Kate Bush says it's a "great privilege" to have become a Record Store Day ambassador.
The 'Running Up That Hill’ hitmaker has followed in the footsteps of the likes of Taylor Swift, Sir Elton John, Noel Gallagher and The 1975 in the role of shining a light on the annual celebration of independent record stores, which takes place on Saturday, April 20.
She began a lengthy statement: “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."
The 65-year-old singer-songwriter is also releasing a special 10” Record Store Day edition of 'Eat the Music' exclusively in independent record shops on Record Store Day.
The single was set to appear on her 1993 album 'Red Shoes', but 'Rubberband Girl' took its place.
Fans will be able to get their hands on a unique UV printed 10” with her preferred track-listing of: 'Eat the Music', 'Lily' and 'Big Stripey Lie'.
Kate said: "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."
She concluded: "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."
A full list of participating shops and this year’s release list can be found on www.recordstoreday.co.uk.
