After years of keeping her musical aspirations largely under wraps, legendary singer-songwriter Kate Bush has revealed her desire to return to recording new music, sparking excitement among her fans worldwide. Known for her remarkable and innovative sound, Bush last released new original work with her 2011 album 50 Words for Snow. Since then, she has remained relatively quiet, focusing on personal projects and archive work, but recent developments indicate she's ready to jump back onto the creative stage.
During a rare interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Bush shared her aspirations and excitement about the prospect of creating new music. She remarked, "I’ve got lots of ideas and I’m really looking forward to getting back to the creative space. It’s been a long time." This marks the first full-scale commitment to her music since her last public appearance for her acclaimed Before the Dawn concert residency back in 2014, which followed a substantial hiatus from live performances.
Bush's recent interview aligns with the launch of her animated short film Little Shrew, which she wrote, directed, and produced. The film, featuring her 2011 track Snowflake, aims to raise money for War Child, a charity dedicated to supporting children affected by conflict. It reflects her heightened awareness of the struggles faced by children caught up in wars, particularly inspired by the conflict stemming from the Ukrainian crisis. Discussing this project, she stated, "It was really the idea of children caught up in war. I wanted to draw attention to how horrific it is for children." The black-and-white animation offers both poignant visuals and evocative music, embodying Bush's unique artistic vision.
While she has not yet begun work on her new album, Bush explained she has been occupied with various creative efforts, including redesigning her website and curataing her lyrics for publication. "I’m very interested and very eager to start on new material when I’ve finished some of this archive work," she emphasized. This indicates her commitment to ensuring any new music feels authentic and representative of her artistic evolution.
Kate Bush originally burst onto the music scene in 1978 with her iconic song Wuthering Heights, which made her the first female artist to achieve a number-one hit on the UK Singles Chart with a song she wrote entirely herself. Over the years, her amazing catalogue has garnered her two number-one singles and numerous critically acclaimed albums. Her song Running Up That Hill, released as part of her 1985 album Hounds of Love, has seen renewed appreciation since its notable use in the fourth season of Netflix's mega-hit Stranger Things, introducing her to a younger generation and becoming the UK's Official Song of the Summer for 2022. This resurgence has reignited interest not just in her classic songs, but also has fans craving something fresh and innovative from the singer.
Bush reflected on the impact of this revived interest, calling it "really exciting" and expressing her gratitude to the new fans who have discovered her work through modern media. The surprise success of Running Up That Hill sparked conversations about her artistic legacy and the continuing relevance of her music. Many are curious about how she might evolve her sound based on the new ideas she hinted at during her radio appearance.
Despite the enthusiasm around her music, Bush approached the topic of live performances with humor and caution. When discussing the possibility of returning to the stage, Bush said, "I’m not there yet," referencing encouragement from her friend and longtime supporter, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd. Gilmour recently mentioned his attempts to persuade her to perform live again, but it seems Bush is still contemplating how and when she might be comfortable returning to the stage.
The animation support project, Little Shrew, offers viewers insight not only through its storytelling but also serves as sonic accompaniment to Bush's beautifully composed pieces, establishing her distinct ability to capture emotions through both visual art and sound. It showcases her capacity for storytelling beyond music and emphasizes her desire to contribute positively to contemporary issues, particularly those affecting the younger generation during turbulent times.
Kate Bush's plans to create new music and her involvement with charitable projects paint the picture of an artist dedicated to her craft and deeply aware of the world around her. Fans eagerly await any forthcoming new music and are optimistic about what her fresh artistic energy will yield. This new chapter might prove to be as groundbreaking and boundary-pushing as her earlier contributions to the music industry.
With the prospect of new music on the horizon, Kate Bush is not just reconnecting with her historical fan base but is also stepping forward to engage with new audiences who are ready for her unique storytelling and musical genius. The excitement surrounding her come-back—both musically and visually—proposes enriching experiences for those who dare to explore art reflecting modern realities, imprinted with Bush's unmistakable signature style.
Through her creative ambition and philanthropic endeavors, Kate Bush continues to redefine what it means to be not just a musician but also an artist concerned with social issues, making her connection to her audience all the more powerful and relevant. While the exact nature and timeline of her new music remain unclear, Bush's resolute mention of ideas waiting to be explored indicates her continuing passion to contribute to the world of music once again.
