Alfie Templeman Talks ‘Eyes Wide Shut’

London-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer and performer Alfie Templeman needs no introduction as he leaps back in with his brilliant new single ‘Eyes Wide Shut’. The new track is full of life with honest lyrics and a big pop sound. We asked Alfie all about the new song, music video and playing live! 

Photo credit: Blacksocks Studio

I love that the lyrics for ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ were snippets from your journal- what was it like using something so personal for the track?

Thanks! For some reason, I didn’t really think twice about using diary entries. It felt natural to me and very much the right thing to use at that time. I’ve always wanted to get better at lyrics, and getting better for me means being more sincere and painting a better picture. So my earnest ramblings were quite a good thing to cut up and turn into a song. I probably wouldn’t ever make a whole album of songs derived from my diary entries, as I think the songs that come out the other end are quite rich and very on the nose. But I think it was really nice to do for a change.

The “Big Weird Pop” energy of the song perfectly balances the more hard hitting lyrics, what is your process for balancing the two?
There isn’t really much of a conscious process happening, nothing premeditated. It’s more of a musical spontaneity; working with the right people that make you an energetic performer whilst also being able to be comfortable lyrically. I often end up making big, happy sounding songs that end up having lyrics crying for help. No clue why, it just happens. Sometimes I make that stuff alone in my room and other times with people I trust. Either way the environment while making the song has to be care free but not careless.

Speaking of the music video- how did you come up with this idea? Can you tell me a little bit about the concept? 

Soren (the director) and I wanted to encapsulate sensory overload in a way that captured my childhood. Having these crazy sensitive ears that so desperately want to make and create music whilst also being so scared of a balloon popping or a hand-dryer going off. I was really bad with noises as a kid and couldn’t go to parties because I’d have panic attacks that would mess up my asthma. So it was a pretty personal video for me. 

How does this new era of music differ from the last?

Well, with every release I put out, I try to broaden my musical horizons more and more. Since I started writing and releasing to the public I’ve always listened to as much music as I can, from brutal progressive rock to the sugariest, most delicate pop. This new music balances all of my favourite genres a lot better than I’ve ever done before. There's neo-soul, jazz, krautrock, IDM, acid pop and much more spread out on these new tracks I’ve been working on. My next project to me feels like a double album condensed into a single album. I’m always going for Todd Rundgren or Prince. 

Have you played ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ live yet? How did that feel? Alternatively- how are you feeling about bringing this to live shows?

We’ve been playing Eyes Wide Shut for nearly 2 years now. I think because it’s been on the setlist so long the release is even more special. A bunch of my fans know all the lyrics already which is wicked. It makes me really confident going into this new era. I was a bit nervous releasing a song for the first time in 2 years but Eyes felt like the perfect thing to come back with. I don’t think it completely sums up this new sound of mine that’s around the corner, but it’s the perfect bridge that connects future and past Alfie. There’s a lot more to come yet, and I think some of it will surprise people. But for now I’m quite happy in falsetto funk land.