Millie Throp
Freelance writer based in Manchester, specialising in editorial for fashion, culture, music and film. A passionate storyteller seeking out the niche and the new, often seen reading, journaling, or befriending a neighbourhood cat.
Kae Tempest releases introspective new single ‘Know Yourself’ from upcoming 12-track album ‘Self Titled,’ out on 4th July
The new album ‘Self Titled’ from Westminster-born poet, author, and musician, Kae Tempest, is set to drop on 4th July via Island Records. The new single ‘Know Yourself’ sees the storyteller gaze introspectively, culminating in a rhapsodic, drum-backed new release.
Referencing a lyric jotted down by a younger Tempest in years prior, he describes the track, titled ‘Know Yourself’, as “a dialogue between selves across time”, toasting to the intuition he’s developed through years of speaking his truth through his music.
For Tempest, the act of sharing one’s innermost thoughts – securing accolades in Mercury Prize nominations and other literary shortlistings – has famously culminated with techno vibrations and punchlines that never miss a beat. Yet, in the new single’s 160-second entirety, a lighter pitch shift is ushered, feeling more accessible to fans of electronic, alternative, and hip-hop genres in tow.
Unsurprisingly, Tempest’s latest track asks the hard questions from the outset: “if you saw your younger you what would you say to them?”. By this, the track is a love song to self-growth and an amuse-bouche to a buzzy new album, featuring appearances from Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant, Tawiah, and Young Fathers.
The new album ‘Self Titled’ is out July 4th via Island Records.
