There is a meme making rounds that since the death of David Bowie, the universe is somehow coming apart. Nothing is the same, people complain. I partly understand the sentiment, because Bowie was around all my life. It`s hard to look at the world and realize he is gone. A wild figure, jack of all trades, cultural and artistic visionary that rose above genres, disciplines and trends. A man who not just sold the world but conquered it and made his name known in every corner of the planet. But part of me gets angry at thinking that one individual, no matter how much of a genius, can keep reality intact. In the 1950s Bowie was a child and his father would take him to see various entertainers at local venues – mostly because his son showed talent for music. A far cry from the godlike status enforced on David later in life. I feel there is a risk and danger in declaring that any artist or entertainer is so unique or powerful that they may have supernatural powers. I think it harms young and upcoming artists the most. How can you even compete with a guy who kept the whole dimension from collapsing on itself!? We revere some artists (be it Bowie or Freddie Mercury or Lennon) long after they leave this mortal coil and convince ourselves that they were the pinnacle of artistic expression and do not notice younger generations of creators and won’t allow them the same privilege of growing and honing their talents.
Temple Paradise EP cover by Victoria Tigin Gerber
Last year by accident, I discovered a Singaporean artist living in London. The music was a mix of pop, metal and at times even jazz. The artist wore flamboyant outfits and out-of-this world makeup and toyed with social conveniences. Looking at the pictures you could not be sure if you saw a boy or a girl – Bowie for a new generation I thought. Within a year that artist named Chaidura released two EPs of his older songs, created a whole universe, a concept album “Temple Paradise”, series of six videos (two remain unreleased) that follow a story of one heroine named Ellie and assembled a creative army of painters, photographers, videographers, alternative models and actors to contribute to the artistic vision. And suddenly something as simple as a record starts to live on its own, growing and blooming.
If you decide to order yourself a copy of “Temple Paradise”, it comes with a beautifully prepared booklet, a tour guide around the realm that Chaidura has created. It touches on so many topics from psychology to religion to supernatural to fashion, it even has cute animals if that’s your thing.
For Indieterria we had a chat with Chaidura about the record and the efforts behind “Temple Paradise”, his upcoming headline show in London and what to bring to a fan picnic. It is a long read but we believe that longer pieces are essential to showcase the brilliance that is still shining brightly on the independent circuit. All you really need to do is care. Art and culture didn’t die with Bowie it is still with us shaping our reality and our lives. We may just need to dig a little deeper to find it.
Chaidura by Leah Charis Cox
It’s been a while since we last spoke to you, Chaidura. What’s going on in the realm of spirits and musical wraiths, or in simpler terms, what have you been up to recently?
Chaidura: (laughs) Realm of spirits! Yes, it’s been a while! Thanks for having me again. Over the past few months, I’ve been very busy preparing to launch the EP, along with organizing my own headline show in London. I’ve been working hard on all these projects, but it’s been fulfilling, and the reception has been pretty good so far, so I feel energized. Besides music, I’ve been inspired by the Olympics and trying to become a better runner (trying to increase my Vo2 max).
Your EP “Temple Paradise” is now available through your store. Nine songs, a lot of beautiful noise, screamo, and thundering guitars. Tell us more about this release.
Chaidura: “Temple Paradise” is a concept album that I started working on after releasing the “Basilisk” single about a year ago. I’ve always loved storytelling, especially the kind we see in movies or video games. While songs can tell a story on their own, the music video for “Basilisk” inspired me to create an entirely new world and narrative that just can’t be contained in one song. That’s when the idea for “Temple Paradise” came to life. The album essentially tells a story of self-acceptance. In this world, initiates come to Temple Paradise in search of salvation. Think of it as a retreat, where people can discover and accept themselves for who they are. Each song depicts this journey, with me putting myself in the shoes of an initiate. Musically, it leans heavily into metal, showcasing some of my heaviest tracks to date. At the same time, I’ve been experimenting with genre-bending songwriting, and this album fully embraces that.
Would you describe the record as a concept album? When did you come up with the idea for “Temple Paradise”? Does the final product differ from the initial concept?
