Kae Tempest on Björk, Buffy Sainte-Marie and the lure of great lyrics

With their latest album The Line Is A Curve reaching new heights of commercial success, I was lucky to get some time on the phone with Kae Tempest to chat about the pivotal songs in their life for The Line of Best Fit. I discovered that the two qualities Kae values most in their fellow musicians are staggering lyricism and (perceived) artistic integrity. Like me, they are intensely drawn to words but, of course, only one of us is a published novelist, poet, essayist and playwright...

Kae Tempest’s favourite songs | Interview

One of the UK’s most celebrated writers, Kae Tempest reveals the pivotal songs in their life

The Line of Best FitAlan Pedder

“When listening to music, my ear always goes to the lyrics first. I hear the melody, I hear the beat, I hear the musicality and the harmonies, but I’m listening most deeply to the lyrics.” – K.T.