Kae Tempest enters a pub near his London home on a weekday afternoon, ordering a pint of mineral water. By his side rests Murphy, his 14-year-old Alaskan Malamute dog with striking blue eyes. The rapper, performance poet, playwright, and novelist, now with a ginger beard and dressed in Timberland boots, baggy jeans, and a black hoodie, reflects on a decade of public transformation. Once known for long russet hair, he cropped it when he dropped the "T" from his first name and came out as nonbinary, a pivotal step in his gender transition. Today, with a voice deepened by testosterone, he uses he/him pronouns, marking the final stage of this personal odyssey.
A Public Journey of Self-Discovery
Tempest's fame, which began in his late 20s with accolades like Mercury nominations and the Ted Hughes award, has meant his transition unfolded in the public eye. On his song "I Stand on the Line," he vividly captures the anxiety of facing hostility during his "second puberty." When asked about the burden of being a visible trans person, Tempest responds with a soft south London growl, "It's just my life. I'm just glad to be alive. How beautiful, because you felt like you might not be at some point." His words underscore a journey marked by resilience and gratitude.
Exploring Identity in 'Having Spent Life Seeking'
Tempest's second novel, "Having Spent Life Seeking," delves into themes of self-discovery and precarious living. The story follows Rothko, who returns to their seaside hometown after 15 years in prison, navigating a chaotic family and a teenage love affair with Dionne. Like Tempest, Rothko's pronouns evolve throughout the narrative—they/them for most of the book, she/her when misgendered, and finally he/him in a euphoric moment of self-acceptance. Tempest explains, "Hopefully you get that feeling of missing a step on the stairs, which is how it feels." He hopes readers, regardless of their experiences, will feel the relief and release for Rothko, highlighting the power of new pronouns.
The Role of Art and Literature
In his 2020 essay "On Connection," Tempest champions art's ability to bridge divides and illuminate inner lives. He cites influences like Patrick Hamilton's "Hangover Square" and Leslie Feinberg's "Stone Butch Blues," which he says was a crucial step in accepting his true self. While "Having Spent Life Seeking" may join the trans canon, Tempest aims for broader resonance. "I hope that there is something in Rothko that can resonate far beyond their gender," he says, comparing it to classics like "For Whom the Bell Tolls."
Creative Evolution and Personal Struggles
This novel arrives a decade after Tempest's debut, "The Bricks That Built the Houses," which faced mixed reviews but solid sales. Writing novels, he admits, is challenging—"It took writing the first one to work out what the fuck to do." His prolific career includes plays, albums, and poetry, all learned on the job. A second novel was rejected for being too dark, but other projects, like adapting Sophocles's "Philoctetes" for the National Theatre, kept him busy. It was there he met his partner, inspiring the love song "Sunshine on Catford."
Tempest's album "Self Titled" details his transition, including a tender scene in a BBC documentary where he and his partner are filmed post-top surgery. He recalls childhood freedom, but as he raps on "Breathe," puberty forced him into a girl's role. Creativity became a lifeline, yet by 35, severe panic attacks nearly halted his performances, prompting his transition. "Having Spent Life Seeking" emerged from this tumult, written over three years in residencies in Italy and Spain. He cut a lengthy draft to 338 pages, pouring everything into it. "I put everything into it—everything," he says. "And it gave everything to me."
Creativity as a Life Force
Tempest views creativity as a vital force that provided purpose during difficult times. "I have this relationship of wonder and gratitude for what mysterious power it is to make music, to write poems, to write lyrics," he shares. He references Bessel van der Kolk's "The Body Keeps the Score," noting how creativity can process trauma, as with a child drawing a trampoline after 9/11. For Tempest, art offers a way to exist meaningfully in the world.
Confronting Harsh Realities
The novel doesn't shy from dark themes like drug use and addiction, reflecting Tempest's own experiences. He writes from a place of non-judgment, exploring euphoric escape versus the desire to arrive. Rothko's journey from overdose to dancing sober at a queer rave illustrates this shift. Tempest also addresses sexuality with candor, describing it as a "life force." He recalls advice from director Ian Rickson about activating multiple worlds in characters—including love and eros—to foster connection and pathos.
The Power of Connection Through Imagination
Tempest believes in literature's transformative power, having felt "realigned" by novels during his lowest moments. "I feel, that because I've received so much from literature and from music, I stand on this line," he says. Visualizing a lineage of writers and poets, he sees himself transmitting their energy to others. This sense of connection drives his work, offering hope and understanding.
As Murphy pricks up his ears, Tempest's message is clear: creativity and empathy can bridge divides, making life's struggles bearable. "Having Spent Life Seeking" is set to publish on 30 April, promising to resonate with diverse audiences through its raw exploration of identity and resilience.
