In this series, we present our new composers. We are proud to introduce Eugene Temara. Ngahuia Maniapoto From SOUNZ caught up with Eugene Temara to talk all things music and find out more about him and his mahi.
Ngāi Tūhoe, Raukawa ki Wharepuhunga, Waikato, Te Arawa
What does a typical composing day look like for you? Please describe your routine. Is it strict or more free-form?
I roam free when it comes to composing. It’s usually something that inspires me to create content then I will get in the zone. Could be anywhere. But at times I like pressure, hei tauira, Having to make up something on the spot. That’s the beauty of being a composer, the freedom to go anywhere.
Please describe the space where you compose your music. What makes this space special and why have you chosen it?
Guitar pen and paper, by myself or with like minded and creative people. Location can be anywhere, it’s a zone once in, the keys to many doors are endless.
What equipment do you have in your space? Is there anything special, interesting or quirky about it?
Pen paper, laptop, whiteboard, guitar, midi keyboard. I have set myself up a mini studio, running logic off my mac, however I do keep it simple with pen, paper and guitar.
Please describe your typical composing process. Does it change with each song?
Each song has its own journey, each song process never stays the same.
What are you currently working on in your space? If you can’t reveal that just yet, what have you finished recently and how/where/when can people experience it?
Always working on new content. I’m in the process of finishing off new songs for our 2nd Album dropping next year. Just finishing a song called “Leaders” this song is talking to all future leaders, to stand out amongst the noise.
Please tell us about yourself and what you do
During the day and weekend I am a kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. I have been in many different roles within the Wānanga. I love our culture, language and identity. I have always wanted to be an artist ever since I was a child. However, in 2018 my wife and I went to watch Bruno Mars. It was at that moment, I knew I wanted to do the same as him. I love to experiment on all instruments. I have an electric and an acoustic guitar. A bass, set of drums, midi keyboard and a synthesizer. I love having a tutu on all of these to see what I can come up with.
Tell us about some of your works/albums
Ūkaipō is my known mahi so far. With the release of No More I can add that to the collection. Tuakiritanga drops next month as well.
What are you working on at the moment?
Just finish off our second album. Looking at writing 20 and pick the best 10. No sneak peaks just yet
Would you like to tell us anything else?
Keep an eye for my new EP dropping at the end of September early October