Kate Tempest on writing, rap, poetry, and live performance | Unfiltered with James O'Brien #45

Get a new episode of Unfiltered every week - Subscribe for free: playpodca.st/u...
Poet and two-time Mercury Prize-nominated rapper Kate Tempest joins James O’Brien for a deep and fascinating interview about art, poetry, transcendence, the human condition, and the dark and beautiful worlds that art and performance can take you to. Kate doesn’t always enjoy being interviewed, but we think you’ll agree that this conversation goes to some extraordinary places. #Unfiltered
SUBSCRIBE to JOE: bit.ly/SUBtoJOE
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
► Main Twitter - / joe_co_uk
► Sports Twitter - / sportsjoe_uk
► Instagram - / joe_co_uk
► Facebook - / www.joe.co.uk
► Snapchat - JOEcouk

[@nanasabia]

„Poeta“ in Brazil is a term of endearment, that’s true. Brazil and Portugues is poetry in itself. You are being seen for who you are on the inside and outside by people, when you embrace this culture and language. So great that she knows it.

[@geozipper]

It does get better: "The creative personality is a strange mix of absolute conviction & crippling insecurity. And somewhere amongst all that there's this very strong current towards pushing ourself towards the limits of experience so that you can really feel fully." Very articulate & wise.

[@pambardon7898]

Exactly

[@mattstanbridge]

I didn't know who she was but I've never been so convinced of an artist being born to be an artist, whether she is aware of that or not. I've never heard performing being so personally and articulately described.

[@NikoHL]

I came across her by chance on YT a couple of years ago.. My favourite is her imagining the ancient God's reborn in C21st London..called 'Brand New Ancients'.

[@fluffin4bean]

She’s amazing. I saw her in the states and her live show is breathtaking. People weren’t clapping at the end because they were stunned in silence and crying. It was very powerful. She’s a rapper, a play write, a poet, and an author. You should check her out.

[@kateosullivan4993]

They and every other true born artist are the reason to have free 3rd level education. We need poets and artists philosophers and musicians and all the folks that through some crazy act of genius help us make sense of the world…or at least provide a different lens to view it through. I love Kae Tempest. We go to their gig whenever they’re in town without even checking what the album or reason their playing is. Why? Because I know I’ll be blown away and affected by their power and performance. It truly is a transcending experience!

[@mattstanbridge]

@@kateosullivan4993 ❤

[@geozipper]

Okay, this is an amazing interview, Kate is so smart & wise & insightful & able to communicate her area of expertise, which is spoken word performance. But you have to get through the first 15 minutes or so of awkwardness & false starts. 40 minutes in, it's quite awesome ! Stick with it :-)

[@lemonstar.2]

I'm glad you wrote this - I haven't yet heard it past the first 15mins and it's just so uncomfortable to watch and listen to - I hope you are right otherwise I will send the hunting dogs after you.

[@az0119]

Just started to give up but you’ve convinced me to stay.

[@rotimi16]

Loved this, as an independent artist creating hand knits for a living- after working 25?years in dead end jobs, I related to the passion in doing your craft, my knitting found me, and afforded me a much more fulling life, Lovely discussion both of you x

[@monoleetochristian9418]

Dear Kate, The world becomes alive and all the parts move once you’ve opened your heart.. Keep doing it.. You inspire me Monoleeto

[@chroniclesofbap6170]

Only found her music recenty and fell in love with it. Europe is Lost was the first and the rabbit-hole only deepened from there. Great interview.

[@tommoelbommo]

All these comments about the interviewer... she rates him, they're just playing around, both recognise one another as different yet similar thinkers. Given her politics, she lives in London so will have heard his radio show - and she wouldn't have gone on this if she thought he was a twat. They're not worried about a performance, which might damage the 'product', but I felt it was authentic

[@ryanwebb5082]

He's a fucking marxist bellend.

