FEATURE:
Humanity in Everything She Does
IN THIS PHOTO: Kate Bush at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards at the London Palladium on 30th November, 2014/PHOTO CREDIT: David M. Benett/Getty Images
Kate Bush’s Present and Future
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ON 17th September…
PHOTO CREDIT: Samir Hussein/WireImage for ABA
Kate Bush’s stunning animated short film, Little Shrew (Snowflake), was screened at the close of the Together for Palestine concert at Wembley Arena. As Kate Bush News write, “Kate’s simple plea over the end titles says it all...”. That plea is: “Please stop the killing and starvation of children in Gaza”. Whilst she obviously cares about all people affected in Gaza, she is thinking of the most vulnerable. At a time where genocide is affecting Palestine and very little is being done about it, it was great that we had a concert. Artists speaking about what is happening. The night of speeches and addresses from doctors and journalists working in Gaza saw Benedict Cumberbatch, Damon Albarn, Neneh Cherry, Jameela Jamil and others take to the stage. Brian Eno curated an event that raised over £1.5 million. The most powerful moments came from Palestinian voices. It seemed like a powerful and vital evening that was the biggest show of unity for those who are being starved and murdered. At a moment when politicians and those in power are not doing enough, the music industry especially is speaking up and getting involved. Although Kate Bush was not in attendance, the fact that her Little Shrew (Snowflake) short film closed Together for Palestine at Wembley Arena was an incredibly beautiful moment. It just goes to show that Kate Bush is always trying to help those in need. I have written about this recently. However, as Little Shrew (Snowflake) did make a valuable contribution to Together for Palestine, it brings to mind how humanitarian concerns and charity are always dear to her heart. I am not going to repeat what I wrote recently.
Instead, I am thinking about how she is making this impact without releasing music. Her most recent output and publicity – if those are the right words?! – concerns Little Shew (Snowflake) and War Child. Helping to raise money for those affected by conflict and violence. Posting those simple and direct words at the end of the video that was shown recently shows that she is one of the most conscientious artists in the world. Not only when it comes to people caught up in genocide and war. Kate Bush has protested against the rise of A.I. and how that will negatively impact artists ad their rights. Wanting to protect their work and voices. It is typical of her to protect and speak for others. She has been doing that her whole career. It makes me think of her future. Of course, a new album is what everyone is hoping for. I do think that, whenever this arrives, humanity will be very much at the heart. I don’t think Kate Bush will release an album that is necessarily political. However, I feel that she cannot help but reflect what is happening right now. Her narrative will change. 2011’s 50 Words for Snow is fantastical and wintery. More about the impersonal and fictional, there are some real-life figures. However, it is an album that explores the rivers, cold, snow, mountains and wild. 2005’s Aerial was more personal in terms of family and her being a new mother. The second disc, A Sky of Honey, was about this summer’s day as we head through the night. This spiritual, escapist, sublime and cinematic suite. However, I do think a new album will have a different approach. It is going to more about those experiencing starvation and violence. The way the world is changing. Maybe not discussing it in a cold and tragic way, there will be beauty and hope.
The same goes for A.I. and what artists are facing. How there is this situation where artists can have their music and rights taken off of them. Bush will very much focus on subjects like this. Of course, there could well be her inimitable and distinct blend of inventiveness and imagination. However, I get the feeling the modern world and things she has spoken about will go into her music. This interesting article states how women in music are taking a bigger stand against the genocide in Palestine than male artists. Aside from the likes of Kneecap and Bob Vylan, it is women who are speaking out more. From Chappell Roan, CMAT, JADE and Renée Rapp, these artists are speaking up not only about genocide affecting so many Palestinians but conflicts around the world. Including the ongoing massacre in Ukraine. Will Kate Bush add her voice to that? I don’t think explicitly, though I do feel there will be songs about devastation and conflict. However, I do always love when Kate Bush puts together a concept or takes a panoramic look at the world. It is hard to say what an eleventh studio album will contain. Given that Kate Bush is keen to put out messages against genocide and war and raise money for charities like War Child, that naturally will transition and translate into her music. I will write more about this later in the year. We are nearing the end of 2025. What do we have to look forward to? The twentieth anniversary of Aerial in November. Kate Bush’s Christmas message in December. It is unlikely we will get any new music news. However, I feel 2026 will be the year when she announces an album, as it would have been over fourteen years at that point. Kate Bush has always been about love and humanity. However, the past year or so has seen her really getting involved and doing all that she can. This will continue into next year. It proves once and for all that, when it comes to Kate Bush, she truly is…
AN amazing and inspiring human being.