Kate Bush has been named this year’s Record Store Day UK Ambassador, and she’s announced a a special 10-inch version of her song “Eat the Music” (from 1993’s still-underrated The Red Shoes) which will only be available at independent UK record stores.
It’s not clear exactly what Bush will do as ambassador, as she’s not one to leave the house save for very very special occasions — she didn’t attend her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction last year — but given her legendary status and recent spike in popularity, it makes some sense.
According to the Record Store Day UK website, Bush will “champion the special and unique culture of record shops all over the UK and celebrate the art of vinyl.”
Bush released her own lengthy statement on the honour and the importance of vinyl, writing:
What a huge honour to have been asked to be Ambassador for this year’s Record Store Day. It really is a great privilege. Isn’t it great to see how the resurgence in vinyl has taken the music industry by complete surprise? It had decided to leave vinyl far behind, but it would seem that not everyone agrees! I love that!
I know there are many, many artists who are just as excited to see the audience turning the tide. In the same way that some people like to read a book on Kindle but also want to have a book as a physical object, a lot of people like vinyl and streaming. Both have different appeals.
The added bonus of vinyl is that it encourages people to listen to albums. An art form that I’ve always thought can be treasured in a unique way. An album on vinyl is a beautiful thing, given a strong identity by its large-scale artwork. There’s a much more personal connection with the artist and their work.
It’s been fun putting designs together for some of the previous RSDs. This year’s design echoes the cancelled release of “Eat the Music” as the first single from the album, The Red Shoes. The image was intended to be on the cover of the single bag and is now on the disc as a UV print.
The title, “Eat the Music,” is meant to be a playful nod to “If music be the food of love, play on,” from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
Each year Record Store Day gathers more attention, more momentum, and attracts more people who cram into indie record stores all over the world to see what’s up. What’s new?
This year, I hope you have a fantastic time at this very important event, and that you get to celebrate music that’s been
specially released for you.
Very best wishes,
Kate
Record Store Day 2024 is happening April 20.