With vibrant pop hooks, sunlit production, and an ear for emotional storytelling, Tonino Speciale, also known as Temmpo, brings an unmistakable energy to everything he creates. Born in Sydney and now based between Bergen, London, and Amsterdam, the multi-talented producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has worked with a wide range of global artists - from Afrojack to Ella Eyre - earning hundreds of millions of streams along the way.
In this exclusive interview, Temmpo talks us through the inspiration behind his latest albums, Time of Your Life and Dancing After Midnight. From spontaneous summer sessions and powerful vocal collaborations to writing love songs that stay uplifting, Temmpo shares the creative moments and personal stories behind his feelgood sound.
‘Time Of Your Life’
What inspired Time of Your Life? The album has a such a feelgood, party-season vibe. Was there a moment or mood that kicked it all off?
Yes actually, I had my best friend, and his family come visit my house for the summer, and we had such a great time. We spent time at beaches, had BBQs and went on a road trip.
When I asked his son if he had a good time, he said, "I’ve had the time of my life." I thought it was so sincere and so cute, that it stuck with me. The day after they left, I went into the studio and wrote that song.
Hearing the songs outside the studio in the summer sun influenced the decisions and musical palette for the album.
‘Dancing After Midnight’
Your music on Dancing After Midnight blends emotional themes like love and heartbreak with uplifting, catchy sounds. How do you write pop that feels honest without being cliché? And were there any songs that came together especially quickly or took more work?
Thank you for the compliment. I always like to write what I know.
I’ve experienced both the euphoria of a great new love and the heartache of lost love, and I try to transport myself back to those moments to stay true to the emotion. Musically, I always gravitated towards artists who present concepts in opposites. If the concepts were heartbreaking, then I love when the music is uplifting - that contrast always grabs my attention, so I tried to achieve the same juxtaposition with these songs.
This album was very inspired from the get-go and most tracks came naturally. I had a clear vision, which helped speed things up. The only song that needed a rewrite was the title track – while the main hook came fast, the original verses didn’t quite set up, so I rewrote them to better serve the concept.
You’ve worked with incredible vocalists - how do you choose who brings your songs to life, especially on a vocal-driven album like this?
I really like strong singers with powerful voices. For this album, I wanted big, soaring vocal hooks from female vocalists.
I was inspired by artists like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, who can be both delicate and powerful in their delivery. I tried my best to find singers that captured that same sentiment when performing the songs.
Creative Process & Career
You’re a true all-rounder: producer, songwriter and performer. Which part of the process brings you the most energy right now?
To be honest, I feel truly blessed to do what I do for a living. All parts of the process bring me energy. I love performing live - the transference of energy between myself and crowd is thrilling.
I also love the moment when you create something that didn’t even exist that morning and can’t stop listening to it after. That’s when I know I’ve made something I love. I guess I love the parts of the process equally. Just humbled to be able to do what I love.
You’ve worked with such a wide range of artists - from Afrojack to Ella Eyre. How has that shaped your own sound?
I love collaborating. You always get to feed off each other’s talents and influences. I'm like a sponge in these sessions.
There's always tips and tricks you learn from working with other creators. And all those little titbits of info accumulate in my creative process.
You’ve played some massive shows: what’s been your favourite summer festival performance so far, and why?
I loved performing at Tomorrowland. That was truly a full-circle moment for me. I remember seeing the festival early in my career and I dreamt of performing there. It truly was magical.
Quick-fire Round 
Go-to party anthem that never fails?
I'm loving old school vibes at the moment, like the 'Earth, Wind & Fire' remix by September.
What are your top 3 studio essentials - the things you always need in your creative space?
I love a piano/keyboard, an acoustic guitar, and a laptop.
What’s something you’re excited to experiment with next - sonically or visually?
I would love to experiment with organic pop male vocal–driven anthems.
How would you describe your sound right now - in just three words?
Vibrant, fresh and feelgood.
Whether he’s lighting up festival stages or building timeless pop moments in the studio, Temmpo brings authenticity, passion, and a deep love for connection through music. With his signature mix of emotional honesty and uplifting energy, it’s clear he’s just getting started. Keep an ear out for what’s next!
Huge thanks to Temmpo for chatting with us and sharing a behind-the-scenes look at his latest work.
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