Kae Tempest has published six poetry collections, written two books, staged three plays and is now out with their fourth studio album, 'The Line Is A Curve.' Tempest talks about the power of lyricism and the process of creating this album, which is the first album they’ve released since coming out as trans nonbinary.

“Music gave me an escape and it also gave me a pass. It enabled me to exist in a room without having to be interrogated for what I was or why I was there. And I didn’t have to feel like a total failure as either girl or a boy because I was neither and both. I could just be a lyricist and be respected on those grounds and that was addictive and exhilarating and refreshing and powerful,” Tempest says.

Kae Tempest has published six poetry collections, written two books, staged three plays and is now out with their fourth studio album, 'The Line Is A Curve.' Tempest talks about the power of lyricism and the process of creating this album, which is the first album they&rsquo;ve released since coming out as trans nonbinary.
&ldquo;Music gave me an escape and it also gave me a pass. It enabled me to exist in a room without having to be interrogated for what I was or why I was there. And I didn&rsquo;t have to feel like a total failure as either girl or a boy because I was neither and both. I could just be a lyricist and be respected on those grounds and that was addictive and exhilarating and refreshing and powerful,&rdquo; Tempest says.

On A Deeper Listen, host Emily Fox and other storytellers from KEXP talk with artists about the stories behind their songs and the experiences that inform their work. Through each conversation, we uncover the humanity behind the music, allowing us to hear it in a whole new way.

On A Deeper Listen, host Emily Fox and other storytellers from KEXP talk with artists about the stories behind their songs and the experiences that inform their work. Through each conversation, we uncover the humanity behind the music, allowing us to hear it in a whole new way.

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