The Temper Trap covers Harry Styles’ ’Sign of the Times’ for Like A Version

SPEAKER_1 (0:02)

Like A Version. Before Like A Version and after Like A Version is kind of the anchor point of an Australian musician's life, I think.

SPEAKER_2 (0:16)

We sort of wanted to give it a really big build towards the end to make it really cinematic.

SPEAKER_3 (0:22)

Pretty intimidating song, like you hear it, and it sounds like the uncoverable.

SPEAKER_4 (0:28)

The verses are great, they're so well written, and they make me feel really sexy when I'm singing them.

SPEAKER_1 (0:33)

Like A Version on Triple J.

Ruby (0:35)

You are listening to Ruby and Sam on your Friday morning. Here for Like A Version in this year, right now, is the one and only The Temper Trap. We're so excited to have them in. They're about to do an original and a cover, which we will reveal very soon, but they're no stranger to Like A Version, right Sam?

Sam (0:53)

No, they are not. We've got Dougie and Toby here with us, and guys, let me take you back. This is your fourth Like A Version. Last time, you covered Unknown Mortal Orchestra, The Panics before that, and Bruce Springsteen, your first time in 2009

Does that take you back?

Toby (1:23)

Oh, yeah, that's gonna make us feel old, isn't it?

Dougie (1:26)

Yep.

Sam (1:26)

So what have you learned each time doing these Like A Version? Like, what's the secret to a good Like A Version? What's the recipe?

Toby (1:35)

Oh, so much has changed. I mean, obviously, back in the day, we were in the in the little studio here doing them. But, you know, getting to do it with all the bells and whistles now. And having seen so many amazing Like A Versions over the years, you kind of know you got to lift your game.

Ruby (1:49)

Hey, I'm sure we're going to see you lift that game today.

Now, if you're mind, I want to talk about the beginnings of The Temper Trap. Is it true you guys met working at a clothing store?

Dougie (2:00)

Yeah, I worked at General Pants, the infamous General Pants. And I met Toby there, and we like the same kind of music. And so, yeah, we just kind of started a band.

Sam (2:09)

I guess it's meant to be then. So I guess the follow up is, have you kept those skills? Can you still fold clothes like when you're walking into a store, do you have the urge to beautify it?

Dougie (2:19)

Yeah, dude, to this day, if I walk into a shop and I try something on, I'll fold it myself.

SPEAKER_3 (2:25)

You're straightening up the displays and everything. That's it.

Sam (2:28)

But flash forward to now, beyond the retail jobs and recording your first record in a basement and hack, you've just released your fourth studio album, Sun Geyser.

So how is this, you mentioned a bit of the things have changed, more bells and whistles now, maybe. So how was recording this record different? Are we still trying to recapture the basement energy? Are we embracing Vigasonics?

Toby (2:50)

Definitely, it's different. We're putting things together in a much more studio recording as you go, as you write way. There's no real, I don't think we actually ever gone in a room as a band and played live altogether, except maybe for one song at the end. But just the way you can do with computers, the fact that we all live in different countries means that we have to do things in a different way to the way we were doing it when we made conditions.

Ruby (3:14)

Yeah. And this record's been a bit of a long time coming. You went on hiatus in 2018

What did taking time away from the band teach you? And since taking some time off, what have you then come back and brought into the music?

Dougie (3:29)

Just a lot of maturity, I guess.

And I know that word might potentially make the record sound boring, but it's still an exciting. I feel like we still captured the sort of spirit of our youth. But I think just the process of it, you know, it's nice to be able to put yourself, sometimes you get in the way of making the best thing that you can make. And I think maturity teaches you to like, sometimes you need to just get out of the way and let the song sort of present itself and turn itself into the best song that it can be.

Ruby (4:08)

Yeah, it's such a humble answer. And no, the record isn't boring at all.

Sam (4:11)

No, no, no, it isn't. The new album is called Sungazer, and we are hoping you're going to play a track from that record. Do you have one of those lined up to play for us right now?