Best known as the voice and songwriter of Eskimo Joe, Kav Temperley is one of Australia’s most iconic
musical figures. With 8 ARIA Awards, 15 WAMIs, 2 APRA Awards, and 3 International Songwriting Competition
wins, he’s written some of the most enduring songs in Australian music, including Black Fingernails Red Wine, which spent a record-breaking 62 weeks on the charts and helped secure Eskimo Joe a place in the Top 100 Australian Songs of All Time in 2025.
Now in his third decade as a performer, Kav continues to evolve as a creative force. Eskimo Joe’s latest single The First Time earned an APRA Award nomination in 2025, proving the band’s continued cultural relevance. Kav Temperley is a seasoned performer who has played to millions across television and live stages. As frontman of Eskimo Joe, he has delivered unforgettable performances at some of Australia’s biggest events including the AFL Grand Final, Live Earth, Sound Relief, Big Day Out, and headline shows in front of crowds of over 50,000 people. On screen, Kav has appeared on iconic programs such as Spicks & Specks, Rockwiz, The Project, Sunrise, and ABC’s New Year’s Eve broadcast, reaching nationwide audiences in the millions. Whether commanding festival stages or intimate acoustic sets, Kav brings power, presence, and authenticity to every
performance.
Kav’s solo work and production credits, including collaborations with John Butler, Katy Steele, and campaign pieces like The Shower Song show his ability to move across genres, formats, and causes with ease. In 2023, Kav co-founded ArtsiX, a national creative incubator that brings together musicians, artists and technologists to co-create new interdisciplinary works. The program focuses on collaboration and experimentation, culminating in a large-scale public exhibition that showcases the creative journey. Kav’s work continues to push artistic boundaries while staying grounded in human storytelling and emotional connection.
Alongside his artistry, Kav is a fierce advocate for the music industry. He works closely with the government, speaks at major conferences and judges prestigious awards including Vanda and Young and the AMP. Widely regarded as a respected member of Australia’s music royalty, Kav brings creative insight, lived experience and rockstar energy to every stage and every conversation.
