Tinie Tempah on Musical Comeback, Industry Changes, and Protecting Songwriters

British rapper Tinie Tempah, known for his early 2010s hits like "Pass Out," is making a return to the music scene after a period of relative quiet. In an interview with BBC Newsbeat, he discussed the challenges of navigating a more competitive and crowded industry, the importance of grassroots venues, and his advocacy for songwriters' rights.

Navigating a Crowded Landscape

Tempah acknowledges the significant changes in the music industry since his breakthrough. "It's way more of a competitive space," he says, highlighting the sheer volume of music being uploaded daily. "You've got a hundred thousand songs being uploaded to all the different streamers every day - that's your competition." Despite the increased competition, Tempah expresses excitement about the challenge and has embraced new platforms like DJ AG's livestreamed sets and performances on reality shows like Love Island to reach audiences.

While acknowledging the potential for viral moments to boost an artist's profile, Tempah remains grounded. "A push of one post can change your life," he admits, "At the same time it doesn't necessarily mean you're going to be able to sustain that or have longevity within your career." He cautions against relying solely on fleeting trends, emphasizing the importance of consistent quality and long-term vision.

The Importance of Grassroots Venues

A major concern for Tempah is the decline of grassroots music venues in the UK. "Something that's really great for artists, where you can do your 10,000 hours, build up your confidence, build up your fanbase is performing in some of these venues," he explains. He points to the alarming statistic that over 400 clubs have closed in Britain in the last five years, representing more than a third of the total. "By 2029 we're not going to have virtually any clubs or night-time venues left in the UK," he warns, adding that this trend "puts me on edge a bit."

Music industry analyst, Dr. Emily Carter, from the University of Manchester, echoes Tempah's concerns: "Grassroots venues are vital ecosystems for nurturing emerging talent. They provide a space for artists to hone their craft, build a following, and connect with industry professionals. The closure of these venues not only limits opportunities for artists but also diminishes the cultural landscape of our cities." She further argues that the increasing financial pressures on these venues, including rising rents and licensing fees, require urgent government intervention and community support.

Fighting for Songwriters' Rights

Tempah's involvement with the Ivors Academy, which oversees the Ivor Novello songwriting awards, has fueled his passion for advocating for songwriters' rights. He praises the recent deal guaranteeing a minimum daily session fee for songwriters, a response to complaints about often being asked to work for free. "It's very sad to me that songwriters are usually the last people that are thought about," he says. "It's great we're finally having conversations about how that can be changed."

He acknowledges the inherent passion that drives many artists, stating, "Sometimes, as an artist, I'm happy to make music whether there's money in it or not." However, he also recognizes the practical realities faced by songwriters who may incur significant expenses while working on projects that may never see the light of day. "It's a great jump from nothing which was the case before," he concludes, highlighting the progress made in acknowledging and addressing the financial challenges faced by songwriters.

A Revitalized Return

After a three-year hiatus dedicated to songwriting, Tempah is back with new music, including his collaboration with Skepsis, "Eat It Up." He describes his time away as a "new revitalised lease on life," fueled by the constant stream of artists passing through his recording studio. The positive reception to his new material and the memories shared by fans about his older songs have further motivated him. "It feels amazing that for more than half of my life, I've been giving people music that has been the soundtrack of their life and music they'll associate with certain memories and emotions," he says. "If I've brought joy to this many people just by making music, writing the lyrics I write, why stop now?"

Looking ahead, Tempah remains optimistic, drawing on his past experiences to navigate the ever-changing music industry. "I've seen people be interested, not be interested, be interested again," he reflects. "It's all part of the process and journey." Ultimately, his focus remains on creating music that he loves and sharing it with the world. "The main thing is that I've made music I really love and I'm really excited about and people get to hear it and get to live with it and that's a beautiful thing."

Historical Context

Tinie Tempah's career emerged during a pivotal moment in British music history, coinciding with the rise of grime and the increasing accessibility of music production and distribution through the internet. His success, alongside artists like Dizzee Rascal and Wiley, helped to bring grime into the mainstream, paving the way for future generations of British rappers and producers. His current return comes at a time when streaming dominates the music landscape, posing both opportunities and challenges for established and emerging artists alike.