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The Sensual Walk #2

Just to let you know about an Irish Kate Bush fan gathering happening in Dublin on June 14th. The Sensual Walk celebrates Kate, Molly Bloom and James Joyce on beautiful Howth Head with live music, a cliff walk and an evening of merry-making. I’m organising it for the second year running and all KB fans from Ireland and abroad are very welcome.  Please drop me an email if you’re thinking of coming and want to know more. Two other great gatherings happening in the UK this year include the annual Glastonbury gathering on July 27th (more here) and the Wuthering Hike up in Haworth on the Yorkshire moors on November 1st (more here).

Utah Saints – Something Good, again…

Dance act Utah Saints are back again with a hugely popular 2008 remix of their smash 1992 UK #4 hit ‘Something Good’ (which samples Kate’s Cloudbusting) and all signs are that it is taking the dancefloors of Europe by storm. The great (we love it) new video can be seen on Youtube here. Here’s the blurb for the single from the band: “Utah Saints’ ‘Something Good 08’ (Van She Tech Remix) is the biggest dance record of 2008 so far… Already receiving heavy daytime plays on Radio 1 from the likes of Jo Whiley, Annie Mac, Chris Moyles, Scott Mills, and more, it’s also been a staple for the likes of Zane Lowe and Pete Tong, who’ve made it a Hottest Record In The World and Essential New Tune respectively. Displaying the crossover traits that made the Utah Saints such a formidable force, ‘Something Good 08’, is also picking up huge support at stations ranging from Kiss to XFM, and ILRs across the land. A former No.1 in both the Cool Cuts and Buzz Charts, this release is set to send everyone’s favourite dance band rocketing back to the top of the UK singles charts.”

Del’s Kate cover…

So, we’ve tried (reluctantly) to keep this a secret but, Del Palmer has released an exclusive recording of his take on “Watching You Without Me” on his MySpace page here. Please check it out soon as it is not going to be on his Myspace page for long. Great stuff…and adds to our excitement and celebration in this momentous year for Kate. Cheers Del!

30 YEARS OF KATE’S MUSIC – Wuthering Heights was released this day 30 years ago, 20th January 1978!

An amazing milestone – we can celebrate 30 years of Kate’s music today asWuthering Heights was released on this day all the way back in 1978. It’s incredible to think of that much time having passed. I was just four years old but I do remember seeing a crazy lady (I thought she was a witch!) on the Multi-Coloured Swap Shop on the BBC and being baffled as to what all the arm-waving and shrieking was about. Granted at the time I was more interested in guessing the flavour of the frog’s milkshake on Bod, or figuring out which neighbour’s garden was best for catching bees, but she had entered my consciousness for the first time. This extraordinary song was the first the world would hear of an artist who has become one of the most highly acclaimed and influential figures in music. So, to celebrate be sure to listen to the classic song that started it all today – make sure you play it loud to annoy the neighbours (who will in turn have their own special nostalgia trip!). To mark today’s landmark occasion I asked members of our forum (in finest Q Magazine-esque fashion) to add their own personal take on ‘30 Reason’s Why We Love Kate’s Music‘. Thanks to all who took part – enjoy the answers below. [Also today marks ten years of me running this website, thanks so much to you all for your support and interest!]

30 Reasons Why We Love Kate’s Music…
(by our forum members)

No matter how many times you listen to a song, you always find new things. Aquafishy

Nothing ever feels rushed or insincere – Kate writes and sings from the heart every time. multimediac17

I love the many international influences in Kate’s music – Irish, Indian, Greek, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Australian, Latin, just to name a few, and she makes it work every time. Bigstripeydave

The scope of her ideas and experimental approach is always engaging, even on the rare occassions when I don’t like the results; it’s her boldness in trying that’s always so impressive. Montichka

Every song sounds different, but there’s no mistaking it’s a Kate song. She’s a true artist and world-maker. Sam71

It amazes me still that Kate’s music, new and old, can touch you at a very deep emotional/spiritual level, sometimes when you least expect it. The fact that there is a real connection with her through her music draws you back to listen again and again, especially when you’re feeling in need of a fix! Siod

