Bishop Briggs Fuels Her Trap Soul Sound With Tacos & Heartbreak
Bishop Briggs is a British-born singer/songwriter whose music is a moody, soulful ode to her adolescence spent in Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Outfitted in space bunz and a bomber jacket, Bishop, best known for her single “River,” stopped by Galore to talk about tacos, heartbreak, and her upcoming album.
What kind of music do you make?
I would say my music is like trap soul. I sing and I write and I’m lucky to say that I get to do music full time.
How would you describe trap soul?
It’s a soulful vocal with hip hop beats and influences in the background.
So you were born in London. When did you move away?
Yes, I was born in London. I moved away when I was 4.
To where?
Japan for six years, then Hong Kong.
What’s your favorite city so far?
That’s so hard! I have so many good memories in Hong Kong, because it was kind of the place that I first had my heart broken and there’s something about that that will always be nostalgic to me. My parents are actually still there with our two cats, so I think my heart will always be there.
So who’s got better street food, LA or Hong Kong?
Honestly does anything beat LA street tacos? Nothing compares to having those at 3 a.m. for no reason.
True. So what have you been working on recently?
I’ve been finishing the album, which I’m really excited about and I’m releasing new music very soon.
What’s the vibe of the album?
Generally it’s emotional, dark, but strangely upbeat at times. I guess the goal is that you leave it feeling as though you can relate in some way. I guess I also hope that people feel vulnerable while they’re listening.
How similar are you to your artist persona?
It’s me. 100%. Honestly, it’s who I am when I close the door. I think we all have two different sides to ourselves and one is the person that we show in front of others and is generally a happy, altered person. And then there’s the person when we’re alone and not trying to prove anything.
Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations?
I love Alabama Shakes, Hozier, Jack Garrett, Glass Animals. I could go on and on. Anything motown!
Aside from music, what other ways do you express yourself?
I always write – just being that emo 13-year-old that just always comes out of me [laughs].
What are some tour essentials?
I’m on a bus with all guys, so I would say headphones are first. There’s this “Headspace” app – it’s basically just this British man talking into your ear, that’s very soothing. Anything that basically helps you keep your sanity.
Keep a lookout for Bishop Briggs’ debut album! In the meantime, follow her on Instagram and Twitter, and check out her tour dates.
Photos and Interview by Jack Kulla