[@RaxLakhani]

As a forty year-old guy, there were a few of Kate's phrases in this interview that really made me feel emotionally raw and close to tears... I think it was because she isn't trying to frame her answers in any way other than how she genuinely sees the world. The honesty in her awareness is totally fascinating and makes me want to think about things on a different level. Her words about the energy of someone who is born with the soul of a poet was so beautifully phrased. I've been a massive fan of Kate's work for a few years now and am continually in awe of how grounded she is considering the accolades she's received for her considerable achievements to date. She just isn't motivated by fame, celebrity or recognition - it's all about connecting to the art form for her. That's so rare! Plus, it's truly humbling. As for James' questions... I felt bad for him when things started off quite awkwardly. He's another person that I greatly admire and have always wondered what a chat between him and Kate Tempest would be like. For two people who have very different backgrounds and careers, they have so much in common when it comes to world-view and outlook on human nature. If you listen to some of Kate's work, the messages she expresses are identical to some of Jame's LBC opening monologues ("Europe Is Lost" is a good example). Even though Kate's clearly not enjoyed the interview, it's probably the most revealing glimpse into her mind that doesn't directly come from her own body of work. Well done to James and JOE for setting this up. I love the one-hour format, as it gives guests the time and space to explore deeper topics and to share more of themselves. This video hasn't been added to the main Unfiltered With James O'Brien KZbin Playlist on this channel (kzbin.info/aero/PLZyPqYz41qasmoYNTbzHxK5dkBrhXPloW) and I'm wondering if that is a deliberate decision by the team at JOE? Just a speculation on my part.

[@seriouslee7762]

So refreshing to hear someone speak like this. Spiritual stuff. Thank you.

[@MindYaBusinessHacker]

Loving the honesty between 2 legends. T Y

[@AlanWinterboy]

She's amazing. "The goal is to fail. You'll never perfectly capture the essense in words. You keep trying, and keep failing." Brilliant. Can apply to every creative effort.

[@EJEdenfield]

It gets better! Very bumpy start, but they get into a rhythm and have a great conversation

[@emiliog.4432]

Kate has a great voice and excellent insight and views. Wise beyond her years.

[@anthonyturton8091]

I feel her awkwardness with interviewing gives great interviews ,I found this one after hearing her interviewed on Radio 4 about her new work, ( including a brilliant love poem ) which I think I prefer to the edgy full on. In both cases the interviewer drew her out so her intelligence shines. so refreshing to hear an authentic, genuine ,interview might be hard work for both people but what comes out engages me. so I go looking for more about her and her work.

[@user-fv1jn1gw5w]

Kate deserves a better interviewer!

[@mariyotakezoe394]

What a beautiful beautiful soul ❤

[@annap8420]

This was great.... Such an interesting conversation.

[@ChrisPHoward]

Yes yes yes... saw her at Glastonbury in 2011 and she blew my mind. Can't wait for this one

[@kiely4561]

she really doesn't suffer fools gladly lol, really profound girl

[@mindsigh4]

she is writing/talking about real experiences, the stuff that for me at the age of 16 i thot/felt it was just too over fucking whelming to EVER get thru, & i promised god, if u get me thru this, i'll write a book someday, to help other teens to get thru.well, im 61&havent got it printed. yet. she is saying it out loud for all to hear, speaking even now to that part of me that was afraid back then.. may.be.her words can help other people going thru this now. you.to get thru ?

[@Robotooo]

This guy's interview style drives me nuts. He constantly interrupts with his own interpretations of what she is trying to say, or tries to finish her thoughts for her, or tries to lead her to say specific things. It sounds like bad psychotherapy.

[@20so]

Was about to say the same!!! Awful interview. Shame it's one of only very few available with Kate.

[@trudynewell8015]

@@20so he is annoying! kate did well

[@Yer_Da_]

I've never felt so awkward watching an interview

[@meaningfulmakings]

I love her. I love him. 😍

[@dovic86]

well, I never thought I would see this pair in the same room

[@braheme1260]

I loved her after Let Them Eat Chaos

[@C............]

Kate Tempest is so creative. She is a ray of authenticity in this world that's getting faker by the day.

[@cob1965]

James please up your game as an interviewer, look at Joe Rogan, London Real, Dick Cavett, etc, you have to be interested in what the guest is doing, in a genuine way. Have a conversation, its not question and answers.

[@epictetus9221]

Wtf... he is obviously, explicitly, genuinely interested. Even transparent about it. What a weird criticism

[@MatthewMcVeagh]

James was nervous at the beginning which led him to be awkward with her but it did certainly improve. He did do some interrupting and putting words in her mouth but after a while did a lot of letting her talk uninterrupted, having obviously realised that would be a better tack. I disagree with those who seem to think the ideal interviewer wouldn't put their own ideas and interpretations into the mix somewhere; this series James did for 'Unfiltered' had a common set of frames and themes and even just for time reasons the interviewer has to prompt and steer along the way.

