Following her global success with Suddenly I See, Black Horse and Cherry Tree, KT Tunstall has re-emerged with new energy, vigour and enthusiasm in the wake of her latest trilogy, Kin, Wax and Nut. An expression of soul, body and mind, these three albums are a rhythmic triumph, a fresh departure for the Grammy nominated singer-songwriter who has stayed true to her ability to balance introspective folk with propulsive rock.
Charting personal challenges in the wake of her father’s death and her marriage breakdown, KT packed up her bags, sold everything she owned, to start a new chapter in California. Now, the captivating musician will bring her must-see performance style to Monroe’s Live on Dominick Street on Monday, July 17 as part of the Galway International Arts Festival 2023.
Her latest work, Nut, delves into a transformative period in her life, inspired by the repetitive and cyclic patterns of the mind. It is the result of a seven year journey, seamlessly merging ’80s new wave with meditative Americana and brisk pop rock, stacked with vocal harmonies and perforated beats.
Continually inspired by West African Grooves, Nut is a chance for the Scottish songstress to explore the recess of her consciousness in the aftermath of upheaval, loss and heartache. In a twist of fate, KT lost hearing in her left ear during her promotional tour for Wax, an album dedicated to the body, and it has not returned.
It is not surprising then, that she was somewhat fearful of the implications of what may happen with the creation of an album focusing specifically on the mind. And yet, it has brought with a sense of closure, a completion of the trilogy that began with Kin, moved to Wax and finished with Nut.
“I feel there are two immediate, recognisable pillars of my style,” she says. “I have this troubadour, acoustic guitar-driven, emotional side. Then there’s definitely a rocker side of me with much sharper teeth.
“I did not expect to be essentially documenting such an intense personal journey. Nut is the soundtrack to me creating a new version of myself. It’s the final part of a trilogy of records that has spanned probably the most extreme and profound period of change in my life. The personal arc of these three records has been pretty extraordinary for me.
“I made Nut completely differently from any other record I have ever made. What’s most important is that I made an exciting, meaningful record that I love, and had fun while I was doing it.”
Don’t miss your chance to see KT Tunstall’s highly anticipated return to the west of Ireland at the award-winning Monroe’s Live venue on Monday, July 17. Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost €30 and are available from monroes.ie