How Much Royalties Did “Running Up That Hill” Get? Kate Bush’s “Stranger Things” Windfall
Remember that iconic scene in “Stranger Things” season 4? The one where Max Mayfield blasts “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” by Kate Bush through her Walkman? It wasn’t just a cool scene; it was a monumental moment for Kate Bush’s career, and it sent her royalties skyrocketing.
Now, you might be thinking, “How much money did that song really make?” Well, buckle up, because this is about to get juicy. According to various reports, Kate Bush has earned an estimated GBP 2.37 million (that’s roughly $2.9 million USD) in streaming royalties alone since the song exploded in popularity after its “Stranger Things” feature.
That’s a lot of dough, especially considering the song was originally released in 1985. It’s like a time traveler went back to the 80s, gave Kate Bush a million-dollar bill, and then said, “Hey, you’ll need this in the future.”
But let’s delve deeper into the fascinating world of royalties and how Kate Bush became a royalty queen (pun intended).
The “Stranger Things” Effect: A Royal Flush for Kate Bush
Before “Stranger Things” came along, “Running Up That Hill” was already a beloved classic, but it wasn’t exactly topping the charts. Then came season 4, and boom! The song became a global phenomenon. People couldn’t get enough of it. It was like the soundtrack to a global dance party where everyone knew the steps.
The song’s resurgence sent it rocketing up the charts, reaching number one in the UK and number four in the US. It was like Kate Bush was suddenly the hottest artist on the planet. But here’s the thing: she wasn’t just a lucky beneficiary of a viral moment. She was a smart businesswoman who made sure she would reap the rewards of her hard work.
Kate Bush: The Queen of Her Own Kingdom
Remember, Kate Bush isn’t just a talented musician; she’s also an astute businesswoman. She’s known for maintaining a tight grip on her artistic control. She’s like the Beyoncé of the 80s, except instead of “Sasha Fierce,” she’s got “Kate Bush, the Business Mogul.”
Instead of signing away her rights, she wisely set up her own publishing company, Kate Bush Music, and her own management company, Novercia. It’s like running your own independent music label, except it’s just you, your family, and a whole lot of musical genius.
This gave her complete ownership of her music, allowing her to control her own destiny and ensure a healthy chunk of the royalties went straight to her. Now, that’s what we call a smart move!
Breaking Down the Royalties: A Look Behind the Curtain
So, where do those royalties come from? It’s not just about streaming “Running Up That Hill” on Spotify. It’s a whole ecosystem of income streams.
- Streaming Royalties: This is the big one. Every time someone streams “Running Up That Hill” on a platform like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music, Kate Bush receives a tiny cut of the revenue. Now, imagine millions and millions of people streaming that song. Those tiny cuts become a pretty hefty sum.
- Physical Sales: Remember vinyl records? They’re making a comeback! And guess what? Every time someone buys a vinyl copy of “Running Up That Hill,” Kate Bush gets a slice of the pie.
- Sync Licensing: This is where things get really interesting. When a song is used in a film, TV show, or commercial, that’s called sync licensing. Kate Bush got a hefty paycheck for allowing “Running Up That Hill” to be featured in “Stranger Things.” It’s like getting paid for a starring role in a hit TV show, except you’re the music, not the actor.
- Performance Royalties: Every time someone performs “Running Up That Hill” live, whether it’s a cover band or a professional musician, Kate Bush gets a cut. It’s like a royalty check for every time someone sings her song.
This is just a glimpse into the world of music royalties. It’s a complex system that involves many different stakeholders, but it ultimately rewards artists for their hard work and creativity. And in Kate Bush’s case, the “Stranger Things” effect has been a phenomenal success, turning her into a royalty queen in the truest sense of the word.
The “Stranger Things” Effect: A Second Act for Kate Bush
The “Stranger Things” phenomenon has been a real game-changer for Kate Bush. It’s not just about the money; it’s about reigniting her career and introducing her music to a whole new generation of fans.
It’s like a phoenix rising from the ashes. She’s gone from a beloved 80s artist to a global icon, proving that good music truly transcends time. The “Stranger Things” effect has given her a second act, a chance to show the world what she’s got.
So, how much did “Running Up That Hill” make? It’s a lot, but more importantly, it’s a testament to the power of good music and the lasting impact it can have on people’s lives. Kate Bush has used her savvy business sense and artistic talent to create a legacy that continues to thrive, proving that even in the digital age, there’s still magic in music.
