Renowned for her distinctive vocal style and innovative songwriting, Kate Bush has been a beacon in the music world since her debut in 1978. Blending art-pop and progressive rock, she has inspired countless musicians who seek to echo her sound and style.
Over the years, she has carved out a niche that many aspire to emulate. So, in this article, we will delve into the world of music influenced by Bush’s groundbreaking work.
Get ready to explore 13 amazing singers like Kate Bush and immerse yourself in their captivating sounds. Let’s get started!
1. Tori Amos
Myra Ellen Amos, best known as Tori Amos, is an American singer and songwriter celebrated for her music that fuses ’90s alternative rock with a distinctly poetic lyricism.
In the early stages of her career, Amos made a significant move to Los Angeles, transitioning from the East Coast piano bar circuit to pursue her music career in earnest, forming the short-lived synth-pop band Y Kant Tori Read.
Amos’s breakthrough came with her haunting and deeply personal 1992 solo debut, Little Earthquakes. This album saw her distinct voice come to the fore, combining chamber pop, alt-rock, and poignant ballads.
Since then, Amos has released 15 more albums, many of which have landed in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart and reached Platinum status.
2. Björk
Björk Guðmundsdóttir, known to the world simply as Björk, is an Icelandic musician and singer whose innovative sound and style have made her a unique figure in the global music scene.
Her music career began when she was just 11 years old, with the release of her self-titled debut album in 1977. However, her first taste of major success came with the alternative rock band The Sugarcubes, which she co-founded in 1986.
She gained international recognition while serving as the lead vocalist for the band before deciding to venture into a solo career in 1993. This decision proved beneficial as it allowed Björk’s avant-garde art pop style to gain exposure, leading to chart-topping success.
3. Fiona Apple
The highly acclaimed American singer and songwriter Fiona Apple is celebrated for her poignant lyrics and diverse blend of musical genres — fusing elements of jazz, pop, and alternative rock into a cohesive and compelling sound.
In 1996, at just 18 years old, Apple had her first taste of fame. Her debut album, Tidal, was a critical and commercial success, bolstered by the hit single “Criminal.” With this track, she received her first Grammy win, a Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
Known for her perfectionism and attention to detail, Apple took her time between albums, ensuring each release offered something fresh and authentic.
Her latest work, Fetch the Bolt Cutters (2020), received widespread critical acclaim and won Apple two more Grammys: Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Performance for the song “Shameika.”
4. Lana Del Rey
Our next singer is Lana Del Rey. This talented artist from New York City gained recognition in 2013 and has since become an icon in the music industry. Del Rey’s aesthetic and songwriting evoke a sense of nostalgia and melancholy reminiscent of Kate Bush’s work.
One of Del Rey’s most notable albums is Born to Die. Topping the charts across the globe and taking the second spot on Billboard 200, it received International Album of the Year from the GAFFA Awards, solidifying her status as one of pop music’s biggest stars.
Looking ahead, the future seems bright for Lana Del Rey. Her staying power in the industry is a testament to her talent, creativity, and ability to connect with listeners. As she continues to navigate her career, fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate what this talented songbird will do next.
5. Florence Welch
Next, we introduce to you the British singer Florence Welch. As the driving force and singer-songwriter behind the indie rock band Florence + the Machine, she has helped the band garner millions of followers globally.
One of their most popular songs, “Dog Days Are Over,” showcases Welch’s vocal prowess and songwriting skills. This song — along with other hits like “Shake It Out” and “Sweet Nothing,” a collaboration with Calvin Harris — have cemented her, and the band’s, status in the music industry.
Throughout her career, Florence + the Machine has received numerous awards and critical acclaim. They won the Brit Awards’ MasterCard British Album in 2010 for their debut album, Lungs, and the Best British Group in 2015. Their second album, Ceremonials, was also nominated for two Grammy Awards.
6. Joanna Newsom
The singer and musician Joanna Newsom has wowed audiences with her unique vocals and quirky style. Her music can be described as an avant-garde blend of indie folk, almost similar to Kate Bush’s style. However, Newsom’s use of the harp as her primary instrument sets her apart from many other artists in the genre.
Newsom’s career took off in earnest in 2004 when she released her debut album, The Milk-Eyed Mender. This album set the tone for her future works, showcasing her extraordinary sprite-like voice and her mastery of the harp.
Her subsequent albums, including Have One on Me and Divers, further solidified her reputation as a pioneering artist in the indie folk genre as they topped the Folk Albums chart.
Aside from her music career, Newsom has also made her mark in the world of acting. She has appeared in films such as Inherent Vice (2014) and The Strangers.
