FEATURE:
Some Say That Knowledge Is Something Sat in Your Lap
PHOTO CREDIT: Trinity Mirror/Mirrorpix/Alamy
Could There Be a Kate Bush Degree Offered at Universities?
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I was writing about The Beatles…
IN THIS PHOTO: Kate Bush in a promotional photo for the single, Sat in Your Lap (1981)/PHOTO CREDIT: John Carder Bush
recently regarding the news that the University of Liverpool is offering a Masters where one can study the Fab Four. It is exciting that one can dedicate a lot of time and passion exploring the world and impact of The Beatles. I remember I almost took part in a Kate Bush symposium, This Woman’s Work, back in 2019. It was a special two-day examination of her work where various people would take a topic/area relating to Kate Bush and present it. Everything from gender, sensuality and studio technology was discussed. It is a shame that I was not there, as I would have loved to have been involved – the fact that it was in Scotland meant travelling was a bit of a concern. I feel there will be other symposiums and celebrations in the future. Looking ahead, and one can see many artists and areas of society being moved and influenced by Kate Bush. One might scoff at the notion that Bush can be compared with The Beatles regarding legacy and cultural impact. I am not suggesting that a university offers a Kate Bush Masters; though a degree in her work would be justified. I know that students studying English, Music and other subjects can opt to write a paper or present something regarding Bush and her impact. I think that her brilliance and innovation warrants much deeper inspection.
To me, I think Kate Bush is as compelling and important as any other artist. Maybe she has not enjoyed the popularity of The Beatles, but I think her musical ambition is as broad. From fashion to film through to arts and so many corners of the world, Bush’s music and art has made an impact. I think there would be great uptake were there to be a Kate Bush degree or Masters. I know that one would learn so much through enrolling in such an endeavour. Like The Beatles, Bush’s music is so varied. I feel she is one of these polymaths and multitalented people who is much more than a mere songwriter. The Beatles did more in terms of their touch on society and how they changed the world of music, but I think Kate Bush is a tremendous producer, creator and original who is inspiring so many people’s. Countless artists cite her as a guide; many people have quoted her as an influence regarding embracing their sexuality or being more expressive and free-spirited regarding their fashion or approach to life. Like the symposium that was held a couple of years back, there could be various modules that explore different aspects of Bush’s world. From her fashion and changing looks through to her production style, incredible vocals and how she is an inspiration to so many female artists, there is definitely a lot to investigate and study!
I shall round things off but, after being compelled by the news there is a Beatles Masters being offered by the University of Liverpool, I wondered about Kate Bush and whether she is on the syllabus at the moment. If not offering a degree course around her career, it would be beneficial if her music and lyrics were integrated into school syllabuses. I am not sure whether English classes include her music and lyrics already, but I do feel there is so much depth to her career; so many people can get so much from it. It might be a bit late for me to do a Kate Bush degree but, for musicians, writers and everyone else, it would offer so much. Over forty years since her career started, she is still influencing people and standing out as a true original. I think there are so many layers and nuances, people are discovering new things about Kate Bush all of the time! She is a truly in her own league! I will leave it there. There are some artists who are so important and fascinating that they are fit for academic study and further education. Maybe it will take a few years to come to fruition but, to me, Kate Bush is definitely someone faculties ands educational bodies should consider for highlighting. By establishing a degree around Kate Bush and her career would not only resonate with people studying it, but it would help bring her music and incredible work…
TO the future generations