I was not ready for Ballad of a Hero. It absolutely crushed me. I went to Iraq in the US Army in 2003, 2004-2005. Lost a good friend. Saw some things no one should see.
I can’t really describe how much this form of art touches my soul, I suffer with depression and find such an empathy, beauty and light in Kate’s poetry. Amazing ❤️
Just seen them live. Cannot tell you... actually, let me try. Small venue in a university performance space. Bar at the right of the stage up a short flight of stairs, open plan to the main space. Two spotlights. 1000 capacity. Kae came onto the stage with a big grin. Humble, happy, short anecdote about a young fan from the night before. One person with her, an instrumentalist who also sang backing vocals. Really good too. Performed all of The Line is a Curve with no talking in-between. It was clear they were so happy to be there. The crowd was amazing. Kae is such a beautiful soul. When they played Salt Coast I think I left the planet. All love.
her command of language and sound mixed with that flow and delivery is impeccable.... and then add in the power of the substance in the lyrics just sheer genius
Every time I watch this amazing poet, I am so moved because her words hit right at the truth of this, of life and everything. She is really something special.
Mine too, he was one of the walking wounded the wound that never heals, drowned himself in drugs to forget and now we are left with that legacy, I feel you bro I cried when I heard her words so powerful...
I'm officially an instant fan! There was POWER in that... start to finish. This is the kind of rap I like... spoken word set to a beat that speaks truths and inspires; doesn't degrade or humiliate.
In Germany, we have Konstantin Wecker and Hannes Wader (for ages) for these kind of anti-war-songs (singer/songwriter, folk people, no rappers), and Britain`s got these genious young ladies (Laura Marling, Kate Tempest).... good to see the story will not end with our "old heroes"...
This is the first thing I ever saw of Kate. I can’t believe it’s only been since 2015. She’s everything. I saw her in Chicago for my birthday in April. The “beats” were kinda all over the place in this recording. She’s found her place and so has he. Tunnel Vision? Europe is Lost? Grubby? They are both amazing.
No Words. None to do sis justice. I just sat transfixed Listening. Godbless sis: Every Word: TRUTH. As many Veterans here & gone, active duty & retired, as we have in this world this needs to have MILLIONS of views! ***Props to dude doing the beats too.***
The other night I had a conversation with two friends. We all seem to somewhat lack direction in life, so to speak. With neither an apprenticeship nor a college degree in our pockets despite being in an age where you could have acquired both, we were exploring the reasons as well as possible solutions for our perceived lack of drive when it comes to choosing and expanding a career path. One friend expressed an unexpectedly serious desire to join the army in order to learn discipline and to be exposed to tasks that he convinced himself he was not capable of completing. All of us, of course, are opposed to war, violence and also to a large extent hierarchies, last of which might be one of the main reasons for us being so far unable to live up to the usual expectation of where we "should stand" in our lifes at this point. The other friend and I tried for quite some time to get him to come to his senses, after all, this dude had talked me out of joining the army as well as the police on separate occasions a few years back, which I have come to be incredibly grateful for. However, none of our arguments seemed to strike a chord, while he acknowledged that being a soldier was pretty much diametrically opposed to his beliefs and convictions, he also imagined a career as a medic in the military. My other friend at some point played this clip, and not only is it one of the best bits of poetry I have heard so far, it also ended our conversation, as it makes perfectly clear that the military in and of itself is an institution responsible for nothing but tragedy. My friend probably wont join the military and I have a feeling this 10 minute video did more to accomplish that than I could have in weeks of formulating and repeating my concern. So, thanks for saving a good friend from throwing away his values, perhaps even his life or that of a complete stranger who shares the same hopes and the same wants: good health, enough food in his belly, some time with his loved ones and being able to do their thing without being bothered by the foolishness of violence and war. These things are not what any army will provide for you, no matter the comradery, salary or even the lessons you might learn. Don't make yourself an accomplice to the profiteers of misery.
A friend turned me onto Kate Tempest a little over a year ago. All her stuff is solid. She just keeps getting better. Very nice Tiny Desk Concerts. Cheers.
She kinda had a Brother Ali thing going for her on the last track. that was awesome. also shout out to the spoken word part at the beginning. Jesus Christ that hit me.
