Interview With Kae Tempest for Buzz Magazine

Kae Tempest - credit: Wolfgang Tillmans

I talked to Kae During their 2022 Album tour of The Line is a Curve. We talk about their most recent work and this new chapter of their life

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We’re at a time where many are looking to connect so it’s awesome to experience that. Do you think this is your most important album to date?

Kae Tempest: I don’t know, because all my previous albums have taken me here; without them, this album wouldn’t exist. So I’m not sure how important this album is or will be. But it feels so good to have the album out there, it feels amazing. And this album is in the top 10 and that never happens!

In the past, music apps like Spotify never seem to know what category my music is. They don’t know where to place it. But that doesn’t seem the case with this album, which makes me really happy.

One issue some music apps have is not playing the tracks on an album in order. It changes the narrative, the story, and the journey the listener is on. Do you think that’s an issue?

Kae Tempest: It can be. I like to think that any of my tracks can be listened to as a standalone track, so if it comes upon a playlist the listener will still take something from that. But I know that lots of people still appreciate an entire album and listen in a linear form. The Line Is A Curve is a journey for sure. It’s that journey that often gives us that connection that feels so good.

I want to talk about the artwork that accompanies the album: the photography by Wolfgang Tillmans has captured you beautifully. It feels like we are seeing the real you for the first time.

Kae Tempest: Wolfgang is an incredibly talented artist. I normally hate having my photo taken: I went through a period of not feeling good, and I wasn’t in a good place. For the last couple of records, I wanted to disappear completely from the album covers, the videos, and the front-facing aspects of the industry. I also wanted the work to speak for itself – and I still do, but this time I feel differently. I want people to feel welcomed to this record, by me, the person who made it.

I’ve admired Wolfgang’s work for a long time, there wasn’t anyone else I would have wanted to take my portrait. I don’t know how he does it, but he really captured the real me and I’m so happy with the photographs. [goes quiet for a few seconds] Sorry, my manager is trying to help me, I’m currently trying to talk to you, hold my dog on the lead, and a bowl of cereal!

Multi-tasking at its best! This tour continues until Sun 22 May – and then what’s next?

Kae Tempest: We start the summer tours – the festivals – so this will continue to be a busy year.

And when you aren’t touring, performing, or writing how do you spend your time?

Kae Tempest: I like doing normal things, I spend time with my beautiful partner, my family, and friends. I like to hang out and do everyday things. My sister has a lot of kids, I help her out and spend time with nieces and nephews! The pandemic made me see, more than ever, the joy that everyday things bring. Just hanging out with your family and mates makes you happy. I’ll always look forward to that.