Kate Bush Excited to Return to Music After Years Away

Iconic singer-songwriter Kate Bush has kept a low profile in recent years, with her last studio album, 50 Words for Snow, released in 2011. However, in a recent interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she expressed a renewed eagerness to create new music, stating, “I’m really looking forward to getting back into that creative space; it’s been a long time.”

Since her last album, Bush has primarily released live recordings and compilation albums, making her potential return to the studio all the more anticipated. During the interview, Bush shared her enthusiasm for pursuing a multitude of ideas, revealing, “I’ve got lots of ideas and I’m really looking forward to getting back into that creative space.”

The singer, who first gained fame in 1978 with hits like “Wuthering Heights” and “Hounds of Love,” has seen a resurgence in popularity recently, especially after her iconic track “Running Up That Hill” was featured in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things in 2022. This exposure introduced her music to a new generation of fans and reignited interest in her work.

While discussing her current projects, Bush noted that she has been focused on “archive work” for the past few years, which includes redesigning her website and compiling a lyric book. Although she isn’t actively working on new material at the moment, she confirmed her intention to start recording again once these tasks are complete. “Yes, it is [something I’ve been hoping to do for a while]. Particularly in the last year, I’ve felt really ready to start doing something new,” she explained.

In the same interview, presenter Emma Barnett referenced comments from David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, who mentioned trying to convince Bush to perform live again. With a light-hearted tone, she responded, “I’m not there yet,” highlighting her current focus on other creative endeavors.

In addition to her music, Bush recently released a short film titled Little Shrew, which she wrote and directed to raise awareness and funds for children affected by war. The black-and-white, four-minute animation features her 2011 track “Snowflake” and aims to support the charity War Child. The film was inspired in part by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which Bush said had a profound impact on her. “I started working on it a couple of years ago, not long after the Ukrainian war broke out. It was such a shock for all of us,” she remarked.

Reflecting on the theme of her film, Bush expressed her desire to draw attention to the plight of children caught in conflict. “I wanted to make a little animation that would feature a creature rather than a human, to evoke empathy,” she said, explaining her decision to focus on a shrew. “I think war is horrific for everyone, particularly civilians, because they’re so vulnerable in these situations. But for a child, it’s unimaginable how frightening it must be for them.”

At 66, Bush’s insights resonate deeply as she considers the broader implications of recent global conflicts. “We’ve all been through very difficult times. These are dark times that we’re living in, and to a certain extent, everyone is just worn out,” she noted. She connected her observations to the collective experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing disappointment that the world seemed to transition from one crisis to another, rather than returning to normalcy.

Little Shrew was released on Bush’s official website, available for free viewing while encouraging support for organizations helping children in conflict zones. As Bush looks toward the future, her fans remain hopeful for a new album and are eager to see what creative endeavors she will pursue next. The blend of her artistic vision and social consciousness promises to make her return to music even more meaningful.