Kumari Shreya
The Duffer Brothers’ ‘Stranger Things‘ is well-known for its nostalgic factor. Set in the 1980s, the Netflix sci-fi show follows the supernatural occurrences in an Indiana town after a connection is established between the earth and an alternate dimension called Upside Down. Apart from the thrilling story and talented cast, the series attracts the audience with its realistic portrayal of 1980s America. One of the key factors used in the show to maintain a time-appropriate atmosphere is its fitting use of music.
In the show’s fourth season, a beloved song from the era was used as a narrative element. The music piece used in the particular scene is “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush. The song has wormed its way into the hearts of another generation of singers, propelling the singer into the limelight. Naturally, many are curious about Kate’s career and want to know what she is up to these days. Well, luckily for you, we have just the answers you need.
Kate Bush’s Background and Singing Career
Born on July 30, 1958, Catherine “Kate” Bush is the daughter of English general practitioner Robert Bush and Irish staff nurse Hannah Bush (née Daly). Along with her two older brothers, John Bush and Patrick “Paddy” Bush, Kate used to live in a 350-year-old former farmhouse located at East Wickham, Welling, England. Growing up, she was surrounded by creative arts of different kinds- her mother was an amateur traditional dancer, while her father could play the piano. Moreover, Paddy made a name for himself as a musical instrument maker while John pursued poetry and photography; the brothers were also invested in their area’s folk music.
Realizing her skills as a musician, Kate’s family made a demo tape with more than 50 of her own compositions but were turned down by various record labels. However, the tape made its way into the hands of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour through a mutual friend. He loved the 16-year-old Kate’s work and helped her make a professional demo tape on his own dime, resulting in her bagging her first contract. Using the advance payment she had received as a part of the deal, Kate took lessons in interpretive dancing and mime. Between March 1977 and August 1977, she was the main face of the KT Bush Band.
In 1977, Kate started recording her first album, “The Kick Inside,” which was released the following year. While some producers wanted her debut single to be more rock-oriented, she stood firm and declared they should start with “Wuthering Heights.” The decision turned out to be for the best since the song became a hit soon after its release. Apart from topping the British and Australian charts, the song also gained international renown and helped pave the path for the artist’s future projects.
Since her initial success, Kate has not looked back and has kept delivering phenomenal musical pieces. But after the release of her seventh album, “The Red Shoes,” Kate decided to take a year-long break after losing her dear friend Alan Murphy and her mother. Nevertheless, the break stretched for almost twelve years, and in 1998, she and her husband, Danny McIntosh, were blessed with a son, Albert “Bertie” McIntosh. Kate made a comeback in the music industry through her eighth album “Aerial” in November 2005. Over the years, she has composed music for several movies like ‘The Golden Compass.’
Kate Bush is Happy About the Resurgence of Her Song
As of writing, Kate is enjoying a resurgence in fame thanks to the use of “Running Up That Hill” in ‘Stranger Things’ season 4. The utilization of the hit song was much to the delight of actress Winona Ryder, who adored Kate and had been dropping several subtle and not-so-subtle hints regarding her desire to see the latter’s music in the series. The song was first released on August 5, 1985, and ranked number three on the charts. The show’s fans include several young viewers who might not have even been born when the song was originally released but have now latched onto it.
“Running Up That Hill” broke several records and became the top song in several countries; the song’s revitalization did create an unusual precedent. Usually, older songs that are being streamed are not permitted to be on the UK song charts. However, the fact that a significant increase in its sales accompanied the rise in the song’s fame allowed the officials to reset the stats for the Kate Bush song. Now allowed to duke it out on the charts, “Running Up That Hill” instantly bagged the top position, making it the artist’s second-ever song to bag the first prize.
Kate herself is beyond happy about the resurgence and expressed her gratitude towards The Duffer Brothers for using her song. “I was so delighted that the Duffer Brothers wanted to use RUTH for Max’s totem, but now, having seen the whole of this last series, I feel deeply honored that the song was chosen to become a part of their roller-coaster journey. I can’t imagine the amount of hard work that’s gone into making something on this scale. I am in awe. They’ve made something really spectacular,” the British-Irish singer confessed.
Read More: Where Was Stranger Things Season 4 Filmed?