7. Sia
Sia Kate Isobelle Furler, known to the world simply as Sia, is an Australian singer-songwriter who has carved out a significant place for herself in the music industry with her blend of pop, electronica, and soul and songs that often explore themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal growth.
Her breakthrough came in 2014 with the album 1000 Forms of Fear, which topped the charts in several countries. The lead single, “Chandelier,” a multi-platinum hit that received Grammy nominations, showcased Sia’s impressive vocal range.
Since then, Sia has given us several hits to enjoy, like “Cheap Thrills,” “The Greatest,” “Flames,” and the 2022 “Unstoppable.” This last received an ASCAP Pop Music Award for Most Performed Song.
8. Regina Spektor
Influenced by Kate Bush, we have next the Russian singer-songwriter Regina Spektor. Her journey into music began at an early age with classical piano training, which later blossomed into a successful career as a singer-songwriter.
Spektor’s songs often tell stories, each one an exploration of human emotions, experiences, and the world around us. This storytelling ability is part of what makes her music so alluring — it’s not just about the melody but also the message.
Kate Bush fans who are interested in checking out Spektor’s music shouldn’t hesitate. Not sure where to start? Try “You’ve Got Time,” “Fidelity,” “Samson,” and “On the Radio.”
9. Bat For Lashes
Natasha Khan, known by her stage name Bat For Lashes, is a shining beacon in the world of indie and art pop music. Also influenced by Kate Bush, Khan’s music blends elements of synth-pop, dream-pop, and art-pop.
Her debut album, Fur and Gold, released in 2006, served as a powerful introduction to her unique artistic vision. It was nominated for the Mercury Prize, a testament to Khan’s talent and the resonance of her music.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Khan continues to wow audiences with her music. While it’s hard to predict what exactly she might have planned for the future, it’s safe to say that it will be something worth waiting for.
10. St. Vincent
Annie Clark, better known as St. Vincent, is a true maestro in the realm of alternative and art rock music, much like Kate Bush during her time. Hailing from Oklahoma, St. Vincent’s love for the guitar sparked at a tender age, setting the course for her musical journey.
St. Vincent debuted in 2007 with Marry Me, but it wasn’t until Strange Mercy that she had her breakthrough. The album became her first to land in the top 20 of the Billboard 200.
Since then, she has continued to release albums of critical acclaim and singles that fans can enjoy. A few examples are “Digital Witness,” “Los Ageless,” and “Masseduction.”
11. Imogen Heap
Like Kate Bush, the British musician and singer-songwriter Imogen Heap made waves in the music industry with her blend of pop and electropop. She began first as a member of the experimental pop band Acacia.
One of Heap’s most significant achievements came when she won a Grammy award. This honor was bestowed upon her for her work in engineering, specifically for the album Ellipse. This recognition underscored her technical skills and innovative approach to music production.
Beyond her solo work, Heap’s collaborations with other artists, like IAMX and Urban Species, have broadened her musical horizons and brought fresh perspectives to her projects.
12. Lykke Li
Li Lykke Timotej Zachrisson, professionally known as Lykke Li, has been a force to be reckoned with since 2007 as she captivates audiences with her art-pop style that echoes Kate Bush’s.
She began writing songs at the age of 10 and started performing in her teenage years. This early immersion into the creative process laid the foundation for her future in music.
Lykke’s rise to prominence came with the release of her debut album, Youth Novels. The album was a blend of pop and indie music with a twist of electronic beats.
Her breakthrough, however, came with the single “I Follow Rivers” from her second album, Wounded Rhymes. It became an international sensation as it topped the charts in several countries.
13. Austra
Ending this list is Katie Stelmanis, a Canadian musician with Latvian roots. She’s made her mark as a solo artist and as part of the band Austra. Influenced by artists like Kate Bush and Laurie Anderson, Stelmanis’ music incorporates operatic vocals that captivate listeners.
Stelmanis and Austra debuted with a bang in 2011 with the album Feel It Break. It was met with critical acclaim and earned Stelmanis a nomination for the Polaris Music Prize, a prestigious award in Canadian music.
With her rich musical background and distinct voice, Stelmanis and her band continue to evolve as an artist, creating music that resonates with audiences around the world.
Summing Up Our List Of Artists Like Kate Bush
Discovering singers like Kate Bush is a journey into the world of unique and captivating voices. From Tori Amos to Björk, these female vocalists have carved their own paths in the music industry.
We hope you have enjoyed this list as much as we did making it. Perhaps you found new favorites in the process, too!
Who have we missed that should be on here? Let us know so we can add them for you!
