templeton joking around with my friend about being a "sophisticated simpleton". I really connect with art, design, and music that is stripped down and minimal. Stuff that seems simple but has the right amount of detail to it. I think it has a way of connecting to people immediately on an emotional level. For me the moniker is also a reminder to trust my vision and to not over complicate things in an attempt to make a song better. It’s a tough thing to do. You can have a really great idea going and then ruin it by adding too much because you think it needs more. A lot of times taking away an element is just what a track needs.
CS: When did you first discover dance music? Was there any song or artist that hooked you in particular?
T: I first discovered dance music at an early age from my parents playing Italo Disco. They also introduced me to more poppy but amazing dance music like Yaz, Pet Shop Boys and Erasure. I think that’s why when I first heard Nu Disco and Indie Dance I connected with it instantly. I come from a producer background and actually started with Rap and Pop. It wasn’t until I started dj’ing that my taste really changed and I got into House. The first newer House tune that really inspired me was “The Giver” by Duke Dumont. I was out a club one night and heard it on a large system and was like damnnnn. It has an infectious repetitive pitched down vocal, catchy bass line and is perfectly minimal. I’ve been going deeper ever since.
CS: So you're currently working on a few new originals, can you tell us anything about them?
T: Yeah I have a few originals in the works! The vocals are recorded and are sounding great. I won’t say too much about them except for that I’m excited to get them finished and for everyone to hear them.
CS: We’ve come to know you as a producer who demands the highest quality from your work. What do you do to push your production, and stay inspired?
T: Thanks man, really appreciate you saying that. Like most, I’m inspired by a combination of new stuff that I hear and music from the past. The sound coming out of Australia and the U.K have been a big inspiration lately. I’ve been listening to a ton of early 90s House. It’s crazy to see how the trends of music, fashion, and art are all intertwined. In the studio, my strength is keys and arrangement, so a great vocal or really good percussion is a big inspiration for me.
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CS: You recently updated your studio space if we’re not mistaken, what kind of goodies have you got in there now?
T: Yeah, I recently moved to a new studio in West LA. It’s definitely a nice upgrade from the last room I was in and an inspiring place to work. Some of my toys are the Yamaha DX7, Korg M1, Korg R3, Maschine, Apollo, and the Pioneer Nexus dj setup.
CS: Give us your top five favorite artists of the moment.
T: There are a bunch, but 5 of my favorites at the moment are Motez, Tough Love, Kant, Le Youth, and The Magician.
CS: Okay, onto the important stuff. We hear you have a pretty special cat. Please elaborate…
T: I can’t really take too much credit for my cat’s fame. Well, I’ll take a little photo cred but that’s it. Maccha has what people in the inner cat industry refer to as the “it” factor. Some call it the x factor. The rest of the credit goes to my girlfriend who has done pretty much all of the work. Now I’m just an artist living under the shadow of his famous cat. No matter how big I get, Maccha will always be there watching, judging, and knowing that with zero effort she is a star. Not that she needs the plug, but you can check her out at instagram.com/macchacat.
CS: We're just around the corner from our Indian summer in SF. What's your Summertime drink of choice?
T: I enjoy a Hendrick’s martini slightly dirty with precisely 3 olives – no more, no less. Summer or winter. Day or night.
CS: SF or LA? Music or bowling?
T: Ah we are going deep now! I was born and raised in SF, so that will always be my city. Love the history, the culture, and the amazing food. It's definitely changing a lot right now, but change is good. Making the move to LA was something I needed to do and I love it down here. It has been a huge influence on my music.
To be honest, at one point I did consider trying to go for professional bowling haha. But you have to narrow your focus if you really want to succeed at something and music is where my heart is. I limit my bowling to once a week, but I’m ‘bout to get that 300 ring tho.
CS: What else do you have in the works for the rest of the year and beyond?
T: The rest of the year is going to be a busy one, but I have some exciting things in the works. I have a couple official remixes, a couple reworks of classic songs, a new e.p with my band Vibes, and a new skincare/lifestyle brand coming. Sounds random, but it’s true.
Thanks for the feature! Always appreciate the support from you guys and it’s extra special when it comes from SF.
Big thanks goes to the man Greg aka Templeton for getting together with us for this. Get connected with him via the links below if you aren't already, and keep an eye out for those new originals soon, we can guarantee they're worth the wait!
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