Chaidura: It looks like I answered this unknowingly! Yes, the EP is a concept album. The idea evolved along the way. There was a lot of editing to ensure everything connected. I wrote songs like “Basilisk” and “Panic Man” before the concept album idea even existed. I had to craft the story around these pre-existing tracks. Initially, it was a bit tough, but those constraints helped me focus and create “Temple Paradise” as it is today.
We are very curious about the booklet that accompanies the EP – it seems like it’s a map or a tour guide around a mystical retreat. It’s also some sort of artbook, maybe even a doujinshi filled with pictures, illustrations, sketches, and a short test! Is there a specific idea behind this booklet, or were you just trying to spoil your fans rotten?
Chaidura: (more laughter) I’m just trying to spoil my fans rotten! The main reason I created the guidebook was to communicate the story clearly and pay tribute to the work I’ve done over the past year (“Basilisk”, “Panic Man”, “The Light” etc.). I took inspiration from photobooks, showcasing concept art and ideas behind the album. At the same time, I genuinely believe in the self-help process outlined in the guidebook, so it’s something people can use practically. Seeing everything in print and having a physical way to express my work was really fulfilling. I hope to tell more stories in the future, and this was my humble attempt at doing so.
The author of the graphics on “Temple Paradise” is Victoria Tigin – Gerber. Tell us something about your collaboration. Did she also create the characters of Funguide and Bun Bun that we find in the booklet?
Chaidura: Indeed! Victoria helped with the album art. I was looking for an artist for the songs in “Temple Paradise” and her portfolio really resonated with me. Funguide and Bun Bun (my favorite) were her creations too. Initially, I envisioned them as potential merchandise (which might still happen) but found a small way of adding them into the storyline. I loved working with Victoria on the artwork, and it inspired the visual style for everything else.
We need to ask about the video for the title track. Where was it shot? The church looks amazing, and we’re sure quite a few people will want to make a pilgrimage!
Chaidura: Yes, it is a beautiful church! It’s called St Nicholas Church in Chiswick, West London. After scouting several locations, I found this church, and they were open to us filming there. Honestly, I was surprised it worked out, given the themes of my music and visuals. The church staff were very accommodating and open-minded. Of course, I had to tone down some ideas. I wanted to use a lot of blood (laughs).
The Wraiths – photo by Leah Charis Cox
“Temple Paradise” introduces five paranormal beings (Wraiths) accompanying the main character Ellie (played by actress Ellie Harrison) on her journey. The booklet gives their names as The Revealer, The Protector, The Messenger, The Purger, and The Truth Seeker. While you take the role of The Messenger, can you briefly introduce the other actors? Who are they, and how did they join the project?
Chaidura: Ah, my favorite people! We have Demorfity, Temmie, Pandora, and Ryn. My journey as Chaidura led me to each of them. I met Pandora and Ryn at Vkei Night when I first arrived in London, and I met Temmie through Instagram, where I instantly loved their style. Temmie then introduced me to Demorfity, whose aesthetics blew me away. Originally, the plan was for them to be “dancers” – just to make the video visually stand out. Bringing them on board was one of the best decisions I made, as they all brought something incredible to the project.
All the Wraiths have unique costumes, yet they feel almost unified. Was it a collective effort, or was there a designer involved? Are you trying to start a new trend in the Gothic Lolita subculture?
Chaidura: Honestly, the brief was simple: just wear white! I was equally surprised at how amazing everyone looked. I guess I chose them because they already had an impeccable Wraith/Goth-like style. I sent a few references, but I trusted their instincts, and the outcome far exceeded my expectations. (laughs) I’m not sure if it’s enough to start a trend, but maybe!
Let’s return to the guidebook again – we love the idea of Ellie’s path to redemption. The rite of passage includes several steps: getting into a frenzy through dance, consuming a potion, surviving a crippling panic attack, facing a beast (Basilisk), embracing one’s darker self and putting it to rest to obtain enlightenment. It’s not unlike the ancient Greek celebration of Dionysia or the charismatic renewal movement within the Catholic Church. The amount of research that went into the EP is impressive. It almost feels like a proper religion.