Oh my god Kate is pure genius....every poem makes me cry touches my very soul...im not much for the rapping i cant hear very well so i cant take the add distravtion.
Rap has been contorted by those who fear such honest open expressions into what many perceive as negative. There are many babies in that bathwater. Rap has always been expression of honest poetic connection with the world. Much of these artists have found life, love, hope and happiness in this poetry. It does not need to be everyone's cup of tea, per say, but the passion and sincerity can be appreciated by all who love passion and sincerity. ua-cam.com/video/x7PWLt7nT-o/v-deo.html
Been listening to Kate for 2-3 years: an exceptional and powerful, and most importantly, honest poet. While I can see the appeal of adding beats to her readings, for me they do not add to the power of her work (though expand the audience, which is valid): rather the music diminishes the power of Kate's exceptional poetry. Probably an age thing! All power to her.
+John Hegarty Might be that you aren't into hip hop? From that point of view she brings A LOT. I've always been of the opinion that mixing culture will strengthen both sides. Even if this isn't really to your taste, it is plausible that it will add to her poetry as well. And not just as a matter of expanding audience. Love!
when i first heard this i though her voice sounded really familiar but i didn't know where i had heard her before and i just realised she's worked with bastille! she's so amazing
I did fall in love with "People's faces" when I discovered Kae Tempest last year. But now that I just heard "Ballad of a Hero", I am speechless.
Me too. I'm here because of "People's Faces" too. She is stunning......
I was not ready for Ballad of a Hero. It absolutely crushed me. I went to Iraq in the US Army in 2003, 2004-2005. Lost a good friend. Saw some things no one should see.
BG Nelson, I’m so sorry.. my heart goes out to you.
Bless you. Sorry you had to fight a war you should never be in. I dodged that bullet. My brother didn't.
Thank you for your service. I am so sorry for what you went through.
Thank you for sharing your story. My heart goes out to you brother.
What a piece of text! BG Nelson I hope you are ok! I send you warmest feelings and wishes from Germany! Take care (:
I can’t really describe how much this form of art touches my soul, I suffer with depression and find such an empathy, beauty and light in Kate’s poetry. Amazing ❤️
Just seen them live. Cannot tell you... actually, let me try. Small venue in a university performance space. Bar at the right of the stage up a short flight of stairs, open plan to the main space. Two spotlights. 1000 capacity. Kae came onto the stage with a big grin. Humble, happy, short anecdote about a young fan from the night before. One person with her, an instrumentalist who also sang backing vocals. Really good too. Performed all of The Line is a Curve with no talking in-between. It was clear they were so happy to be there. The crowd was amazing. Kae is such a beautiful soul. When they played Salt Coast I think I left the planet. All love.
@@BsYtHandle I saw Kae on that tour and they seemed so much happier than when I've seen them before
her command of language and sound mixed with that flow and delivery is impeccable.... and then add in the power of the substance in the lyrics just sheer genius
Every time I watch this amazing poet, I am so moved because her words hit right at the truth of this, of life and everything. She is really something special.
That intro...damn. Had me near tears. Those were probably the most powerful words I've ever heard and I'm being 100% real when I say that.
+2006breakmyballs Me, too. I'm an old man and I remember my brother coming home from Nam.
God dammit, why am I crying?
my father was in nam. He wasn't the same when he came home. I feel like I lost my dad during that war even though he made it home.
Along with "B.C." and "A.D." there should be "B.V.N." and "A.V.N." but I don't know what to do with the 14 (or 16) years inbetween.
Mine too, he was one of the walking wounded the wound that never heals, drowned himself in drugs to forget and now we are left with that legacy, I feel you bro I cried when I heard her words so powerful...
Thought it was me being soft till I saw the comments, sheer emotion in those words
I'm officially an instant fan! There was POWER in that... start to finish. This is the kind of rap I like... spoken word set to a beat that speaks truths and inspires; doesn't degrade or humiliate.
Kae is a genius! Their novel, 'The Bricks That Built the Houses' is brilliant and their performance at Glastonbury 2017 was an absolute tour de force.
That first spoken word piece is so brilliant. I hope its on the next album.
Wow! The beginning made so much emotion come rushing up. Shout out to my brothers and sisters fighting every day.
Kate Tempest. This is the kind of human that will inheret our mess.....and he knows it. Powerful truths from a young mind and heart.
