Image as seen on Kate Bush’s Instagram @KateBushMusic.
From being the first female musician to dominate the UK charts, to having a viral resurgence from Netflix’s Stranger Things, Kate Bush has had an undeniable impact on the music industry ever since her debut in 1978, through her fantastic song-writing, enchanting visuals and distinctive eccentric tone. With her recent announcement of planning to record new music exciting many devoted fans, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the singer’s notable career – and future.
This woman’s work
Kate Bush is renowned for her unique style, but it extends far beyond her lyricism and tone. Over her years in song-writing Bush has released 25 UK Top 40 Singles and she began writing songs at just 11 years old!
It may be a surprise to many that Bush was the first singer to introduce the use of a wireless microphone headset during performances. During her first concert tour, ‘The Tour Of Life’, Bush was determined to simultaneously dance and sing. This led her stage sound engineer to develop a wireless headset using only a clothing hanger.
In hindsight, the tour became renowned for the use of new technology … as well as the use of mime and magic readings during each show.
Wuthering, Wuthering, Wuthering Heights
For Bush, the incorporation of dance has always been just as prominent in her live performances as well as her music videos. Singles such as ‘Wuthering Heights’ and ‘Rubberband Girl’ feature striking interpretative choreography which compliments the songs themselves. Fun fact: Bush even delayed the release of her debut album in order to complete her studies in dance, which seem to have been vital to the capturing story-telling in her music videos.
The instrumentation itself in her music was considered very experimental by listeners. For example, the percussion in her song ‘Sat In Your Lap’ utilises sounds of bamboo stickers swinging against each other. Tracks such as ‘Babooshka’ feature vocal moments sliding from falsetto wails to guttural growls, a singing technique distinct to Bush and her enchanting eccentricity.
Kate Bush posing on her album Hounds of Love. Image credit: @KateBushMusic on Instagram.
Ghostly, Witchy and whimsical
Bush’s lack of a public ‘persona’ is another quality which differentiates her from many artists.
Each new album Bush released received a longer hiatus in-between them, which increased the anticipation towards each release. The only way fans could hear any updates about the artist was through her personal website. With the exception of a few live performances later in the career, the previously mentioned ‘Tour Of Life’ was her only conventional touring cycle of album promotion. She also famously left the limelight for the birth of her son, putting her career to the side.
A legacy like no other
There is a reason why high-profile artists such as Fiona Apple and Bjork and countless more have noted Kate Bush to be an important influence on their own musical artistry. Even Sir Elton John agrees, stating that the lyrics to her song ‘Don’t Give Up’ emotionally resonated with him during his time of seeking rehab for his addiction.
It should be no surprise many are eagerly excited for the return of one of modern music’s most fascinating and ambitious musicians. We can’t wait to see more of this ‘This Woman’s Work’ …
Edited by Freya Harrod.
