Tempa and Naor are partners not only in music but in life as well. United not only by their passion for music they have also been brought together by their love for each other. The result is called Tempa and Naor Project, a name under which they’ve released a debut album at the end of 2018. More about their life, upcoming tours, and approach to music find in our interview below.

Tell the world about yourself. How did you grow up to become the musician you are today?

We just released our new album, Ember’s Fire on November 10th, 2018. It’s an all-original work, touching on themes of transformation, love, loss, and release, in the Singer-Songwriter, Americana and Adult Alternative genres of music. This new album of 10 years in the making shares our most intimate journey. Our hearts are open for the world to see. The album brings up emotions and issues relevant to today’s women empowerment movements, which are so very important to us.

Tempa: I started a blues band (Tempa and the Tantrums) in Colorado, 2000-2012. Voted “Best Blues Band”, & “Best Jam” in Colorado (released 3 albums).

I met Naor in 2007. He walked into my jam in Denver, Colorado. We had a long distance relationship for two years. Me touring Israel, him visiting Colorado. He showed up in Denver at the airport in 2009 with a ring made from our friend and asked me to marry him. He then joined the Tantrums and me, for life.

We moved to Maui in 2012, and started a 10 piece ZydecoSoul band called “Soul Kitchen” which Won MauiTime, “Best Band on Maui 2017”.

I moved to Oregon at the beginning of 2019, and we are currently writing our second album. We’ll be starting our grassroots “Living Room Tour” in February 2019. Just booked California, Canada, Idaho & Maui! Woo Hoo!

Naor: I am an Israeli born singer-songwriter/producer and former Israeli Idol finalist. I have been writing songs since the age of 12. I graduated from Overton, a performance college in Israel. Being in Tempa and the Tantrums, and creating Soul Kitchen on Maui has been an amazing journey. I am now ready to focus on songwriting, producing and touring with my love, Tempa.

Introduce your current musical projects and tell us what makes each one special for you!

Tempa and Naor Project (www.tempaandnaor.com), because writing with the person you love the most is the most amazing experience ever!

Soul Kitchen Maui (www.soulkitchenmaui.com), the joy of playing with a 10 piece Zydeco Soul band is so much fun! Also, the Music Ohana that follows and supports this project is wonderful!

How do you find the drive and inspiration to keep making music?

Our motto is, “Music Is Medicine” We truly believe that making music and enjoying music is a healing experience. It keeps us going through the hard times.

How is your local music scene in your perspective? Do you feel like you belong there?

We just moved from Maui to Oregon. We are “little fishes in a big pond” again. We think you need to keep challenging yourself to keep growing… We are evolving, and sometimes that involves an uncomfortable growth period. Working on being our best authentic selves!

What is your all-time favorite record and how did it change you as an artist?

Tempa: Joni Mitchell’s “Blue”. The songwriting on it blew me away and inspired me to write my first song from the poetry I had been writing all my life.

Naor: K’s Choice “Cocoon Crash”, their music inspired me to write. My father gave me the gift of music at 6 years old.

What are your favorite software and hardware tools for music production?

Logic Pro X, Duet Apogee Interface, Shure SM7B, and AKG-C214.

What is your songwriting process like?

Explosive & gentle! We really are a team when it comes to songwriting. We agree, disagree and eventually come together!

Out of all the live shows you played, which one was the most memorable, and why?

Tempa: Red Rocks in Colorado for the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock & Jacob’s Ladder Festival on the Sea Of Galilee, Israel

Naor: The “Ember’s Fire” CD release show. This was our first original album done together.

What is your biggest musical goal?

To continue creating a sustainable music career that will last a lifetime.

How has being on Drooble helped you as a musician?

Connecting with other music makers is SO important. We are looking forward to becoming active members of the Drooble Ohana!