I cried during the intro.
Its magnificent to hear; really intense. I' m looking forward to Tiny Desk...Margaret Salvato
This POET Kate Tempest is SOLID GOLD. She has the words and sentiment and makes you listen even if you are touched and made nervous.
In Germany, we have Konstantin Wecker and Hannes Wader (for ages) for these kind of anti-war-songs (singer/songwriter, folk people, no rappers), and Britain`s got these genious young ladies (Laura Marling, Kate Tempest).... good to see the story will not end with our "old heroes"...
Ohhhh My god. Ballad of a Hero got me so emotional. What a brilliant artist Kae.
Insightful, raw, truthful. Kate Tempest opening eyes to the truths we usually deny, or pretend don't exist.
So thankful I found this 🥰 We need more Awakers in our music industry bringing forth consciousness and light in the world of ignorance and darkness ❤️
This is the first thing I ever saw of Kate. I can’t believe it’s only been since 2015. She’s everything. I saw her in Chicago for my birthday in April. The “beats” were kinda all over the place in this recording. She’s found her place and so has he. Tunnel
Vision? Europe is Lost? Grubby? They are both amazing.
That first one hit home very closely. This girl has talent.
Wow. I'm instantly a fan, what passion!
No Words. None to do sis justice. I just sat transfixed Listening. Godbless sis: Every Word: TRUTH. As many Veterans here & gone, active duty & retired, as we have in this world this needs to have MILLIONS of views! ***Props to dude doing the beats too.***
Damn, she leaves me speechless!
The other night I had a conversation with two friends.
We all seem to somewhat lack direction in life, so to speak.
With neither an apprenticeship nor a college degree in our pockets despite being in an age where you could have acquired both, we were exploring the reasons as well as possible solutions for our perceived lack of drive when it comes to choosing and expanding a career path.
One friend expressed an unexpectedly serious desire to join the army in order to learn discipline and to be exposed to tasks that he convinced himself he was not capable of completing.
All of us, of course, are opposed to war, violence and also to a large extent hierarchies, last of which might be one of the main reasons for us being so far unable to live up to the usual expectation of where we "should stand" in our lifes at this point.
The other friend and I tried for quite some time to get him to come to his senses, after all, this dude had talked me out of joining the army as well as the police on separate occasions a few years back, which I have come to be incredibly grateful for.
However, none of our arguments seemed to strike a chord, while he acknowledged that being a soldier was pretty much diametrically opposed to his beliefs and convictions, he also imagined a career as a medic in the military.
My other friend at some point played this clip, and not only is it one of the best bits of poetry I have heard so far, it also ended our conversation, as it makes perfectly clear that the military in and of itself is an institution responsible for nothing but tragedy.
My friend probably wont join the military and I have a feeling this 10 minute video did more to accomplish that than I could have in weeks of formulating and repeating my concern.
So, thanks for saving a good friend from throwing away his values, perhaps even his life or that of a complete stranger who shares the same hopes and the same wants: good health, enough food in his belly, some time with his loved ones and being able to do their thing without being bothered by the foolishness of violence and war.
These things are not what any army will provide for you, no matter the comradery, salary or even the lessons you might learn.
Don't make yourself an accomplice to the profiteers of misery.
It's been like a month since you made the comment. But, though it's irrelevant to me, thank you for being such a good friend. Have a good life!
She's a good storyteller.
XPL0RR I almost clapped in this coffeeshop at the end. Oops. lol
Kate, you have my attention. Bob Boilen, thank you for bringing Kate to my attention.
Ballad of a hero had me in tears almost from the start
Bloody genius.
wow....love her..so much emotion ...so mucho pain.. a soul bless by our father...
Made the hairs on my arms stand up.....the spoken word, put to beats, so Powerful! Word Up Kate Tempest. Thanks x
When the UA-cam algo does ya’ so right and you’re left wasted.
A friend turned me onto Kate Tempest a little over a year ago. All her stuff is solid. She just keeps getting better. Very nice Tiny Desk Concerts. Cheers.
Her interview for All Songs Considered was amazing, chills. I've been waiting for this
Top notch girl. Top notch. A prophet for our times. Thanks for bringing the message back to rap/hip-hop.
