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TEMUJIN
Interviewer – Jade Holden
Interviewee – Karl and Kelly of Temujin
How did the band come to be? Did you all know each other before hand?
[Karl] : I’d been writing songs and looking for a singer to complete them, Kelly had been singing and looking for a chance to do something more with her talents. We already knew each other, decided to see what it would sound like to work together, and … here we are!
Where did the name come from? What does it mean?
[Kelly] : Temujin is the tribal birthname of Genghis Khan. We like the historical combination of aggression and success attached to the man. And it’s a word with a good look and ‘feel’.
Have you found your success easy or quite difficult? – How did you get to where you are today?
[Karl] : It’s been hard work, but never dull. We just try to keep focused on the things that we can directly affect, like song writing, and let the rest take care of itself. Many things are actually falling into place faster than we had expected.
[Kelly] : But there’s still a long way to go…
How would you describe your music to others?
[Kelly] : We’re more than happy to let people put their own label on us. We haven’t set out to ‘be’ a certain style, but the Gothic/Metal tag seesm to fit us well.
[Karl] : We try to focus on building interesting songs through the use of contrast and layering. We like to use a lot of ‘light’ and ‘shadow’ when writing.
What goals are the band working towards?
[Kelly] : The first thing we wanted to get done was the CD. It was a real sense of accomplishment to get that out to the public.
[Karl] : And now the contract with Renaissance Records has opened a whole new door of opportunity. The aim for 2008 is to make the most of that opportunity.
[Kelly] : If things work out then getting to the US (and hopefully the UK) for some gigs is a major goal for this year.
Where do you in see yourself next year / 5years / 10years?
[Karl] : We try not to get too far ahead. Really, we do this because we enjoy it so much, and we are content to mostly enjoy the ride, wherever that might be headed. We do make plans and set objectives, but we try not to lose the sense of enjoyment that just comes from playing, writing, recording. Next year, we’d love to play some European festivals in the summer. 5 or 10 years from now? Would be great if we were still able to be doing this in some shape or form.
Would you say you had a close relationship with your fans?
[Karl] : The internet, and in particular myspace, have been a fantastic way of meeting and keeping in touch with people. We try to keep in touch with those people who want to talk to us. It’s getting harder as the numbers increase though!
Do you write your own lyrics and music?
[ Kelly] : Yes, all written by the two of us – Karl focuses more on the music with occasional lyrics, and I work more on the vocal melodies and lyrics with some musical arrangements thrown in.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
[Kelly] : Lyrically, from life. Observing what goes on, trying to see what lies behind people’s behaviour. Music is very emotional, I try to make my lyrics convey that.
[Karl] : Musically, we just play until something ‘clicks’. Then we work on that and try to put some structure the basic idea. Then work and refine …
Kelly, you have an amazing voice. When did you realise you had a talent for singing?
[Kelly] : Thank you! I’ve always been interested in singing, and I grew up in a home where my mother sang a lot. So it’s always been a natural thing for me to just sing when I have the urge!
Does it come naturally to you or do you need to train a lot?
[Kelly] : A natural thing I guess. I do sing a lot, but most of it is very much informal – just singing to enjoy it.
Now that you’ve been signed, do you expect things to change?
[Karl] : Change for the better, hopefully! The biggest thing that we are hoping for is greater access to touring outside of Australia. We very much want to play in the UK and USA, and this takes us a step closer to that.
When can we expect album number 2?
[Kelly] : Well, we are always writing, so there’s plenty of material floating around. We hope to find the time around mid year to really sit down and select the best 15 or so songs that we have at that time.
[Karl] : Once we have a rough track list we will do some recording, see which ones are coming up best, and then move into final production. We’d like to have something done by the end of ’08.
What advice would you give to someone interested in starting up in a band?
[Karl] : Do it. Do it now. Do it often. Really, if you have the desire, then go for it. Just be prepared for hard work … it’s rarely easy. Oh, and don’t listen to those who just want to cut you down. Pay attention to those you trust, and listen to constructive criticism … but there are plenty of people out there who just want to cut you down for their own petty reasons – don’t give them the satisfaction, ignore them!
Where can people listen to / download / buy your music?
[Kelly] : We have just launched our online shop, so feel free to go to www.temujinband.com/shop/ws-main.html and grab a bargain! We are also up on most of the major mp3 online stores like iTunes and Rhapsody.
Could we expect a tour anytime soon?
[Karl] : In the UK … well, it’s hard to arrange from such a distance, especially since we still haven’t got any firm distribution arrangements into the UK. But we were in London in late 2007 (a scouting mission!) and we’d love to get there for some gigs soon.
What’s the music scene like in Australia?
[Karl] : Small, committed, unsupported by the local record labels. I guess I understand the business rational behind the system here, but it leaves very little scope for anything except ‘Top 40’ material. The live scene can be very rewarding sometimes, but there is a general shortage of venues, and attendances are not strong.
Recently more and more bands are coming out with strong female vocals and a gothic metal sound, such as Evanescence, Nightwish, Within Temptation and Leave’s Eyes to name but a few. What sets Temujin apart from other bands like these?
[Kelly] : Well, we’d love to considered a part of that movement – there’s some amazingly good material coming out right now. Each of those bands you’ve named is unique in their own ways, and I think we are also. We have a mellow aspect that is more prominent, for one thing.
[Karl ] : And we’re Australian, which none of the others are – which means we know more about Kangaroos than they do. That’s got to be a good thing, doesn’t it?
Finally, which one of your tracks would you consider to be the most headbanging?
[Karl] : Well, for that crunchy slow headbang I’d recommend “Sheltered”.
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