Interview and photos by Uchechi Adeboye
On his latest album ‘Radiosoul,’ Alfie dives into modular synths, playful experimentation, and nostalgic influences.
Alfie Templeman
I sat down with Alfie Templeman in a quiet coffee shop next to Assai Records in Glasgow, where he performed the final show of his record store tour. Alfie was excited about his latest release, ‘Radiosoul,’ which he describes as his “pride and joy.”
Reflecting on the album’s creation, Alfie shared that his favourite moment during the recording process was working on “Vultures,” the fourth track on the album. It’s the track where he did all the production himself, allowing him to experiment with modular synths in his bedroom. Another standout track for him was “Beckham,” which he recorded with Dan Carey, and he enjoyed having a good time and playing with weird sounds in the studio.
When I asked if he had a specific genre in mind for the album, Alfie revealed, “I went in quite blind, which made it exciting to jump into it. Tracks like ‘Vultures’ and ‘Beckham’ came from a place of pure experimentation.”
Influences and Inspirations
When listening to the album myself, I felt lingering influences of artists like Tame Impala, Gorillaz, and Prince. “I’m influenced more by the people who influenced Tame Impala and Gorillaz, like 60s and 70s R&B with heavy drums” said Alfie. “But Prince directly impacts me. His vocal delivery and cheekiness are things I admire. Another big influence for me, was one of Prince’s influencers, Todd Rundgren. Todd was known for shapeshifting through albums, and every album he released was completely different from the last.”
Favourite Tracks and Experimentation
My favourite tracks from the album are “Switch” and “Eyes Wide Shut.” When I asked Alfie about his favourites, he referred back to “Vultures” and “Beckham.” These tracks feel like him experimenting and having fun. He also highlighted “Radiosoul,” the title track, which is a fun five-minute odyssey that takes listeners on an adventure.
Despite the album’s experimental nature, Alfie wasn’t too nervous about its reception. “Weirdly, I was less nervous than with previous releases because this album feels really feels like it’s me.” We both agreed that even though not everyone can love every album, you can appreciate the authenticity and when an artist’s sound is truly theirs. And that is something that reigns true with Radiosoul, you can tell Alfie put his heart and soul into it and that the art he created is authentic, in its purest form.
Nostalgia and Visual Art
The album’s nostalgic feel was evident to me, and Alfie explained, “I’m a nostalgic person, always thinking about childhood and playing outside.” But that it’s not forced into the music, and he will often realise when listening back to the album that the nostalgic influences have subconciously weaved their way through.
When I asked Alfie if he was inspired by other art forms, he spoke about how also draws inspiration from visual art. “I love graphic art and have a side project called Ariel Days where I try and make all the covers. Even when I am not making covers, I am still very much inspired by the people that help me put the pieces together. There’s been a few times where I’ve only made two or three songs for an album and the album art has inspired me to write more songs.”
Touring and Future Prospects
Excited about his upcoming tour, Alfie mentioned, “Obviously Glasgow is always amazing to perform in, but I also love playing in Bristol, it’s always good vibes in Bristol. We’re also doing a tour in the USA ” with Boston and California being standout places. Regarding performing his new songs live, Alfie said “Beckham” translates really well on stage, bringing a lot of energy.
When asked about which songs from ‘Radiosoul’ would fit well in the next FIFA soundtrack, Alfie thought “Hello, Lonely” and “Just A Dance” with Nile Rogers would be perfect due to their funky, summery vibes.
Synesthesia and Neurodivergence
Alfie hopes that people will take away a sense of his playful and experimental side from this album. “With this album, it’s a bridge between new and old for me. I want to be an artist that shape shifts and changes as much as possible. This album is a taste of what’s to come.”
In our final questions, Alfie recommended the song “Are You Looking Up” by McGee to Karma! listeners. When asked about a colour that reflects his music, Alfie revealed, “I record most of my music in red light, but I’d say my music sounds yellow.” Alfie’s girlfriend says he’s a “yellow person,” while she considers herself a “red person,” and together they make “orange.” Alfie found this to be a perfect representation of their balance and dynamic.
Our conversation took a fascinating turn as we delved into synesthesia and neurodivergence. Alfie mentioned how he often records in red light because it feels warm and comforting, even though he perceives his music as yellow. This resonated with me, as I also experience synesthesia. We both associate colours with names and concepts, revealing a shared neurodivergent perspective. Alfie candidly shared that his ADHD and autism significantly impact his creative process, fostering an unconventional and self-taught approach to music-making. This connection was a highlight of the interview, underscoring the unique ways our minds influence our different artistic principles.
It was amazing to sit down with Alfie and dive into his creative process and the intricate details behind ‘Radiosoul.’ His passion for music, and experimentation, are evident on every track. I believe this album is a must-listen, and if you get the chance, make sure to grab tickets to his tour starting in October—you won’t want to miss it!
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