The Temper Trap Shares a Late-Night Performance of ‘Giving Up Air’ You Won’t Want to Miss
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The Temper Trap, an Australian alternative rock band, has made a notable comeback since their breakout hit “Sweet Disposition” surged in the late 2000s, notably featured in the film (500) Days of Summer. Frontman Dougy Mandagi’s captivating falsetto remains a standout element of their music.
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The band has experienced considerable success in Australia, including multiple ARIA Awards and chart-topping albums such as 2012’s The Temper Trap and 2016’s Thick as Thieves. Despite lineup changes—most notably the departure of longtime guitarist Lorenzo Sillitto in 2013—they have maintained a significant presence, even headlining the halftime show at the 2012 AFL Grand Final.
On January 20, the Melbourne-based band made a much-anticipated appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, a performance that marked their return after a lengthy hiatus.
During the show, they performed their latest single “Giving Up Air,” showcasing Mandagi’s enduring vocal prowess.
The band’s performance was visually represented by dynamic footage of a vehicle speeding along a winding road, perhaps symbolizing their journey in the music industry.
The song “Giving Up Air” explores heavy themes beneath its title, with Mandagi reflecting on grief through poignant lyrics: “Givin’ up air, layin’ it bare / Hoping my dreams will reappear / When everything I know is hanging on a prayer.”
Produced by Grammy-nominated Styalz Fuego, “Giving Up Air” was released in 2025, following their comeback track “Lucky Dimes,” which marked their first release after a nine-year break.
Mandagi described “Giving Up Air” as a deeply personal song: “It’s about a life-changing moment and the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one in tragic circumstances, from the initial shock to sorrow and then anger, and finding glimmers of hope somewhere in between. Some of you may recognize it; it was written for my solo project Bloodmoon but the boys and I started working on it as The Temper Trap and it felt magical, like it had found its true home.”
In late 2022, the band embarked on a series of headline shows in Australia, followed by performances in North America, including stops in New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
Their late-night performance is now available for viewing below.
