Artist of the Month: Kate Bush

What better way to launch a brand new feature on the Skiddle blog, celebrating our favourite artist each and every month, than with a nod to one of the best musicians, songwriters, producers, and singer's the UK has ever produced - Kate Bush. 

How could we have possibly chosen anyone else in June? Come on! The Bexleyheath-born talent, now 63 years of age, has enjoyed a phenomenal few weeks thanks to the producers of a certain popular Netflix show, Stranger Things, who apparently took a big risk on using her 1985 hit single, 'Running Up That Hill', before any clearance for its use had been initially agreed upon. 

The inclusion of the single was, as we now know, signed off by Kate and her 80s pop banger was subsequently beamed out to new and fresh-faced audiences across the globe, featuring in some of the most iconic scenes of the TV series thus far. What happened next, however, no one saw coming.

The track, released almost four decades ago, began climbing rapidly through the charts in over a dozen countries worldwide, including back here in the UK where it pipped the likes of Harry Styles to finally take the top spot just a couple of days ago. It had become a smash hit with the Gen Z population who, without the help of Stranger Things, might never have found the track or singer otherwise.

Records began to break as more and more listeners headed to music streaming platforms to discover the many fantastic records Kate issued during her early career. At one point, it's said that 'Running Up That Hill' was receiving as many as 6 million streams globally per day on Spotify alone. The singer broke and now holds the title for three UK records including 'the longest gap between No 1 singles', with 44 years between 'Running Up That Hill' and her mystifying debut, 'Wuthering Heights', 'the longest time a song has taken to get to No 1', formerly held by Wham with 'Last Christmas', and, probably her least favourite, 'the oldest woman to top the UK chart'. 

With what some are calling a renaissance of the eccentric and magical performer now well underway, we thought we'd weigh in and offer our suggestions to the new Kate Bush fans out there, highlighting some of her best tracks - minus Running Up That Hill - starting with...

Wuthering Heights

Before the reintroduction of 'Running Up That Hill' to the mainstream this year, 'Wuthering Heights' was Kate Bush's biggest hit, also reaching the number one spot in the UK back in 1978, as well as in n Australia, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand and Portugal. This is record is quintessential Kate Bush. A mystical storytelling power matched with an ever-changing vocal pitch and epic musical accompaniment. It's as relevant today as it was when it first hit the airwaves 44 years ago. Say that again, 44 years ago. 

Babooshka

Here's Kate Bush at her weird and whacky best, telling the story of a married woman possessed by insecurity who seeks to test her husband's loyalty by sending him love letters under the guise of 'Babooshka'. If you think the subject matter of this track sounds strange, wait until you see the video. A black-veiled Kate bush dancing oddly with a double-bass, we'll call this character the married woman, and the scantily clad Kate Bush, sporting what looks like a Wonder Woman costume moving provocatively in front of a beam of light, obviously Babooshka. 

Still, we're here for the weirdness, it's part of the reason why we love Kate Bush so darn much! And the track is beyond catchy. You'll be humming it for days after one hearing. 

Hounds of Love

Music fans of a certain age will no doubt recognise this one. No, it's not a track originally written and performed by the Geordie lads in The Futureheads, it's a Kate Bush classic. Those tribal pounding drums and airy synths, and those unmistakable vocals packed full of character bear resemblance to those heard on the recent Uk number one. Another masterpiece that had a huge impact on popular culture much later after it was first released. 

There are so many others we could have included here - from her heavily sampled anthem, Cloudbusting, to 'The Man With The Child In His Eyes', an incredible track written by Kate when she was just 13 years of age. If you find yourself with a few hours to spare, we highly recommend digging deep into this true artist's back catalogue. You will not be disappointed. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header image credit: Katebush.com