Bishop Briggs - Sound In The Signals Interview

Credit: George Robertson

London-born Bishop Briggs has rocketed onto the music scene with her hit songs including recent songs "River" and "Pray (Empty Gun)" which have been soaring up the charts. She's already performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and toured with Coldplay. She was kind enough to tell us why it all began in Japan, how she remains grounded, and why her relationship with music has been her "most tragic and tumultuous love affair".

You've released four songs which have garnered lots of attention from fans and critics, performed at some amazing shows including opening for Coldplay and performing on The Tonight Show, and your hit single "River" was officially chosen to be on the EA Madden NFL 2017 Soundtrack. That's just some of your accolades. I understand that some important influences happened when you were a child living in Japan. Tell us where all of this started for you. What has this journey been like, so far?

It all began in Japan. I moved there when I was four and through lots of karaoke bars and Motown music playing in my household, I was hooked early on. This journey has been an adventure and it's still going!

Two things that stick out to me are your powerful vocals and your authenticity. How do you keep yourself grounded and true to yourself in the music business? It can be a grueling field, but a very rewarding one, as well.

Thank you so much. Authenticity is very important to me. Well, everyday and multiple times a day, I focus on practicing gratitude. I am constantly taking in every second and never getting used to any of this. I think when you are truly thankful, you never take anything for granted.

You've once said that your favorite venue to play was at The Troubadour. What was this experience like for you? Is there a place you've always wanted to perform?

When I first moved to Los Angeles, I went to shows at The Troubadour and it quickly became my goal to play there one day. To go from being just a dream, to selling out The Troubadour was a full circle moment. There are still so many more venues I can't wait to perform at and hope I get given the chance to.

You've described your "most tragic and tumultuous love affair" as one with music. We can definitely see what you put into the relationship with your creativity and dedication to writing and performing. What does music give you back? What makes it so powerful and something that you're willing to work so hard for every day?

Simply put, music is my first love and just like any first love, nothing can really compare to it and you can never really let it go. When I get to perform, it's the only time in my life where I actually feel completely and blissfully free. It's an emotional experience for me that I think I will always cherish.


Another cool opportunity you had this year was being featured on MTV's Scream soundtrack. "River" was played during episode 6 and "Pray (Empty Gun)" was featured on the finale. Without revealing much about the finale, your song was featured at the end when they revealed a major plot point. I remember watching it and thinking "I know that song!". That's great placement! How did this opportunity work out? Are there other shows or movies you would like to hear your music featured on?

That opportunity all began when my song "River" was in an earlier episode of Scream and soon enough "Pray (Empty Gun)" fit for the finale. I could not have been more grateful plus I love the show. As far as other shows or movies, I have been very excited at what has happened up until now and I'm looking forward to the future!


Thanks for the interview. Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much, Sound In The Signals! 👽


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-L.Burden