Kate’s music was my friend when I was a young weirdo and still accompanies my journey as a much older weirdo. Plus, I probably wouldn’t have passed my English Language ‘O’ Level nor met the ‘Love Of My Life’ if I hadn’t employed the skillful use (ie nicked) a few of her lyrics. Thank You, Kate. Belladonna

Her singing has inspired me to sing! Magdaleen

Kate’s been the soundtrack of my life. There’s a song I can relate to almost every emotion, mood and event I’ve experienced – no matter how big or small. Evelyntent

Kate’s music touches something deep inside me that no-one else’s does. If it hadn’t been for Kate then I’d have not met some of the most kindest, sweetest people I have ever met. Remembergenie

I have really tried and tried and thought and thought about this but I just cant put it into words!!!! All I can say is ‘thank you Kate’ deborah66

Because she’s a Genius!! To me she is the Einstein of music (but much better looking) robbish

She has creative control over her music and releases what she wants, not what the label thinks will sell. Because of this her music is genuinely unique and resonates with her artistry and talent. Luv ya Kate! Thank you so much! pleiadesone

Without Kate’s music keeping me company for about 27 of those last 30 years, I would have never become a writer an artist. There are not enough ways to say thank you for this music. Collin

Her music resonates in me, waking up my sleepy senses, titillating them and pulling them out of the dark corners of my soul…her voice is like manna in the desert, a spring of fresh, pure water in the dryness of our empty world. Millais

In this modern age of celebrity-gone-mad, Kate is a perfect example of how one should behave within and without the business: with poise and professionalism. Simply put, she lets her talent do the talking, and she has an incredible amount to say. Eoin Armstrong

Kate’s music is timeless, which is a rare quality (especially these days). Birgittesc

Kate Bush embodies the spirit of her music. Whether it is the words, the melody, or a well defined and inspired character she portrays through facial expression and movement; all of her perspective shines through. Her life’s journey from visceral struggles with injustice to epiphanic revelations of profound joy can be chronicled as her catalog has progressed. She is an artist, poet and philospopher that brings us along – entertained and enlightened the whole way. Her unwavering and staunch commitment to her ideals and vision remain a singular inspiration for bold new voices. Just like a station on the radio; I pick her up. Oh – and the reason I loved her from the start: Her uniqueness.PerspicaciousX

The lyrical content of a Kate Bush song can bring one as much happiness as it can despair. Her ability to do this, and create the perfect soundscape to match, it is nothing short of genius. Freeradical79

Kate is an artist who simply can’t be reproduced, neither career wise nor musically. There will never be another Kate Bush. That’s why she and her music are unique and hopefully will be remembered forever. looking at blue

Thank you, Kate, for making me know I wasn’t alone in this world. Thank you for being my voice. Thank you for seeing me through my life. dove671

I remember when I secretly bought that 7″ piece of vinyl called Wuthering Heights! Thank you Kate, We love you!spocibo is the king

I feel her music is from another time and place where that unknown essence of our existence dwells, where the water
of love is overflowing with beautiful sounds that are overwhelming, that penetrate our senses with a “Hello Earth” everytime she returns with something new to share with us. Oscarsmind

Just because she is. Johnmorango2

She gives me pause and makes me think. Dinger

Back in ’78, aged 13, I thought I knew it all when it came to music…then I heard Wuthering Heights. My entire life changed that day. How dull would life have been over the past 30 years without Kate’s wonderful music. There are millions out there who just don’t get Kate’s music, thank God I do. Thank you so much Kate. matthutch

The timeless beauty of her music never ceases to amaze and inspire me. My life has been enriched beyond measure because her music has been the soundtrack to two thirds of it! dishrag top

She gives me joy and then she gives me more joy. Kate’s music has moved me more than any other artist.She has been the soundtrack to my childhood, youth and adulthood as well being a very special, generous and kind human being. Kate Bush I love you. adric

Thirty years ago Cathy stepped out on to the moors to find Heathcliff. Thirty years ago, I stepped into the world of Kate Bush and found something wonderful. I haven’t stepped back out of that world since then. Thank you, Kate.askyofhoney

Kate’s music is an art form and just like any great artist Kate paints the picture for us to view. We all interpret it in many different ways and get many different emotions from it. jonbishop62

Merry Christmas!