She'll bring the revolution
She kinda had a Brother Ali thing going for her on the last track. that was awesome. also shout out to the spoken word part at the beginning. Jesus Christ that hit me.
She is AMAZING!
She is unbelievably good
I just...you know...fuck...[breaths again, and again]
Yes.
Just yes.
Oh, my, gosh.... speechless......
Dropping Facts & making me cry & think ! WOW WOW WOW
Oh my god Kate is pure genius....every poem makes me cry touches my very soul...im not much for the rapping i cant hear very well so i cant take the add distravtion.
Rap has been contorted by those who fear such honest open expressions into what many perceive as negative. There are many babies in that bathwater. Rap has always been expression of honest poetic connection with the world. Much of these artists have found life, love, hope and happiness in this poetry. It does not need to be everyone's cup of tea, per say, but the passion and sincerity can be appreciated by all who love passion and sincerity.
ua-cam.com/video/x7PWLt7nT-o/v-deo.html
LOVE! Gives me goosebumps. TRUTH! Beautifully expressed TRUTH!
my god this is so incredible i'll come back here again and again
Poesía sin adornos, cruda, intensa
She accessed my soul and put it into a head lock!
most authentic comment on war, just the plain truth ... very touched, thanks!
She fucking killed it!!
So real and actual! Thanks a lot!
WOW!
I'M A FAN NOW!
TEARS AND ALL, I'M A FAN NOW.
Been listening to Kate for 2-3 years: an exceptional and powerful, and most importantly, honest poet. While I can see the appeal of adding beats to her readings, for me they do not add to the power of her work (though expand the audience, which is valid): rather the music diminishes the power of Kate's exceptional poetry. Probably an age thing! All power to her.
+John Hegarty Might be that you aren't into hip hop? From that point of view she brings A LOT. I've always been of the opinion that mixing culture will strengthen both sides. Even if this isn't really to your taste, it is plausible that it will add to her poetry as well. And not just as a matter of expanding audience.
Love!
In touch with her own personal genius. Only connect.
when i first heard this i though her voice sounded really familiar but i didn't know where i had heard her before and i just realised she's worked with bastille! she's so amazing
Instruments only dull the shine of her perfect words.
Brilliant !
senses and truths and power. And love around all of those.
Dare I say, is this girl a genius?
I know I’m blown away. She’s like a modern day Shakespeare. And she’s really needed in today’s troubled world.
So powerful.
Insanely intense. "Everybody Down" was my favourite album of 2014.
This is brilliant
Wow, just wow! I'm a true believer!
All the hairs on my neck just stood up. Heavy truth.
And now, i want to listen more for her.
I am watching this the day after Memorial Day - she got it right as far as I am concerned
oh my God! the power, the truth! yes!
Kate... Very, very impressive.
WOW ! Goosebumps! Passion crazzzzy !
what power the word still has... when conveying the naked truth, nothing hits harder
Sooo deep… these lyrics and the sound to it
wow, love the deep lyrics. She's a poet.
pretty powerful kate
brilliant contemporary poetry
Goosebumps.
Brilliant😮
i cant hardly understand half of her words, but still i can feel the emotions! respect!
Love this passionate warrior!!
I am now a fan of Kate Tempest. Gods. Damn. It.
God bless ! This is AMAZING!
Into tears!
This is real !!! ... music... echo... Words.... Wow!
BRILLIANT KATE
Her mind is unbelievable
Reminds me of Janis Joplin. People think Joplin was just a screechy voice, but really she was living raw truth, sometimes at her own expense.
I cried!!
blew me away. wow.
Unique, awesome
Awesome stuff ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’ve watched this since it was released, Kae is clever.... it’s good stuff
I'm beginning to fall in love with this woman.
Incredible
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
found her through the broken lizard lounge tbing scroobious did. glad to find more clear audio from her.
Just whoa... whoa
Damn ! left me speechless!!
That was incredible
Powerful
2019 checking in yo
Super Duper❤🎉😮😊
Holy fucking shit ♥️
Kate! ... Wow.
Kate Tempest and Plan B are really one of the best things I heard from Britain
There are lots of conscious rappers in UK Lowkey, Akala and Mic Rightous
I come back to this video all the time. Sooo good! FYI, they changed their name to “Kae” and uses they/them pronouns :)