Kate Bush Talks About Snow and a Producer Melts

In all my years studying and working in broadcast journalism, the one artist I’ve most wanted to schedule an interview with was the British singer Kate Bush.

Until last week, I never thought it would happen.

Kate Bush is known for releasing albums few and far between. And when it’s time to promote her music, she rarely gives interviews.

So was I surprised, thrilled and frankly rather faint when she agreed to be on our program. Here I was finally getting the chance to produce an interview with KATE BUSH!

In the days leading up to the big day, I listened to her music during my commute, in chronological order. I started with her first release from 1978, The Kick Inside, moved through her magnum opus 1985′s Hounds of Love and finished with her glorious new album 50 Words For Snow.

It was wonderful to listen to tunes I hadn’t heard in years (“The Dreaming”), while others I play fairly frequently (“Experiment IV”).

All week I thought of questions.

I know Kate Bush doesn’t like to talk about herself, so I needed to focus on her work, her art.

I wanted to touch upon her love of comedy and literature.

And she’s always been at the forefront of musical technology so I wanted to know about that.

Host Marco Werman and I went through the questions together. Marco asked the question many fans wonder, why she doesn’t tour. Her first and last one was in 1979.

Bush’s answer didn’t make the on-air broadcast, but you can listen to her answer here:

Kate Bush speaks with Marco Werman by The World

Kate Bush spoke to us via Skype from her home outside London. When her manager dialed in, my heart skipped a beat. There on the other end was my female musical icon apologizing for being late.

We couldn’t see her, but I didn’t care. Her voice wafted through the big speakers. It felt like I was eavesdropping on the telephone.

Our engineer, Robin, asked if I wanted to say anything to Bush once the interview ended. I immediately said no, I was too nervous. But as the interview went on, I thought why not. She was friendly, approachable and clearly enjoying herself during the interview.

In the end she thanked us for asking “thoughtful, intelligent questions.”

So, once the interview was over, I floated to the console. Either Robin or Marco introduced me to her, I don’t remember exactly. And Kate Bush said my name.

BUSH: “Are you April?”
ME: “Yes”
BUSH: “Hello April!!”

She said my name as if she knew of me.

I thanked her for taking the time to speak with us. I told her I was a big fan and thanked her for all the great music.
And that was it.

We said goodbye and the Skype line was dropped. The artist I most wanted to thank was gone, but the music that I’m thankful for will last forever.

April Peavey is a producer for The World.