I’d like to wish all our site visitors and forum members a very merry Christmas, and all the very best for a wise and healthy 2008! Thanks for all your support this year – a year which unexpectedly ended with Kate singing the theme song to a film that has hit No.1 in the box office on both sides of the Atlantic – great stuff. We especially wish Kate and her family all the very best for the Christmas season and a bright and happy new year. 2008 sees a number of landmarks in Kate Bush fandom, not least the 30th Anniversary of Kate’s first record, Wuthering Heights, and her debut album, The Kick Inside. We’ll even be celebrating 10 years of this website – any excuse for a party eh? Best wishes – Sean.

‘I Wanna Be Kate: The Songs of Kate Bush’

‘I Wanna Be Kate: The Songs of Kate Bush’ is now (at last!) available to download on iTunes and Emusic. Generally considered to be the best Kate Bush tribute album out there, you can read all about the CD here.

Kate Updates Her Site – Talks About Lyra…and Extras

Kate has updated her official site with a note about Lyra, saying how thrilled she was to have been asked to write for the film and wishing her fans a wonderful Christmas. She advises people that the song will be available to download from iTunes December 10th, but mentions a date of January 22nd for a physical release (which we hadn’t heard before). Her site also includes a good quality short clip of the song. Kate also tells us that her classic song ‘This Woman’s Work’ is going to be heard in the Extras Christmas special – the programme by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant is set to be one of the most-watched television shows in the UK over the Christmas period, it being the two-part finale of the popular series. Two potential download hits this December then!

“Hello everyone, I’ve really enjoyed putting the ‘Lyra’ track together and working with the Magdalen Choristers was totally delightful. Philip’s trilogy is a masterpiece and I was thrilled to be asked to write this for the film. Have a wonderful Christmas…”

Front Row again…

With all the excitement about Kate’s beautiful song for the soundtrack to The Golden Compass, I thought it’d be nice for people to re-listen to the wonderful interview Kate did for the BBC’sFront Row programme two years ago. In it Kate discusses what motivates her musically, her creative process particularly in relation to the Aerial album, and her views on the current preoccupation with ‘celebrity’. It’s a lovely chat with Kate and is happily still available to listen to here. Very nice.

More “Lyra” updates…

Lyra

Anyone having trouble hearing ‘Lyra’ from the BBC links can now see and hear a fan-made video of the radio broadcast in our YouTube theatre above. Our forum has several threads buzzing with an incredible range of opinions on Kate’s first recorded output since Aerial, so be sure to check it out. In other ‘Lyra’ news, the Oxford Mail has revealed that Kate is paying for the choir who sang on her song to take a trip to see the film. Choir director Bill Ives said: “Ms Bush came along to see the boys because it was her song and she wanted to meet them. She was lovely, very quiet and altogether charming, and the boys were very excited to meet her.” Magdalen School College choir is made up of 16 boys, aged nine to 13, and 12 men, although only the boys sang on Lyra. On top of that, Kate Bush has very kindly offered to pay for them all to go and see the film when it comes out, so we will be taking them for a treat.” The LA Times has reviewed Kate’s new track here. We can confirm that the track’s length on the soundtrack will be 3 minutes 19 seconds (thanks to Reza).

