Friday, July 26th • 5:30pm • Main Stage
KT Tunstall made her mark on the music scene in 2004 with her multi-platinum debut album, “Eye to the Telescope.” The album featured global hits like “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” and “Suddenly I See,” establishing Tunstall as a captivating performer and a songwriter skilled in balancing introspective folk and energetic rock. Tunstall describes her style as a combination of troubadour, acoustic guitar-driven emotion, and a rocker side with sharper edges.
In recent years, the Grammy-nominated Scottish musician has explored a trilogy of records, each focusing on a specific concept: soul, body, and mind. “KIN” (2016) represented the soul, “WAX” (2018) embodied the body, and the latest release, “NUT,” explores the mind.
Produced by Martin Terefe, who co-wrote her 2005 hit “Other Side of the World,” “NUT” draws inspiration from Tunstall’s love of percussive West African grooves, using them as a metaphor for the learning patterns of the mind. The album is eclectic, seamlessly blending different musical styles. The song “Canyons,” driven by a grimy, heavy rock riff, explores the canyon-like physiology of the brain. Throughout “NUT,” lyrics and sound delve into Tunstall’s personal evolution and the universal theme of how we all evolve through repeated behaviors and reactions to life experiences.
The track “Private Eyes” reflects Tunstall’s encounters with the downsides of fame, while “Three” summarizes the trilogy’s arc, inspired by a journal practice where she wrote multiple entries on a single topic from the perspectives of mind, body, and soul.
Tunstall approached “NUT” differently from her previous records, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach and avoiding creative repetition. She expressed excitement for the challenge, emphasizing the importance of making an exciting and meaningful record that she loves, all while having fun in the process.
Website: www.kttunstall.com