Prodigious polymath Kate Tempest set to light up Huxley’s Neue Welt
Few artists generate such effortless envy as Kate Tempest. As if it wasn’t enough to be twice nominated for the Mercury Prize, Tempest has also published widely acclaimed poetry and a bestselling novel. On the back of a Brit Award nomination for Best British Female Solo Performer last year, there is no sign of her slowing down. Touring her latest release, ‘The Book Of Traps And Lessons’, Tempest will bring her signature blend of spoken word and hip hop to Huxleys in what promises to be a spectacular night.
Sharing stages from an early age with the likes of John Cooper Clarke, Tempest has trailed a delightfully atypical trajectory. Weaving together performance poetry, playwriting and music, her career took off on the back of 2014’s debut album ‘Everybody Down’. This garnered serious critical praise and launched the brilliant single ‘Circles’. Her sophomore effort, ‘Let Them Eat Chaos’, leaned into conceptualism, released simultaneously in book form. Its this commitment to artistic ideals, rather than a more commercial-friendly approach, that has led to collaborations with the likes of Rick Rubin on Tempest’s latest album.
Backed by an exceptionally tight band, Tempest is given the perfect platform to weave her way through her intricate and emotional lyrics. She moves effortlessly from aggressive political wake-up-calls to vulnerable, reflective modes. Often witty, often furious, Tempest possesses a performative style that has won her many plaudits. The fact there are so few artists achieving such success in this field speaks to the talent she boasts. Her staying power, having sustained the initial wave of critical acclaim since her debut over five years ago is remarkable. Huxleys promises to be a theatrical and emotive showcase for these prodigious talents and for Tempest herself. And it should not be missed lightly.
Kate Tempest plays Huxleys Neue Welt on 29th October. Tickets are available here.