Del Palmer writes about ‘Lyra’

On the day of the film’s world premiere in London Del Palmer has written a very interesting account on the recording of ‘Lyra’ posted on his official website: “The song was written very quickly as Kate was asked to do it at very short notice. In fact she only had a matter of days to write and produce it. She came to the studio with a rough demo recorded at her home using a ProTools LE system. Our first job was to record the keyboard and the lead vocal so that the Choir arranger could get to work as quickly as possible. This short project was to be a happy return to analog recording for us. We used a Studer A827 24 track recorder. Once the track was recorded it was transferred to ProTools for editing and mixing. This was so that the choir recordings could be done using a small mobile setup supplied by Abbey Road on a Monday morning. They were then imported into the original ProTools session for mixing on the Monday afternoon. Kate then took a car to Abbey Road for mixing in the evening. Abbey Road studio did the 5.1 surround mix. This was because all of the soundtrack music had been done there so it made sense to do the same. The following day we did a stereo mix at our studio for the soundtrack album release. In all, the whole thing took about 10 days to do. I personally think it’s a wonderful performance from Kate considering the time restrictions, in particular her vocal.” Thanks Del, and well done on an excellent job – I’m looking forward to hearing Kate at the cinema in 5.1 surround for the very first time!

Lyra radio premiere!

Kate’s new song for The Golden Compass soundtrack, ‘Lyra’, has received it’s UK radio premiere on the BBC Radio 6 programme Roundtable, hosted by Steve Lamacq, at 6pm GMT this evening. First impressions: It’s a beautiful track, and perfect for the end of this film, I’ve just finished reading the book and this exactly sums up where audience’s hearts should be as they think about Lyra’s story. A very loving sentiment towards this character driven by such a gorgeous vocal. As I said, perfect – cannot wait to hear this in the cinema – this song really does have a context yet to come…for the record Steve Lamacq actually called the song Kate’s “new single” but it may just be a promo single for radio airplay purposes, we’ll have to wait and see. The show is now archived on the BBC ‘Listen Again’ service, here. ‘Lyra’ is played at 44 mins 20 seconds into this audio stream.

Kate for the Oscars?

New Line Cinema is now actively campaigning members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences to vote for ‘Lyra’ in the category of Best Original Song for the 2008 Academy Awards. The studio is running the traditional ‘For Your Consideration’ advertisements in the entertainment press in the US. See a photo of one such advertisement here. (with thanks to Vickie)

Lyra news spreads…

News of Kate’s new song for The Golden Compass movie has rapidly filtered out across the media. The film’s official site announced it here. Click on the following links for reports from EonlineBBCNMEVarietyUncut and Pitchfork. A particularly witty write-up was published by Empire Magazine. Philip Pullman fansites have been buzzing, see here and here. Perhaps the most revealing article comes from theOxford Mail. It confirms that Kate recorded her vocals for the track in her home studio, but used the Abbey Road mobile unit to record the boys choir at their school in Oxford. Entertainment Weekly in the US has even ran an article proposing Kate as a possible Oscar contender: “New Line wants to be part of the Academy Awards one way or another, and their best bet may be their just-announced news that British singer/songwriter Kate Bush will have her original song titled “Lyra” tacked onto the end credits of The Golden Compass…who knows, now we may get to see her perform at the Oscars.” This seems to be a case of putting the cart waaay before the horse, Oscar nominations aren’t even announced till January 22nd. Let’s all just wait to watch the movie first…

The Golden Compass CD Cover

The Golden Compass soundtrack CD is now available to pre-order at www.play.com. The tracklisting also reveals that Kate’s song ‘Lyra’ is featured last out of 26 tracks on the CD, following the 25th track entitled ‘Epilogue’.

Kate records a new song, ‘Lyra’, for the film The Golden Compass!

After a week of speculation we can finally announce the great news – Kate has written and recorded a song, ‘Lyra‘, for the upcoming major fantasy film The Golden Compass, to be released 7th December 2007! It will also be available for download as part of New Line Records’ The Golden Compass soundtrack, which will be released Dec. 11. The song, named for Lyra Belacqua, the lead character in The Golden Compass, is written and produced by Kate in her own studio, and features the Magdalen College Choir, Oxford. It will be heard over the closing credits of the film. In the most recent issue of HomeGround magazine Del Palmer revealed that Philip Pullman (author of the books on which the film is based) had visited Kate at her home earlier this year, and it’s known that she is a fan of his work. This evening’s full press release from New Line Cinema is here. [Check out the full theatrical trailer in glorious high definition here, or visit the film’s official site by clicking the film logo above. I also recommend the fan site Bridge To The Stars.]

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