We chatted with LA-based music duo TEMPOH Slow about their upcoming new single titled Villains in Love, dropping on December 10, 2021 which is part of their EP Punxx Noir, which is out March 25, 2022. The duo, which is comprised of Nicholas Suhr and Nick Spreigl, also shares with us their creative process and musical influences.

How excited are you to release this new EP?

TEMPOH Slow (TS): Super excited! I feel like this EP is really our first EP. The self-titled were just songs we created and packaged together as best we could, but I feel like we finally hit our stride as far as what we want to do with TEMPOH now. I feel like this EP represents growth as a project and honestly for me as a person. I am excited to put them out, because for me it’s the end of a chapter that I have been really excited to close. These songs were originally poems, phrases, and diary entries of a really hard time, and now I feel really good about where I am, but it has been really therapeutic finishing them and putting this together. I don’t carry resentment or anxiety like I used to and I feel like this project really represents a lot.

What can fans expect from this EP?

TS: I don’t know! Just gotta listen! I really feel like it’s not as dark as the last EP because I really wanted to create music that I felt happy making, because I didn’t feel happy writing the lyrics lol…0% happy writing those lyrics. 

When people listen to your music, what are you hoping they get out of it?

TS: Anything. I just want people to feel something. That is my only hope with this. We can’t control how anyone feels about it, but if they feel something, I’d say it was not for nothing. All the music that I connect to makes me feel something. Some of my favorite artists were artists I once hated on, but that just makes it so much cooler, because there was something there that kept me curious. Maybe you love “Leave Me Alone” but hate another song! Or maybe you hate them all, but at least it made you feel something. 

How would you describe the sound of your music?

TS: Controlled chaos. 

Who would you say are some of your musical influences?

TS: Bon Iver is # 1 ALWAYS! But during this album, I really felt nostalgic – pop punk (NFG, TRANSPLANTS, Green Day), and then new stuff; love The 1975, Ericdoa, Brakence, GlassJaw, Rage Against The Machine, Mars Volta, etc. It’s all over the place. I honestly just love music. I am a fan first and foremost. I think my influences are there in bits, but it’s never on purpose. I can hear a song on the way to the studio that really hits me at that moment and I will write off that feeling. I love music so much. It’s everything.

Did you always know that music was something you wanted to pursue?

TS: Yeah, but not like this. I used to just want to play drums, and I did lol…for a long time. I had the pleasure of touring with some amazing artists and loved it. It was my dream that came true. I always wanted to write and never felt like anything was really mine to claim. I wanted to feel the process like I am now. I just got tired of playing someone else’s music, because I felt like I had things to say too.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

TS: It is 100% possible, but if it’s for money, do something else. You need to love this shit. Hard. Also, really look out for yourself and know your worth. I think that this industry is actually pretty toxic and is filled with people that want to keep you where they are comfortable keeping you, but do you. Believe in you. Rip it.

Can you describe your creative process when you’re writing new music?

TS: We will change it up always. It could start with a beat and I will write to it, we will make something from scratch; it’s always different, but the key is to ALWAYS feel it. If it’s not happening, we don’t force it. I think we are lucky that we are best friends because we just like to hang out and this project is our favorite thing to do while hanging out. I trust Nick a lot. He rules.

What has been the best advice someone has given you about music?

TS: I have had so many mentors. I would say just keep everything low key, music and the music industry are 2 very different things, and be your biggest fan.

Which musician would you like to collaborate with in the future?

TS: Bon Iver, The 1975, Brakence, Jack White, anything involved with Rage Against the Machine.

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Pre-save Villains in Love here

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