More about: Kate Bush

After years of radio silence and a whole career of being a recluse, Kate Bush just gave a world exclusive interview with BBC 4’s Woman’s Hour. Focused on the success of Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) off the back of its use in Stranger Things, the rare interview was more a giant thank you from Kate, calling in from her landline.

As the track hits number one, breaking several records including making her the oldest woman to have a number one, dethroning Cher, it’s an exciting moment for Kate Bush fans. Whether you’ve joined the cult recently or been around for years, hearing from the woman herself was a huge moment. Here's what we learnt…

Kate signed off on the track but didn’t expect this…

Obviously, Kate had to sign off on the use of the track in the show. But with the 80s setting and regular attention for soundtrack, she didn’t expect it to blow up this big. Hearing the excitement in her voice, she described the reaction as “just extraordinary … quite shocking really, isn’t it? I mean, the whole world’s gone mad”, saying “It’s such a great series, I thought that the track would get some attention. But I just never imagined that it would be anything like this.”

She’s a huge Stranger Things fans…

Describing herself as a dedicated viewer, the entire Bush family sound like big Stranger Things fans, watching from series one. In fact, Kate signed off on the track because of Max’s story arc and the connection between the song helping the female character. She said; “What a lovely way for the song to be used in a positive way… as a kind of talisman for Max. I think it’s very touching, actually.”

The track originally had a different name…

Sharing a fun fact, Running Up That Hill used to have a different name. Originally called simply ‘A Deal With God’, Kate’s team were worried radio stations at the time would find it insensitive and not play the track, so the title was changed. But to Kate, the song still retains its original name.

She explained the meaning of the track

Despite slightly pushing back on the question to explain the meaning of the track saying; ”I really like people to hear a song and take from it what they want.” She explained that the song is about understanding and empathy -”it was written as the idea of a man and a woman swapping with each other. Just to feel what it was like, from the other side.

She probably hasn’t seen your TikTok

Calling in from a landline and describing her phone as “ancient”, the reclusive star remains uncontactable on purpose. With a phone that only calls and texts and a laptop used for emails, there’s no reaching her when shes out - truly a work/life balance icon. Even with the new TikTok success, it seems she hasn’t swayed over to the smartphone dark-side, remaining firm on her phone-less stance that was law at her 2014 live shows, making everyone switch them off.

There’s no sign of a comeback - but she is working…

Despite mentioning nothing at all about any new work or a comeback, all might not be lost? When asked if she’s listened back to the track, she mentioned that she’s constantly called to revisit old songs for things like this to work on edits. So while there's no hints about a new song or live show, there’s always the possibility of a reworked version of an old favourite.

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More about: Kate Bush