Following the release of our ‘Ones To Watch’ list for 2021, ‘In The Spotlight’ offers the chance to get to know our picks more intimately and find out why we fell in love with them.

You’ve heard about the artists that we’re most excited for this year. Now, get ready to hear from the artists themselves as we shine a spotlight on their personality, the year just past, and their most anticipated musical artists. This week, we catch up with Alfie Templeman, the 18-year-old bedroom-pop artist, who has set himself up to be one of the youngest, most prevalent faces on the indie scene right now. In 2020, the Happiness In Liquid Form EP was released which saw Templeman’s recognition soar. His 2021 has begun with the release of Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody, a feel-good indie pop hit, and the announcement of his forthcoming mini-album, titled Forever Isn’t Long Enough – there’s an awful lot going on for this young talent, so we wanted to take some time to learn about him and the goings-on of his brain.

What’s integral to the work of an artist?

Time and patience. Things won’t always go your way in the studio and you can end up overthinking things easily if you mess up a take. Next thing you’re in a massive fit with yourself. Just have a break, come back. Give it fresh ears. Extremely necessary to me.

Are there any behind-the-scenes stories of recording your Happiness In Liquid Form EP that you can share with us?

When I wrote and recorded Happiness In Liquid Form with Justin Young, we were in universal studios in London. And there’s this lil cafe downstairs from the studio, and Justin kept buying these really peng sweets from it so we ended up spending more time eating them than recording!

How would you describe the project to someone at a dinner party that’s never heard of you?

I guess I’d tell them it’s poppy music made mostly in my bedroom, just a bit of fun. It’s important to me that people know I really don’t take myself too seriously and I’m just making music for a good time!!

What advice would you give to your pre-lockdown self?

Admire the smaller things more, don’t take things for granted. Every single thing you walk past every day has a history and a story. The world is a cool place, enjoy it.

How would you sum up your 2020 in one sentence?

2020 was kinda crazy, man.

Name one thing you can’t imagine your life without?

I can’t imagine my life without music. It would really suck, I wouldn’t have much of a purpose.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I’m double jointed in my elbows so I can twist them around and it makes me look really odd!

What are your hopes and dreams for 2021?

I just want to see my family and friends again, then hopefully get on the road later down the year. Honestly, anything that isn’t me sat in my room would be nice.

Which artists excite you the most this year?

I’m excited about The Sukis, think they’re gonna really blow up this year – and rightly so! Also hopefully Mac DeMarco puts out more stuff, I really love his music.

And finally, what does your music say about you?

My music is a glimpse into my life. Everything I put out is a new chapter, the next page. This is my journey, and you’re all invited!