Scottish musician KT Tunstall has candidly described the intense discomfort she felt at being marketed as a pop star following the explosive success of her debut album two decades ago.
The 'Unwelcome Side' of Breakthrough Success
Appearing on Roisin O'Connor's Good Vibrations podcast, Tunstall reflected on the 20th anniversary of her 2005 record, 'Eye to the Telescope'. The singer-songwriter, now 50, revealed that the period surrounding her international breakthrough was "deeply uncomfortable" due to the way she was packaged for public consumption.
"All of that was really f***ing weird," Tunstall stated bluntly. She characterised the experience as an "often unwelcome side" of her profession, noting the stark contrast between public perception and her private self.
Pushing Back Against Industry Expectations
Tunstall explained that her natural tomboy inclinations clashed sharply with the music industry's expectations. Having grown up with brothers and male friends, she was never drawn to the glamour often associated with fronting a band. "I was never particularly into clothes and makeup, it was never my thing," she confessed.
This led to friction with her record label, who attempted to dictate her style. Ironically, the dynamic flipped with her second album, 2007's Drastic Fantastic. While the label wanted to maintain her accessible "girl-next-door" aesthetic, Tunstall herself desired a shift towards "sparkly dresses" and heeled boots.
"It is ironic that most women will talk about the experience of being told to 'get their tits out' to sell their record," she joked, "and [my record label] were like, 'Put them away!'"
A Lasting Legacy and Future Plans
The conversation also touched on the enduring popularity of her hit single "Suddenly I See," famously featured in the opening credits of the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada. Tunstall admitted this was "pretty unexpected," adding with humour, "I knew f*** all about fashion."
Beyond revisiting the past, Tunstall used the podcast interview to hint at a major new project set to launch in 2027, signalling an exciting new chapter in her long-evolving career.
The full episode featuring KT Tunstall is available to stream now on Good Vibrations.
