After making waves with her breakthrough single “River”, Los Angeles based artist Bishop Briggs has been a buzz artist impossible to ignore. And now she’s coming to Australia to play Splendour in the Grass! We caught up with the emerging dark-pop Singer Songwriter while we were in Austin, Texas to talk about how her music and live show is developing – giving us but a taste of what we might expect from her when she arrives on our shores. Plus we reflect on her tour with Coldplay.
Welcome to the madness of SXSW! How many shows are you doing while you’re there?
We’re playing three shows. I think it’s a good amount. I’ve heard of people who are doing like, 14 shows.
You’re doing it well. For your first visit to this festival, three or four shows is probably the right amount.
OK good! I’m feeling nervous and excited for it all – it’s a whole new world for me.
It’s the perfect time for you to be here, too. You’re a few months into the release of your debut EP, and I’m sure you have a lot of new material to tease crowds. How is the development of the next round of music going?
I’m really excited about what’s been happening, I’ve been writing every day and I think one of my favourite things as a music listener, is when an artist is writing about what’s currently happening and they’re reflecting on their experiences. And it’s not dated, it’s not from ten years ago – even though it might have some influences from ten years ago – I really like to write about what’s going on right now. So I’ve been excited, I feel that I’m being a lot more honest with the new music coming, and maybe a little more direct and raw. At least that’s the hope. And I’ve been trying to experiment as well. Trying not to make the same song twice, hopefully show growth. I’m so excited to share it with everyone, we’ve just started rehearsals!
So tell me a little bit about the live show you’re developing.
Yes, we have someone on drum pads, with have moog synthesizer and guitar. I think my goal always with performing is that it’s as authentic as possible. And as vulnerable and as real as possible. But what that generally translates to is me, jumping around on stage, going in and out of aggressiveness and passion, and the hope is that the audience is sweaty with me. So that’s what the live show it.
And we’re not only going to be seeing it here in Texas, but you’ve got Coachella coming up as well. As a California local that must be a bucket list item for you.
Yes, I can’t tell you what my face was like when I heard that news. I can’t really describe it because I don’t think I’ve ever made that face before. But I was beyond thrilled and surprised!
And what’s the rest of the year holding for you?
Well I’m doing my first ever headline tour through the US, which I’m really excited about. We’ve got Shead and Manatee Commune opening up the shows, and I’m hoping to release new music, and soon. And release it as it comes. So fingers crossed that happens in the near future.
You know a thing or two about being a support artist – having toured with Coldplay not too long ago. You must have learned a thing or two about life on the road with that tour.
Oh wow, yeah I learned a lot. It was amazing playing those shows – and I learned about how amazing catering could be. I definitely want to get catering like that at my shows one day *laughs*. But the band, the crew, they were all so professional, definitely learned a lot and gave me some ideas for my own shows too!
Thanks so much for your time, and we can’t wait to see you on our shores…
It’s my dream to play Australia! I can’t wait.
Bishop Briggs‘ debut self-titled EP is out now. She’ll hit Australia for the first time this Winter for Splendour in the Grass, which is held from 21st to 23rd July. For all the details about the event, head HERE.
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