Today, critically acclaimed British spoken word artist, rapper, poet, novelist and playwright Kate Tempest returns with her new song “Firesmoke”—listen HERE! Tempest also announces her third studio album, The Book of Traps and Lessons, is set to be released on June 14 via American Recordings/Republic Records. The album is available now for pre-order HERE.
Of “Firesmoke,” Kate says, “I think of the song like a cleansing moment in the wider context of the record, in the same way that a relationship can be a cleansing moment in the wider context of a life. A kind of a turning point. I wrote it for my woman. Inspired by her and everything that falling in love with her has taught me.”
Consequence of Sound, who spoke to Kate about the origins of “Firesmoke,” praises the track saying, “The slow, soulful track sounds how wrapping a soft feather down comforter around yourself and a lover feels: comfortable, quiet, and eternal.”
The highly anticipated album was crafted with Rick Rubin and Dan Carey over the course of the past five years. It follows Tempest’s previous releases, 2014’s Everybody Down and 2016’s Let Them Eat Chaos, both of which were shortlisted for Mercury Prize in 2014 and 2017, respectively. Last year, Kate Tempest was nominated at The BRIT Awards for Best Female Solo Performer.
A handful of words often tell you everything you need to know. When asked, who is Kate Tempest? She gives a brief, albeit telling answer. “Kate Tempest is the words,” she responds. You haven’t ever seen, heard, or experienced anyone quite like her. Tempest uncovers the missing link between the Golden Ages of literature and hip-hop. The London-born BRIT Award-nominated spoken word artist, rapper, poet, novelist, and playwright rhymes with a century-turning fury. Since her emergence in 2011, she has redefined what it means to be a wordsmith in the Modern Age. To date, she has published three poetry collections, staged three plays, and released two studio albums. Along the way, she entranced audiences on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, NPR’s “Tiny Desk,” and more. Not to mention, she garnered widespread critical acclaim from The New York Times, The New Yorker, Forbes, and more, to name a few. In the midst of this whirlwind journey, she performed a passage of her popular 75-minute narrative poem, Brand New Ancients, on Charlie Rose. Legendary producer and American Recordings Founder Rick Rubin caught the show, tracked down her phone number, and made a call. This set a series of events in motion that led to her 2019 debut album for American Recordings, The Book of Traps and Lessons, set for release on June 14.
The Books of Traps and Lessons Tracklist:
“Thirsty”
“Keep Moving Don’t Move”
“Brown Eyed Man”
“Three Sided Coin”
“I Trap You”
“All Humans Too Late”
“Hold Your Own”
“Lessons”
“Firesmoke”
“Holy Elixir”
“People’s Faces”
