I first discovered KT Tunstall’s music through Neil Finn’s epic 7 Worlds Collide project. From the outset, it was clear that KT is a rare creative force, a songwriter, performer, and storyteller with a remarkable ability to connect deeply with her audience. Her magnetic personality and boundless energy have earned her a fiercely loyal fanbase across the world.
There are few major awards that haven’t found their way to KT’s shelf: Q, Mercury, BBC, Ivor Novello, Grammy, and Brit Awards, to name just a handful. Yet accolades aside, her music stands firmly on its own. With an already impressive catalogue of hit songs, KT released WAX in October 2018.
The album is her sixth studio release and the second instalment of the “soul, body and mind” trilogy, following the UK Top 10 album KIN. WAX has no weak moments. Every track reflects a deep investment of energy, intention, and meticulous attention to detail.
Belfast marked the second night of the tour, with KT joking that this alone made it better than the first. In truth, the show already felt polished and perfectly balanced. Backed by a multi-talented, all-female band, KT treated the Elmwood Hall audience to a set that seamlessly blended classic favourites with new material, all of which translated spectacularly in a live setting. Her impromptu Belfast accent was also impressively convincing.
It’s impossible not to fall for an artist who writes about mountains and rivers with such sincerity. KT effortlessly blends poetic strength with melodies that are bold and unpredictable. It’s been a long time since I’ve had an album on constant repeat, but WAX’s 41 minutes are special from beginning to end.
Even better, a third album in the trilogy is still to come. If you can make it to any of the remaining European dates, they are more than worth the journey.
About KT Tunstall
KT Tunstall is a Scottish singer-songwriter celebrated for her fearless creativity, genre-defying sound, and captivating live performances. Rising to prominence in 2004 with the release of Eye to the Telescope, she quickly became known for her distinctive voice, sharp songwriting, and innovative use of loop pedals, most famously showcased during her breakthrough performance of “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree.” [Ad].
Across a career spanning more than two decades, KT has continually evolved, moving effortlessly between folk, rock, pop, soul, and electronic influences. Her music balances emotional honesty with adventurous production, resulting in a catalogue that is both deeply personal and widely resonant. This creative courage has earned her widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including Brit, Ivor Novello, Grammy, and Mercury Prize nominations.
Beyond the studio, KT Tunstall is renowned for her powerful connection with audiences. Her live shows are dynamic, warm, and unpredictable, driven by a magnetic stage presence and a genuine love of performance. Albums such as KINand WAX, part of her ambitious “soul, body, and mind” trilogy, highlight her continued artistic growth and refusal to stand still.
KT Tunstall remains a singular voice in modern music, an artist defined by authenticity, curiosity, and an enduring passion for storytelling through song.
