Tag: Kav Temperley

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas from Sounds of Oz

By the time you read this, I’ll be very comfortably situated at my sister’s place, probably on my second beer, celebrating Christmas. Whether you celebrate the holiday or you’re simply enjoying the time off, I hope you’re having a marvellous time. I hoped to share another new Christmas song with you, but they’ve been a little thin on the ground this year! So instead I thought I’d rewind a couple of years to Kav Temperley’s “Christmas Lights”. As an album track from his brilliant All Your Devotion album, it probably didn’t get the love it deserved. But it’s a magic track, just perfect for your Christmas evening. Enjoy, and merry Christmas!

Image credit: Nick-K @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Machines of Love & Grace” – Kav Temperley

I was a casual Eskimo Joe fan. I’d sing along to “To The Sea” or “Black Fingernails, Red Wine” as enthusiastically as any Aussie, but I wouldn’t buy the albums or see the band live. Then in 2018, Kav Temperley dropped his first solo album, All Your Devotion, and I felt I finally understood what all the fuss was about. I bought the vinyl, I went to a gig, and I named that album my favourite of the year. With Ben Lee and Amy Shark releasing incredible music in the same year, it was no mean feat. So understandably, I had some pretty high expectations for Kav’s new solo effort, Machines of Love & Grace.

This album has been two and a half years in the making. The global pandemic had a way of slowing down so many things, including this release. However, like a good cheese or red wine, a little time leading up to the finished product is far from a bad thing.

“Machines Of Love & Grace started its life in the very first week of COVID,” he explained. “Myself and my wife had just returned from the US and then one day later the whole entire world shut down. At the same time, I also came down with a mystery virus that was too early in the pandemic to test for COVID. So while everyone went into lockdown, I began to isolate myself in my bedroom only talking to my family through a small crack in the bedroom window.”

Without the distractions of the outside world, Kav could focus on the lyrics, producing some of the best-written songs of his career. As someone who fell so deeply for the songs on his debut, I don’t say that flippantly. Kav tackles some big stuff here. The opening track “Emergency in D Minor” ruminates on self-isolation. The title track was inspired by the screen addiction so many of us experience, not just during lockdown but through the modern age. The most recent single “Last of the Wine” paints a portrait of alcoholism and domestic violence. “The Fence” touches on anti-vaxxers and the environment. Machines of Love & Grace is a weighty album, but Kav’s knack for creating catchy melodies ensures it doesn’t feel too heavy. It makes you think, but also encourages you to keep listening.

Coming out of a time of isolation, the choice collaborations feel even more poignant. Kav teams up with some of Western Australia’s best musicians: John Butler, Katy Steele, and Siobhan Cotchin. Hearing their voices combine and the energy in their connections is a beautiful thing.

Machines of Love & Grace is an incredible follow-up to All Your Devotion. I’m falling just a little more in love with every listen. Kav plans on touring this album with shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Check his website for show details and tickets from 10am on Tuesday October 25.

Images used with permission from On the Map PR; main image credit: Jarrad Levy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kav Temperley Releases Powerful New Single “Last of the Wine”

If you needed further proof that Kav Temperley is one of the best songwriters this country has ever produced, wrap your ears around “Last of the Wine”. This is a straight-up pop-rock banger, the sort of song that deserves to be all over radio. While the catchy melody hooks you in instantly, it’s the lyrics that will stay with me. Tap into them and you’ll discover this song’s true power.

“’Last Of The Wine’ is about drinking and domestic violence and how the two often meet in the middle,” Kav explained. “I imagined a love story where someone is locked in a room dreaming about someone somewhere else while dealing with a complex love-hate relationship that they can’t escape from, jumping at shadows and flinching every time they lean in for a kiss. At night they stare out at the moon with a glass of wine in their hand and imagine the same moon shining its light down on the one they love and just for a moment they feel alright.”

“Last of the Wine” is the latest track lifted from Kav’s forthcoming solo album Machines of Love and Grace. He set the bar so high with his first solo effort All Your Devotion, so I’m pretty psyched to hear this one when it drops on October 19. If you missed him on his recent regional tour or want another serve, it won’t be too long before Kav’s back on the road. Expect to hear about capital city and regional shows slated for early next year really soon.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Jarrad Levy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kav Temperley and Katy Steele Duet on “Graduation Day”

Western Australian music royalty Kav Temperley and Katy Steele have teamed up for a gorgeous new single “Graduation Day.” I’m a sucker for a high-quality duet, and this track definitely fits the bill. You can feel the connection between these long-time friends as they bring this nostalgic tale to life. Recording the song in Kav’s own Fremantle studio no doubt helped it feel a little more intimate and familiar.

“Growing up in Fremantle, it used to be a right of passage to jump off the old traffic bridge into the river on graduation day,” Kav explained. “People would pull over their cars and yell at you for being reckless and dangerous. The song Graduation Day is the story about someone who stayed behind and somebody who chose to leave, and about how no matter how far you go – there is always this tether pulling you back”.

