We’ve got another of our brand new Knead To Know interviews, today we have the fantastic Tay Temple ✨
We’ve known Tay for a good while now and we’re amazed at how far she’s come in the past few years, even in the midst of a pandemic and global lockdowns, she’s been smashing it and writing, performing and releasing throughout it all.. an absolute machine with so much talent! 😊
She’s been featured on our Just The Crust a few times now with her singles, and our very own michael webster did a lil cover of “Millennials” as well – we love to see it. Her brand new EP “Painfully Aware” is a beautiful collection of Tay’s songs, really giving the listener an insight into her thoughts and feelings, through lovely americana/indie-influenced songwriting, a fantastic band behind her and her usual amazing vocalwork and guitar playing! One of our favourites of the year for sure. 🙌
Check out the interview below!
Having released your singles just prior to, and throughout the pandemic, how was it to be able to put out your EP once things had opened up again?
The whole thing has been a bitter sweet experience. I released my debut single ‘Millennials’ back in March 2020 just before everything kicked off so it was really bad timing. We recorded the EP over 2019/2020 so when it finally came out in October this year I wasn’t as attached to the songs but I’m still so proud of the final product.
What kinds of things did you do to prepare for recording?
I’m a perfectionist so I record every rehearsal then listen back and pick out instrumentation parts I like – lead guitar riffs/ bass lines / drum fills etc. I also write out all the lead sheets for each song, as well as the lyrics, bpm, key signature, harmonies and a few other things. Basically I like to be as prepared as possible.
Have you got a favourite song from the EP, if so.. How come?
I think I’d have to say ‘Ladybird’ because it’s just such a significant song to me and the societal obsession with female beauty is something I strongly disagree with. I mean, I even got a tattoo of a ladybird. If that’s not commitment I don’t know what is haha.
What are your main influences within your songs – artists, music, the general world.. Lots of things often come into it!
I’d say the general world / politics are definitely a major influence on my writing, if not the main one. But I also write a lot about my own experiences because channeling my emotions into songs is basically my coping mechanism.
How has the past year impacted your releases, creativity and relationship with music?
If anything it’s made me realise just how much I need to perform. Having that taken away really impacted my mental health and made me question my whole identity so it’s safe to say I’m over the moon that I’ve been lucky enough to have multiple gigs this year.
It’s also made me so much more appreciative of the wider industry roles that don’t always get the limelight; Live Sound Engineers, Promoters, Booking agents, Venue owners etc. Without those people, artists like myself can’t put on shows so they are just as important and it’s a shame they don’t always get the credit they deserve.
What do you find most enjoyable about music?
When I first show my band something I’ve written and it all just starts to click. That’s when I know if a songs gonna work or not. It’s one of the most euphoric feelings – I just love it.
Is there anything else we should know for what’s on the horizon for Tay Temple?
I can’t reveal anything just yet but we have big big plans for 2022 and I’m just so excited for it all!
It’s fantastic to see such an insight into Tay’s music this way, and we couldn’t agree more with her on the under-appreciated areas of the music industry; and also with regards to the need for music for not only getting your thoughts out there, but with relation to creativity and self-care. Her attention to detail is super inspiring and we hope that you guys can take something away from this for yourselves! 🤘 a massive thanks to her for doing this for us, amazing stuff. 😊
We’ll be back soon with yet another edition of our Knead To Know interviews, in the meantime check out Tay’s music below! 🍞
we’re so so proud of this EP and worked super hard on it last year, a massive thank you again to everyone for your support!! 
if you’ve not heard it yet, go and have a listen – you can find it on 
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plenty of stuff to have a gander at. drop us a message if you’d like to buy one! 
gotta help each other out, and we’re so grateful for all those who have been to any of our gigs, listened or bought any of our releases or merch – you’re the best! 
Bread Records 