Chaidura: Thank you! I guess these ideas come from my personal experiences and worldview. It’s a reflection of what I believe is a shortcut to a more balanced life. To me, enlightenment comes from self-awareness and being brutally honest with yourself. You know, why aren’t you happy? Why aren’t you the best version of yourself? Is it other people’s fault or is there something you could have done better? I’ve developed personal principles like “Care about the things you can control” and “The fewer expectations you have of people, the more control you have over your own life.” Writing songs and lyrics has always been a way to express these inner thoughts and beliefs, but laying out an entire process for enlightenment? Next level expression. I love it. Of course, these are just my opinions, but I hope some people benefit from the process and see results. And nothing is permanent – as I grow older, I’ll likely revise some of these lessons as I gain more wisdom. Change is constant.
The inhabitants of the Temple Paradise – photo by Leah Charis Cox
Speaking of gods – tell us about Veritas. The deity is supposed to be a god of truth, but the videos and booklet hint at something darker. Is Veritas evil, or do you leave it open to fans’ interpretation?
Chaidura: Oh, I love a good horror story, and “Temple Paradise” is part horror. I’d like to leave it open to fans’ interpretation, but what I will say is that, in every relationship, there’s a give and take. You can’t take without giving something in return.
You’ve released four videos from the EP so far, but they don’t seem to be in chronological order. “Basilisk” shows Ellie embracing her darker side, which corresponds to the later stages of the process, while “Temple Paradise” depicts her consuming the potion, suggesting it’s the beginning of the story. Is there a specific order in which the videos should be watched?
Chaidura: Yeah, the timeline is a bit strange, isn’t it? The track list of the EP is the correct order for watching the videos: “Temple Paradise”, “Panic Man”, “Basilisk”, “The Light”, “Possess” and “Memory”.
We know there’s one more song and video coming from “Temple Paradise”. Will it mark the end of Ellie’s journey, or will we see her again in the future?
Chaidura: If folks purchase the EP now, they’ll receive the digital version of the tracks immediately and can listen to the full album. This includes three soundtracks and two unreleased songs (“Possess” and “Memory”). There are still a couple more videos to come, which will wrap up Ellie’s story.
Chaidura as The Messenger, photo by Leah Charis Cox
The “Temple Paradise” EP launch will take place on October 3rd at The Black Heart in Camden. Who’s joining you, and what can we expect from the show?
Chaidura: I’m so excited! My EP launch show, Temple Paradise: The Initiation, will take place on October 3rd at The Black Heart in Camden, London. Dacara and Tally Spear will be supporting me, and Vkei Night will kick off the evening with a DJ set. I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the biggest show for Chaidura so far, and personally, it’s the most important one for me.
I’ve learned so much in the two years since moving to London, and this show is the culmination of that. I’ll be performing the entire EP in a theatrical and eclectic way. There will be storytelling, and it will be an immersive experience designed to take the audience to another dimension. I’ve been working hard to make this the best show I can, so please come out and support! There are still a few tickets left
You’ve also been organizing picnics and fan meet-ups. For our last question, on a more humorous note, imagine you could compose the perfect picnic basket. What goes in it: food, drink, and snack-wise? What does Chef Chaidura recommend?
Chaidura: For food: prawn mayo meal deal from Tesco. Drink: water. Snack: protein powder – just eat it straight! (laughs).
If meeting artists face to face is your thing, the next fan gathering with Chaidura will take place on October 4th at the Lincoln`s Inn Field (only the biggest square in London, no biggie) starting at 1 pm. You are invited to bring food, blankets or games – wearing visual kei clothes not required, but why not. After all, when in Rome…
You can buy tickets to Chaidura`s headline gig at The Black Heart pub in Camden at the link below:
https://dice.fm/partner/dice/event/53woey-chaidura-3rd-oct-the-black-heart-london-ticket
You can follow Chaidura online:
https://www.chaidura.com
https://www.facebook.com/chaiduraofficial
https://www.instagram.com/chaidura_
https://www.tiktok.com/@chaidura
https://soundcloud.com/chaidura
https://www.youtube.com/@chaidura
https://discord.com/invite/xEAftePfdY
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5G44MxEPEbE3JMDz1azv9N
Our previous coverage:
https://vanadianavenue.co.uk/2023/11/16/chaidura-basilisk-single-review
https://vanadianavenue.co.uk/2023/12/15/indieterria-meets-chaidura
https://vanadianavenue.co.uk/2024/05/01/chaidura-panic-man-single-review
Malicia Dabrowicz
Indieterria 
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