“Kav is such a great writer and musician and I’ve always had a tonne of respect for him,” Katy added. “This song showcases what a great writer he is so I am truly honoured to be on it! We’ve been hanging out a little recently working on stuff and Kav played me the song in the studio. I guess we share a slight affinity both being the ‘lead singers’ doing solo stuff and all the feelings, pressures and emotions that come with it. It’s been so nice sharing those feelings together, it’s made me feel less alone”.

“Graduation Day” is the latest track lifted from Kav’s sophomore solo release, Machines of Love & Grace. It’s out in September, but if you can’t wait until then to hear more new music I suggest getting along to one of his upcoming shows. If your hometown isn’t listed, don’t despair. It’s only part one of his regional tour, so he might just be on his way to your neck of the woods soon.

14 July 2022 – Froth, Ningaloo/Exmouth
4 August 2022 – Golden Vine, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Bendigo
5 August 2022 – Our Friends Farm, Tallarook
6 August 2022 – Lighthouse Theatre (Studio), Warrnambool
10 August 2022 – The Gal, Mulumbinba/Newcastle
11 August 2022 – Drifter’s Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
12 August 2022 – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre @ The Music Lounge, Illawarra
13 August 2022 – Canberra Theatre Centre @ The Studio, Ngambri/Canberra

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Jarrad Levy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kav Temperley @ Lizotte’s, Newcastle – 20 October 2018

A night at Lizotte’s always feels like coming home. I don’t get to visit as often as I’d liked, since the Central Coast arm folded, but it’s a venue worth making the trip up the Pacific Highway for. The musicians are always first-class, but many venues can claim that. Add in delicious food, friendly and attentive waitstaff, and quality beverages though, and you’ll start understanding why Lizotte’s has a special atmosphere that’s all its own. Music fans love being here, and musicians love playing here. If you’ve ever caught one of the live streaming videos the venue posts on Facebook, you’d understand that all those good vibes help magic happen at Lizotte’s. So not even the thunderstorms could dampen my enthusiasm for a road trip to Newie for Kav Temperley’s Lizotte’s show on Saturday night.

Kruger James played violin on Kav’s new solo record, All Your Devotion, but he got the chance to step into the spotlight in his support slot. I’m sure his blend of rapping and electric violin wasn’t to everyone’s tastes, but I was transfixed. His tracks were soulful, with clever rhymes and positive vibes. I would have loved to hear him with a band rather than a backing track, but I understand support acts have budget constraints. His own electric violin really elevated his work. A freestyle rap referencing the desserts people were enjoying near the stage, the fantastic venue, and his music got everyone on side. Even if rap isn’t your genre of choice, it’s impossible to be unimpressed by such clever spontaneous rhymes.

Kav was the man we all came to see, and he appeared every bit the star as he stepped on stage in his leather jacket, with an acoustic guitar strapped on. He might have been on tour to promote his new album All Your Devotion, but he wasn’t going to ignore the fans who’d been with him throughout his musical journey. Opening tracks “From the Sea” and “Older Than You” made me wonder why I’d left it so long to catch him live. The stripped-back performances helped me appreciate these radio-friendly hits just a little more.

After a little trip down memory lane, it was time to celebrate Kav’s new solo record. I absolutely love this album. While I always enjoyed Eskimo Joe music, this album has converted me from casual listener to real fan. So I was thrilled to hear those songs and the stories behind them. Since he played on the record, it was only fitting that Kruger joined Kav for a few numbers, including one of the night’s standouts, “Queen of My Heart.” I’d questioned the inclusion of “Christmas Lights,” feeling a festive song was a little out of place on this album of songs about love lost and found. However, being involved in the call-and-response chorus of this modern Christmas song, it made total sense. Even in October. What great fun.

Stepping out solo when you’re part of such a well-loved Australian band must be daunting. There’s no one else to hide behind, and since you’re the only one making the music, it often comes from a more intimate, personal place. But if there were any nerves, Kav Temperley didn’t show them. His set at Lizotte’s was wonderful, a celebration of this fantastic new collection of songs he’s created which didn’t forget the music that thrust him into the spotlight. There are just a few dates left on the All Your Devotion tour. If you’re near one of these Western Australian venues, trust me: get yourself a ticket. Just like the album they’re promoting, these shows are sure to be something special.

27 October 2018 – Mojos, Fremantle
2 November 2018 – River Hotel, Margaret River
3 November 2018 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“All Your Devotion” – Kav Temperley

If Kav Temperley felt any nerves going solo, they don’t show. His first album without Eskimo Joe, All Your Devotion, is an accomplished work that hits all the right musical and emotional notes.

Kav hasn’t been afraid to take risks here. It’s definitely not a soundalike album that could have come from the Eskimo Joe catalogue. It’s gentler, more delicate, with folkier influences and greater pop leanings. Keeping the instrumentation small really lets us hone in on those lyrics which are so very good. Perhaps it’s the act of creating a solo album that’s let Kav craft songs that come from a very personal place, that don’t need to speak for the band. Perhaps it’s simply the circumstances. An album that comes following the breakdown of a marriage, and even the separation from a band, should be raw and revealing. And it is.

