Until recently, Tempers was the band of Jasmine Golestaneh and Eddie Cooper, but as we discovered during this interview, it is now only Jasmine who fronts this New York-based project. After several years fronting the psychedelic folk band Seasick, Jasmine began her journey as Tempers with a first single released eleven years ago, in a very distant 2013. After that striking Strange Harvest, they followed up with their first full-length on aufnahme+ wiedergabe at a time when the referential German label was not yet focused on electronica. Services was an incredible introduction to the band with some of the band’s emblematic tracks, such as ‘Undoing’ and ‘Hello Hottline’. Three years later, they surprised us with Junkspace, a more experimental work, based on an essay by Rem Koolhaas about mails. After that curious album, which had its continuation in the artistic work of Jasmine (creator of collages that have accompanied some editions of their records), they signed with Dais Records, a label that, as they themselves say, has given them all the artistic freedom possible. There they have released two fantastic albums, Private Life and New Meaning, in which they mix synth pop, post punk, shoegaze and electronica. Undoubtedly, Tempers is one of the names to follow in this era of innumerable musical releases. We had a short chat with Jasmine that we will try to expand in the future. Hers is one of the performances we don’t want to miss at the Santuario festival in Madrid, which will take place this Saturday at Sala Groove.
—As influences you have named, among other things, shoegaze, post-rock and Nirvana. Although you have all these 90s influences, you manage to create a very modern sound. But how has grown up in the 90s marked the music of Tempers?
—That music from the 90’s was made by artists who prioritized artistic integrity above all else, so I think more than anything I’ve taken that ethos with me into my adult life. I’m not interested in creating a nostalgic sound, but the values of authenticity and purity are really important to me.
—New Meaning is your last album so far, released two years ago. How do you think that Tempers have evolved musically with this album? You have always tried different styles in every album, from post punk to synth pop, shoegaze, darkwave… Do you think you are getting better at mixing all of them together?
—I love listening to albums where the songs sound different to each other and there’s a variety of landscapes and worlds, so that’s what I’ve always strived to do with Tempers. The mix is always intentional. The new album I’ve just completed really takes that next level, there’s a lot more varied instrumentation: 12 string guitars, harp, violin, cello plus all the moody synths, guitars and electronic beats.
—The band did not play at last SXSW because it was sponsored by the military. Do you think that musicians and also the public should start being more conscious of who’s behind festivals and events and start acting in consequence?
—SXSW rescinded their military and arms sponsorships, so the boycotting made an impact. I think artists and audiences deserve transparency so they can make informed choices.
—You have talked about the subversive part of the music. According to you, what’s the most subversive thing that Tempers have done so far?
—I think being true to myself is the most subversive thing I’ve done, and continue to do. That means saying no to a lot of things, making risky choices and not playing it safe, but I think that’s what keeps the art alive.
—Why did you choose to record a cover of “Ghost Rider” from legendary New York duo Suicide? Do you like any other covers like Anna Calvi’s one? Or maybe Henry Rollins’ cover that appeared on The Crow BSO?
—Suicide was a seminal influence when I started Tempers, and “Ghost Rider” has always been one of my favorite songs. I think its lyrics about the tumultuous state of America are just as relevant now as they were in the 70’s. I haven’t actually listened to the other covers, but I will do!
—What are your plans for the future? As you just said you are recording a new album, anything can you can tell us about it?
—I have just finished recording a new album with producer Jorge Elbrecht, I’m very excited about it!