[@tommoelbommo]

Matthew McVeagh agree mate. He's in awe, she likes him. It's a pub chat between mates minus the cans

[@sarahainsworth438]

My god I would've loved to hear what she had to say but pity the dude interrupts her every time she starts. Can't finish watching it's too frustrating

[@MrBrindleStyle]

Could be the worst interview I've EVER seen - couldn't bear it either.

[@beccymalloy]

I love she uses the term 'eggy' - that's a big part of my vocab as a child growing up in Suffolk. As in 'ALRIGHT DON'T GET EGGY!' Love her

[@julieforsyth2415]

How nice of her to ask questions back of him

[@AlanWinterboy]

Kate successfully navigates the awkwardness of the interviewer, who's too self-conscious (it seems) and spends too much time interrupting her, making assumptions about what she's thinking and feeling, and talking about himself.

[@victoriaprior2185]

hes just doing an interview

[@geozipper]

Okay, I thought I was the only one to think this but I see many other comments here along the same lines: the interviewer is pretty bad. He gets something in his mind & won't let go of it ("she doesn't like to be interviewed") & he has so many opportunities to go somewhere meaningful & those opportunities are lost. Maybe it gets better as it goes along but IDK... this is a classic case of not allowing a person to be heard, putting words in their mouth, misinterpreting what the artists says - - in other words, pushing your own take-away on something instead of HEARING a person. He should watch a few interviews with Dick Cavett. He had a way of getting entertaining yet insightful things out of people. Still, we get to see Kate, who she is as a person, DESPITE the obstacles he puts in her way.

[@siandavies7536]

Really enjoyed your honesty Kate! Love ya 😜

[@thediamonddust]

One of the smartest people going.

[@therisinghope]

I would love to invite her for a dinner. Spending the weekend, exchanging thoughts. Especially in those weird times, where we all are more or less disconnected. Not that i miss anything at the moment, cause most peeps have standards that are trash to me. I guess you understand the point.! And yes, i know my level.! It`s close to IMBA.! I just lack bullshit paperwork.!

[@jl6200]

Doesn’t like interviews so he starts his interview talking about it! ... then sits there like shes having therapy with notepad! Just awful interviewing...

[@ximono]

I think you're both right

[@howiryadoon]

Yeah just have a chat ffs haha

[@Screamifyoumeanit]

Oops, I cried again... That could sound a bit wrong, I did actually cry... Great interview.

[@misstalulah9063]

Me too... she has expressed some things i have been trying to find words for and said some things that have shifted some of my block. Just wow.

[@RaxLakhani]

@@misstalulah9063 @screamifyoumeanit As a forty year-old guy, there were a few of Kate's phrases in this interview that really made me feel emotionally raw and close to tears... I think it was because she isn't trying to frame her answers in any way other than how she genuinely sees the world. The honesty in her awareness is totally fascinating and makes me want to think about things on a different level. Her words about the energy of someone who is born with the soul of a poet was so beautifully phrased. I've been a massive fan of Kate's work for a few years now and am continually in awe of how grounded she is considering the accolades she's received for her considerable achievements to date. She just isn't motivated by fame, celebrity or recognition - it's all about connecting to the art form for her. That's so rare! Plus, it's truly humbling. As for James' questions... I felt bad for him when things started off quite awkwardly. He's another person that I greatly admire and have always wondered what a chat between him and Kate Tempest would be like. For two people who have very different backgrounds and careers, they have so much in common when it comes to world-view and outlook on human nature. If you listen to some of Kate's work, the messages she expresses are identical to some of Jame's LBC opening monologues ("Europe Is Lost" is a good example). Even though Kate's clearly not enjoyed the interview, it's probably the most revealing glimpse into her mind that doesn't directly come from her own body of work. Well done to James and JOE for setting this up. I love the one-hour format, as it gives guests the time and space to explore deeper topics and to share more of themselves. This video hasn't been added to the main Unfiltered With James O'Brien KZbin Playlist on this channel (kzbin.info/aero/PLZyPqYz41qasmoYNTbzHxK5dkBrhXPloW) and I'm wondering if that is a deliberate decision by the team at JOE? Just a speculation on my part. Anyhow, a very LONG comment from me, just to say that I agree with you both... @Screamifyoumeanit and @Miss Talulah! She's fab!

