Libratone and Temple Haze.

Last week we welcomed the American borne, Berlin-residing artist Temple Haze to our store to perform some tracks, featuring his unique Indie-Soul style.

We have spent the past few months working with our Free the Sound artists and capturing their stories on camera. Here is what Temple Haze had to say about what music means to him.

Before the gig, we sat down with him to ask him a few questions about his inspirations, aspirations and what Free the Sound means to him.

Hi, Temple, firstly please do introduce yourself to our readers.

Well, my name is Temple Haze, I am an American, born in Washington DC, and now I live in Berlin, Germany. I have been there for several years now and it is a great city.

What is your background, and how did you discover your musical talent?

My mother sang all her life and is a gospel singer – she often sings in churches back home. She has a beautiful voice and was singing to me since I was in the womb.

I grew up with old vinyls from the classics – the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Queen, Simon Garfunkel and much more, surrounding me at home. So music, especially from the 60s and 70s, was how I first grew to understand the world. I wrote my first song when I was around six or seven, just a little country tune where I would strum the guitar. It was very basic, but it was an entry into something that would shape my life.

I then spent my formative, teenage years mainly in my basement practising guitar, learning how to sing, and trying different composition techniques. It was hard and isolating, but I am very thankful for my dedication now.

Is making music your full-time career?

I am a full-time performer, producer, singer, space holder and sound designer. What does that mean, you may ask?! I have been blessed with many great opportunities in different fields - I am a performing musician, mostly making solo acoustic shows, downbeat Ableton live sets, DJ sets, and creating my new live band project. I also do a lot of consciousness work with Soneiro Collective. We hold space for a wide range of work - yoga and meditation retreats, curating sanctuary stages at festivals, events in Berlin (mantra singing circles, music meditations, sound yoga, etc).

Tell us about your own sound?

My sound has always been morphing and changing. I started as a country, folk, blues, roots musician. When I moved to Berlin I experienced the beauty of modern music. I am now in a space where I try to mix organic and digital elements into harmony. I call my music Indie-Soul, it has many elements from neo-soul, RnB, trip hop and hip hop.  I am on a path to be as honest as possible with my music, to be vulnerable, to be myself, to share raw emotions through the music.

What inspires you when you make music?

The majority of my life I was mostly inspired by the music of the past, the ‘golden years’, if you like. However, recently I have been inspired by new music, seeing what people in my same age range are producing. I’m often also inspired by the music that my friends in the scene are making. More than anything I try to let the music inspire itself. To see where the flow takes the song.

What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working or performing?

I love to travel. Exploring, adventures and going to faraway places and discovering ancient societies and cultures. Or going to the beach, doing nothing, simply reading and relaxing.

What has been your career highlight to date?

Tough question! With my musical career it would be touring with Crystal Fighters, playing 5 shows in Germany to 3-5,000 person crowds, and playing in Tempodrom to top that off!

Libratone is on a mission to Free the Sound. So what does Free the Sound mean to you?

For me Free the Sound correlates with being open, and flowing freely within the composition process.

How did you find working with Libratone?

It was a great team at the recording and I am also happy with the finished product!

What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next few years?

I have a lot of plans. I believe in manifesting and envisioning your future highest potential and achievements. One of my main goals for this year is to produce my first full, solo album.

If people want to check you out where can they hear more?

You can hear the track recorded with Libratone here.

Website: templehaze.com

Insta: @templehaze

FB: Temple Haze

Soundcloud: Temple Haze

Here is a selection of images from Temple Haze’s Libratone Live Session at our Copenhagen store. It is always a fun, relaxed evening. If you are in Copenhagen do keep an eye on our Facebook page for details of the next event.