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"I remember to live is to change". That single line from Kae Tempest's latest single, ‘Statue In The Square’, resonates far beyond the track itself. It’s a statement of intent, a reflection of their evolution, not just as an artist, but as a person.
Tempest’s transition to non-binary has been a journey of self-discovery and honesty, and their latest release feels like an extension of that journey.
It's bold, unflinching, and deeply personal, exactly what we've come to expect from one of the UK’s most vital and poetic voices.
Marking their first solo release in almost three years, ‘Statue In The Square’ picks up where 2022’s ‘I Saw Light’ left off, but with a sharper edge. Co-produced by Fraser T Smith (producer for the likes of Stormzy, Adele, Dave), the track finds Tempest returning to their spoken word roots, delivering rapid-fire poetry over a hypnotic beat with warning sirens. There’s a sense of urgency and a pulsing rhythm that mirrors the chaos of the city streets of London they have always painted so vividly.
Lyrically, it’s classic Tempest, socially conscious, emotionally raw, and laser-focused on the fractures in modern life. The song’s setting in South London, the streets that shaped them, acts as both a backdrop to the track and a character in its own right. You can almost hear the voices Tempest describes, the echoes of everyday conversations swirling around the listener.
But more than anything, ‘Statue In The Square' is about transformation. For Tempest, for their audience, and for a society still grappling with its own rigid structures, especially in the current political climate within the UK. The song’s themes of identity, change, and resilience are deeply resonant for the LGBTQ+ community, “It's not a disorder or a dysfunction/Disgusting the way they discuss us”, where the act of living authentically is often a radical statement in itself.
The decision to embrace and express one’s true self, especially in the public eye, isn’t easy. The pressure to conform, to fit into neat societal boxes is relentless. But Tempest has never been one to shy away from difficult truths. Their work has always been about cutting through the noise, finding meaning in the mess. ‘Statue In The Square’ does just that, standing tall as a marker of both personal and artistic evolution.
Tempest’s return isn’t just welcome back, it’s a necessary one. In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, their words serve as a reminder that to live is to change. And in change, there is power and a reminder that “we don't need permission to shine” or be anything other than ourselves.
Amy King
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