Kate Tempest to Spit Some Truth at The Echo

Stephanie Hernandez

If you haven’t heard of Kate Tempest, it’s about damn time to change that. This 29-year-old English poet, spoken word artist, playwright, and rapper is out on tour promoting her latest album, “Everybody Down.” If meaningful lyrics and Shakespearean performances sound enticing, we suggest catching Kate at The Echo March 14.

Tempest is most known for her work as a poet and spoken word artist. She has traveled extensively performing her work, and has already produced multiple critically acclaimed collections of poetry, plays and even has a novel, “The Bricks that Built the Houses” coming out early next year. There seems to be no stopping the unique force of nature that is Kate Tempest. Tempest just recently decided to take her skills as a master wordsmith and apply them in a more musical context. She began with her album “Balance,” recorded with her band Sound of Rum; and now is riding the wave of success her debut solo album, “Everybody Down” has given her. ‛Everybody Down” consists of twelve ‘chapters’ that tell one meaningful tale that includes discussions of some of today’s most pressing issues including poverty, class, and consumerism. Produced by Dan Carey (Bat For Lashes, M.I.A, Hot Chip), listeners can expect the beats to be just as good as the words. It’s something that may seem like a rarity nowadays.

While a relative newcomer to the music scene, Tempest has already left other hip-hop artists speechless. Upon hearing her new album, all Chuck D of Public Enemy Fame could say was “Wow.” If that’s not an endorsement, we don’t know what is. Kate has shown herself to be an exceptional live performer as well. It’s not just her theatrical shows that are electric and intense; you don’t want to miss a chance to hear Kate throw some truth at you for an evening.

Kate Tempest will be performing at The Echo March 14. Tickets available here.