Temptress is a unique, high-energy three-piece band from Texas, formed in 2019, that has been steadily crafting its own distinctive sound. The members come from punk, metal, and heavy psych backgrounds, but their music blends these styles organically, always driven by the joy of playing together.
In the interview below, Kelsey talks about the formation of the band, their early EP, the creation of the SEE album, the upcoming release, and what the Texas music scene and live performances mean to them. Dive into the world of Temptress and discover how they channel their emotions through their music.
How and when did Temptress come together?
-January 16, 2019 was our first practice. Andi and Kelsey were roommates at the time, when their previous band broke up, they started jamming together more, forming a sound they both enjoyed. Soon after, they invited Christian along for the ride as a bass player. The first practice was organic, in my living room, the whole experience was heartwarming we just listened to each other and played, great energy and lots of fun. The good vibes propelled us into what Temptress is today.
In 2019 you released your self-titled three-song EP. How do you look back on that time, and what kind of feedback did you get then?
-The 3 song EP feels like a whole different world and version of Temptress. In the beginning, we were a 4 piece band. We came from a very punk rock atmosphere, partying, bar life, and I feel the music reflected that. We had great feedback from our friends and community who've watched Andi, Kelsey and Erica evolve from their last project. We had tremendous love for the song "Ride of your life" - Which to me is a straight up rock n roll song. Sex love, rock n roll was our motto back then, the EP reflects that as well.
Before forming Temptress, had you played in other bands or projects?
-Yes, we all did. Christian had played in multiple bands over the decades, industrial projects, punk rock, heavy crushing doom, and his last project before joining Temptress was a folk punk band. Andi was a drummer in a few punk rock projects in college and after joined Dallas all female punk rock group Tri-County Terror. Kelsey hailed from East Texas where she preformed with 2 metal groups over her years in Tyler. One of her groups landed a gig in Dallas, where she met Erica and Andi, and later on joined the all female group as lead guitarist. After a couple years, that band fizzled out Andi and Kelsey began a new project which evolved into Temptress.
Who first picked up an instrument, when, and what inspired you to do so? What was your very first strong musical experience?
Wow, very first? Well, this is Kelsey doing this interview as best I can, and I can only speak for myself here. I started playing guitar at 7 years old, my parents put me in a youth classical guitar program in my home town. My inspiration at the time, a toy guitar, you press a button and you rock out. I'd stand on my bed and pretend playing on stage and having fun along the way. I'm thankful my parents saw that and decided to nurture this idea of being a performer. I do believe my first "show" was a performance of "Greensleeves" at my church during our schools Christmas Mass. But all the same, the experience of playing in front of people started my life of performance, it impacted me greatly. Since then, I've always been looking forward to my next show.
Who have been your biggest influences – musically and beyond?
-My personal musical influences really come from Metal. I love Lamb of God is probably my biggest influence musically, I love the way they write riffs. I've always been after juicy riffs, fun to play and fun to listen to. Anything in that Metal umbrella, I learned and tried to learn to improve my skill and form my style of playing. My oldest brother had a lot to do with my metal influence, he showed me everyone, from Kiss and Van Halen to Slayer and even Guns and Roses. I don't believe I'd be in the same place musically with out him, thanks Scott. I also enjoy classical piano and Spanish guitar. I spent some time in college studying and learning classical music. In my personal writings, if I'm stuck on a blurry vision, I'll sit back and ask myself.. well, what would Tarrega do? Or Chopin? Sometimes it works out, if I am able to use it in the song or not, just asking that question is influence.
As a three-piece, how do you share the responsibilities of songwriting and vocals?
-We generally get together and already have songs written for the project. Christian will have a song or two, Andi and Kelsey the same. We get together with our ideas or half ideas, understanding that it's going to be a song, we work on it together, and complete the idea. Sometimes I'll come in with "half" songs or just a few riffs, see if they vibe with the idea, and if they do we work on it and knock it out. If not, it goes back in the grab bag of personal riffs I have. The first EP was written by mostly Kelsey and Andi. "See" was more Christians writings and a series of collaborative jams putting the pieces of Andi and Christians jams together. Our forthcoming album "Hear" we Andi and Kelsey wrote the majority of songs. As for vocals, if the song calls for dual vocals, male and female, we'll go straight for it. When in my creative process, I love having the option for that extra option of a dual vocal, or a three part harmony. We never set out to have a solo voice in this band.