While Kav takes a different direction with All Your Devotion, this may be one of his most accessible works to date. The single, “Pollyanna” is such a strong song that deserves serious airplay. But really I could see most of these songs sitting comfortably on indie and commercial playlists. There are no filler tracks here. Opening track “Queen of My Heart” is a proper love song, delivered with real heart and without a hint of schmaltz. “Surrender” speaks so eloquently about giving yourself over completely to a new relationship. “Please Distract Me,” a plaintive plea to a new lover, might be my favourite song from the album. Although, it has stiff competition from “What Is It Worth,” a beautiful ballad that delivers an emotional sucker punch. The festive “Christmas Lights” seems a little out of place on a September release, but it’s a sweet song nonetheless.

All Your Devotion felt good the moment I listened to it, but with every subsequent spin I think I fall a little more in love with it. I catch a lyric or a melody that I missed, and my appreciation deepens. Make sure you take a listen when it gets a digital and vinyl release today. Hear it live at the following shows.

5 October 2018 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
6 October 2018 – Villa Noosa Hotel, Sunshine Coast
7 October 2018 – Public Bar @ Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast (FREE)
11 October 2018 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
12 October 2018 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
13 October 2018 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
19 October 2018 – Leadbelly, Sydney
20 October 2018 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
27 October 2018 – Mojos, Fremantle
2 November 2018 – River Hotel, Margaret River
3 November 2018 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kav Temperley Releases First Solo Single “Pollyanna”

When Kav Temperley releases music, you know you’re in good hands. The solo thing might be new for him, but the frontman of Eskimo Joe is such an accomplished musician it was never going to be a difficult transition. His new single “Pollyanna,” our first taste of his solo album All Your Devotion, is just what the doctor ordered.

“A friend once told me that our happiness is always relative, whether we live in a war zone or paradise – our happiness always swings back to the same place,” explained Kav of the song’s inspiration. “I had just lost my marriage and the band had decided to take a break, all of these things that defined me were now no longer around. It was one of the first times in my life I felt like a stranger just rolling along, but I realised that amongst all of this I was a Pollyanna, someone despite the bad news always looks on the bright side. This was a song I was singing to myself to remember to stay light.”

That headspace informs All Your Devotion, an album about figuring things out, letting ourselves be vulnerable, starting over, and moving on. It also sees Kav exploring more of a pop-folk sound than many of his previous rock releases. It sounds superb.

All Your Devotion gets a digital and vinyl release on September 28. He’ll celebrate its launch with shows all around the country. Sorry kids, they’re all strictly adults only. Snap up your tickets soon because they will not last.

5 October 2018 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
6 October 2018 – Villa Noosa Hotel, Sunshine Coast
7 October 2018 – Public Bar @ Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast (FREE)
11 October 2018 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
12 October 2018 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
13 October 2018 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
19 October 2018 – Leadbelly, Sydney
20 October 2018 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
27 October 2018 – Mojos, Fremantle
2 November 2018 – River Hotel, Margaret River
3 November 2018 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kav Temperley Goes Solo

Kav Temperley continues his musical evolution with the release of his first solo EP, Hope St, on September 9. The EP features the brand new single “Dancin’,” a quirky romantic number that’s put a big smile on my face.

Kav says the EP is as honest as he gets.

“It’s terrifying! But it’s also liberating. There was no censoring – no towing a particular line,” he explained. “I suppose you could say Hope St is me burying my 20s and elegantly dancing into my late 30s. It’s about finding a new way.”

Hope St is actually the first of four EPs Kav has in the works.

“They all form a complete narrative,” he explained. “They take us full cycle. I wanted to present these songs in a unique format, in a different paradigm – it was an artistic challenge. Each EP tells a different part of the same story – each is a part of the whole.”

The lead single from Hope St, “Dancin’” features guest vocals from Lucy Peach who will join Kav at all but the Brisbane Festival show. Catch them both at the following venues.

3 September 2016 – FAC Gallery Sessions, Fremantle
11 September 2016 – Brisbane Festival, Brisbane
15 September 2016 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh
16 September 2016 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
17 September 2016 – The Basement, Sydney
18 September 2016 – Front Bar, Canberra
23 September 2016 – Jimmy’s Den, Perth
24 September 2016 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Introducing Basement Birds, Australia’s Latest Supergroup

Basement Birds may be a new name on the music scene, but chances are you know these guys already. This new outfit features four of the most talented songwriters in the country: Kav Temperley (Eskimo Joe), Kevin Mitchell (Bob Evans, Jebediah), Steve Parkin (Autopilot), and Josh Pyke.

We’ll get our first chance to hear what magic this quartet can create in late June. Four three-track bundles will be released via iTunes on a fortnightly basis. Acoustic versions of each track will also be released every alternate fortnight. Fans can also enjoy more exclusive content via the new Basement Birds website.

With four such talented members, something tells me Basement Birds are going to be big!

Image used with permission from Riothouse