Persistence pays off for Dunedin band

Independent . . . The Julian Temple Band, (from left) Alex Vaatstra, Paul McLennan-Kissel, Julian Temple, and Paul McMillan has made the top 10 New Zealand album charts this summer with an independently released album Upsidedownbackwards. PHOTO: CHRIS GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY

The album labelled Upsidedownbackwards got as high as number seven in albums sold, and stayed in the top 20 for five consecutive weeks, before falling out this week.

The band's front man, Julian Temple, said making the top 10 was the sign of a lot of dedication since first forming in 2004.

''There's been a lot of persistence for almost 10 years now,'' he said.

The band had been touring nationwide between December 21 and January 26, introducing its new album to crowds at 18 gigs that featured crowds of up to 200.

Temple said ''the boys were chuffed'' on making the top 10, but it had definitely been a long time coming.

''We have definitely been a slow burner,'' he said.

Since first forming, the band included Temple on guitar and vocals, bass and vocalist Paul McMillan, drummer Paul McLennan-Kissel (PMK) and, new violinist Alex Vaatstra. Temple said the violin opened up the band and said he loved the new sound they were producing.

Completely independent, the band has never had a manager, organises its own gigs and records all its own albums.

''We do it all ourselves. PMK knows all the gear.''

Temple said while the band had never had a manager, they were not ruling out one in the future.

''If somebody came along with the experience and said we want to manage you, we will do anything to get the music out there and further abroad,'' he said.

''At the same time, we have got this far on our own.''

Temple had grown up listening to the likes of Nirvana and The Pixies. However, his music was not similar to the bands he followed.

''I don't think I sound like any other bands that influenced me.''

Temple said he enjoyed playing music where he could express himself a bit more, opposed to the rock that he enjoyed.

''I love telling stories in a dark corner of a bar.''

'The band was considering shows in the near future. Temple and violinist Alex Vaatstra will play a small show this Friday evening at Starfish Cafe and Bar and the band's next big gig will be at the Catlins River Festival on Easter weekend.

The album is available online, but to purchase the CD, Mr Temple urged people to come to the shows.

- John McKenzie