Your music blends doom, heavy psych, sludge, and classic metal. Was that a conscious choice, or did it evolve naturally?
-It's naturally evolved. We all come from heavy music backgrounds, passionate backgrounds. We don't set out and say "lets write a heavy psych song." We play what we like, what feels good and what sounds good to us. Our first EP leaned towards punk rock, "See" is more in a doomy/heavy atmosphere. "Hear" to me is more chill, powerful but relaxed.
Your debut album SEE presents a band that really seems to enjoy playing together – the music feels raw and visceral. Was this more of an instinctive process, or a conscious approach?
-To me, prior to SEE, we all played in different genre bands, some that we liked, some that we didn't, it was really all for the love of playing live music. SEE to me, is one of the first times that we all got together and played what we liked to play, and I believe that will grow more through the release of our next album. I don't think this was planned, it all comes together as a great live performance, complete instinct, subconscious energy of playing music that we all enjoy playing. We all get to show off, we all get to have the spotlight. To me, Temptress is about the live show. We give ourselves every night, we give the energy that the song portrays on stage, we're able to really connect with our songs not just play them but give a performance along the way. See us LIVE! You will not regret it.
When can we expect the next album, and what should listeners look forward to in it?
-A lot of emotion in the next album. Its not going to be your stereotypical doom album, or metal album although I don't think we were ever stereotypical in that sense. We experiment with songwriting, structure, dynamics, really continuing the journey of playing how we love to play. I think this album takes you on an emotional journey as well, I guess like all albums do, but this one hits personally for me. We talk about our journey in life, anxiety, death, love, there's a lot some trauma in this one! Soft, powerful, real. If you want to get to know us, this is the album to HEAR.
What does the Texas scene mean to you, and how is your connection with the local audience?
-The Texas scene has given me a great amount of support through my whole life. I was born and raised here in Texas. Started playing in bands in East Texas when I was 16, became part of the Deep Ellum community around 24, and as of late became more acquainted with the Austin music scene. They've always supported any musical endeavor of mine. Temptress formed through the Deep Ellum community and I couldn't be more grateful for the love and support, if the Deep Ellum wasn't so inviting to heavy music and unique individuals, there would be no Temptress. The Texas metal scene as a whole have always been supportive of Temptress, from North Texas to the Rio Valley, we've made life long friends all across the state doing what we do. Texas will always hold a special place in my heart for Temptress and myself, Texas gave us the energy to keep going, our friends we've made here are the reason we continue to play, with out them there would be no us.
Live shows are an important part of Temptress. How do you experience touring, and which gigs have been the most memorable so far?
-Our recent adventure to Canada and experiencing the music scene up there was a beautiful, uplifting experience. The most kinda and welcoming people, many of great conversations and tunes. I'd never seen Canadian-French metal before, but now I am in love. In the states, some of my favorite shows have been in the small DIY settings, we played a Gyro shop in Moscow, Idaho once and the energy in that room with those people was incredible. I think in a world where we all crave connection, those settings are exactly what we need. My other favorite shows are the big festivals, so many people, friends, family, all coming together for a day or weekend of music, its beautiful! Ripple fest, Grim Reefer Fest, Stoner Jam, to name a few have been wonderful times of connection.
What do you see as the essence of Temptress – the thing that defines you most?
-The essence of Temptress is raw emotion. We play our feelings.
What message would you like to send to Hungarian (and international) stoner/doom fans who are just discovering your music?
- Welcome Friends! Thank you for listening, I do hope you enjoy the tunes. I invite you to take this journey of emotion through performance with us, find your own meaning in our words and understand we share experiences from across the globe. Our new album comes out early 2026 and I hope you keep us on your radar. Much love to all, Kelsey.
AMEN!
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