[@misstalulah9063]

Rax Lakhani having read your comment (very nicely expressed.... you are exactly right about what is so fascinating about her. She is so much fully herself. It is a gift to see!) ... I realise I must watch this again!

[@hylabrookbooks]

i cannot wait for this next book

[@lisacaron7224]

Her memory isn’t very good but she remembers poems with like a thousand words.

[@victoriaprior2185]

thats what i thought

[@kyliangruson9408]

Good good

[@jaybevan5627]

The pen, pad and crossed legs of James makes this feel like a psychiatrists chair or a job interview. She deserved better.

[@heedmedia]

Thanks.. I love the girl..

[@ronvanhee]

[@SuPeRbOmBeRmAn4]

of all the people to give one of your first interviews.

[@borekm4770]

shes true profesor

[@dovic86]

20:05 Paul Valéry said that

[@krisadams4561]

She reminds me of Dylan in interview

[@hylabrookbooks]

also so rare this interview . she declined the new yorker but not you James

[@elbongo4454]

wow, hes a bit of a prick aint he... so much RESEPECT KATE.

[@Alex-kh3dv]

why is there no more of these JOB fronted interviews

[@anadrummond7058]

When poetry meets a concrete wall..ironically he's sitting in front of one.

[@jameshancock812]

She is so...We do not come from the same.

[@leahgibbons.leeloog116]

I love you

[@tgeo2880]

really don't want to ever see any of his poetry

[@rachelgerrits]

Jeez, what is this obsession with artists' private lives? Her work is enough!

[@KaseyMoore]

My god the tea and water slurps!

[@jamespotter3660]

the slurping here is the most insightful thing

[@misstalulah9063]

This is one of the most insightful and intelligent interviews i have ever seen exploring creativity (if not the). I am guessing you didn’t watch it all?

[@artomarto679]

Love Lewis Capaldi with his hair long

[@theoratcliffe3200]

No1

[@viewsfromgordon8304]

40:18

[@dovic86]

this comment section if full of negativity, what a waste

[@viewsfromgordon8304]

40.18

[@01banksjon]

Psych or job interview, feels more like an ambush with kae cornered or their back against the wall.

[@tamarakennedy4976]

You must be able to listen to others its a creative new passage unwritten and possibly when you stop listening to the soul of otgers you become untouchable unteachable and more of a kind of person you write against...how ironic is that? Are you Icarus? Or perhaps Narcissus..? Please say it isnt so...

[@claire6280]

Sorry, this guy makes me feel like when I have to hold back a puke in a taxi

[@discordantfungi2741]

Gosh for an hour long interview I feel as though she could have done better with a different interviewer.

[@victoriaprior2185]

FUCKING GOD HEAD

[@tgeo2880]

He has the most vicious, disgusting grin.

[@medicated555]

What obnoxious and Dull interviewing style! Put a beautiful person instantly on the outer and show total disrespect to their integrity and follow that same old paradigm hey? I feel quite sorry for Kate having to endure this and commend her for coping with it so well....!

[@honourableman9564]

CRINGE !!!!!!! JOB WHAT A TOSSER .SLUUUUUURP.

[@bernierose719]

Separated at birth 🤣

[@adeisidaemon]

subhumanity

[@claire6280]

This guy makes me want to puke

[@jamespotter3660]

if you don't like interviews, don't go on an interview show. unless your reasons are purely cynical - i.e. publicity

[@NikoHL]

Kate is anything but cynical....that tells me you know nothing about her.

[@jamespotter3660]

I didn't say she was cynical. I said reasons for appearing on an interview if you don't like interviews might be construed as cynical publicity. However, William Blake she is not.

[@me-ln4pd]

Artists are often forced by their agencies/producers/publishers/etc to take part in publicity; it is often written into a contract, in fact.

[@patrickdolan2014]

Aren’t creative people inspired by putting themselves in uncomfortable situations quite often?

[@bulletproofblouse]

Kate Tempest is so ace I smashed like in the first five seconds. #notashamed

[@megsnoteggs]

Jesus will he stop interrupting her and putting words into her mouth