We love a good EP track by track, here at Dork. It’s a great way to get to know newer artists – what they’re thinking, how they feel, what’s important to them. And usually, it’s only over 4-6 tracks too, which is definitely an added bonus. Who has time for albums? They’re just too much music, we say. EPs don’t do filler, only bops. Anyway – one of our fave up-and-comers, Alfie Templeman has just released his new ‘un, the star-studded ‘Happiness In Liquid Form EP’, which you may have noticed in the latest mag we awarded 5 whole stars – cos y’know, it’s pretty good we guess. (You can have that quote for the EP stickers, Alf.) Give it a listen below, and find out more about it from the boy wonder himself.
Happiness In Liquid Form
I wrote and recorded this in about three hours with Justin Young (The Vaccines/Halloweens) and Will Bloomfield. It came together really easily because we clicked so well! Justin showed me many new ways of writing lyrics that I now practise for newer songs I make, and Will showed me some awesome production tips. A lot of people think it’s about alcohol but that never even crossed my mind somehow when writing it. I actually see it as a song about rain weirdly enough. But then again, I’m 17!
Things I Thought Were Mine
I always tell people I’m gonna write a pop song. Guess this is the first! I was messing around on logic pro and found this really smart-sounding synth. And that is what you hear as soon as you click play. Interesting thing about this song is that you probably count it wrong when it starts playing. The synth-lead rhythm is different from the bass, which is also different from the drums. So it’s probably gonna be hard to nail live, but equally exciting. In terms of lyrics, it’s just about losing out in life and not being able to hold onto things you value a lot.
Maybe This Is Time
A nod to Todd. Todd Rundgren that is, along with Emitt Rhodes. These guys both make amazing singer-songwriter tunes that I’ve always adored. I wanted to make something really tight with those Ringo Starr drums and sweet vocal melodies. It’s a lovely early 70s soft rock track.
Obvious Guy
Getting real funky and cool here. Nick Hodgson (Kaiser Chiefs) produced this one. Incredibly cool guy. This is about being a bit of an idiot and getting too serious in arguments and bringing up the elephant in the room when you’re having a go at someone which only makes things worse.
Wish I Was Younger
Kinda just a 2000s R’n’B bop about wishing you were younger when you met your soul mate. Simple as, really!
My Best Friend
This one’s got strong Eilish vibes. I made it really quickly in my bedroom just by messing around with my bass, and it turned out cool, so I got my girlfriend Sitara to do backing vocals and then hit up Jess from Coach Party to do a verse. It’s a really great finishing song because it leaves you wondering where I’m gonna go next! And boy it’s good…
Alfie Templeman’s EP ‘Happiness In Liquid Form’ is out now.
