Gideon Temple & Hank Temple
"Red Lights"
- When did you first discover theater/what was your first experience?
GIDEON: My first theater experience was filling in for a community theater production of Annie three days before the show opened. I had one un-mic'd line in the show as FDR's assistant and wheelchair pusher: "Yes, sir!"
HANK: My first theatrical experience was playing a Wickersham Brother in a children’s theater production of "Seussical The Musical." Needless to say, I was hooked.- When/how did you become a writer? Is there a writer, show, or text that particularly inspired you?
GIDEON: I started writing songs with my brother when I was 13. We would spend our weekends doing marathon songwriting sessions that usually ended in half-baked ideas and hurt feelings.
HANK: I started writing when I was ten years old. The first song I wrote was titled “NJB.” It chronicled a nice Jewish boy who wanted to pursue musical theater. Write what you know!- How do you describe your style/work?
GIDEON: In my show, Star Machine, we try to balance satire and heart. With my music, I always strive to blend clear, conversational lyrics with hooky, memorable melodies.
HANK: Regarding the overall work I do, I guess you could call me a person who attempts to be funny. In songwriting, I always try to make character and story-based decisions while maintaining a catchy hook. The keyword is try!- What is most rewarding to you about writing music?
GIDEON: The most rewarding part of writing for me is getting to collaborate with my brother and parents. They’re the best collaborators (and family) I could’ve asked for.
HANK: The most rewarding part of writing is that I get to do it with my collaborator and brother, Gideon! He always pushes me to think beyond what I can imagine. Writing is fun, but it’s also scary. When you’re fighting against a blank page, it’s nice to have someone by your side.