In this interview spotlight, I chat with Tennessee native singer/songwriter Connor Bishop. We discuss the latest project, challenges, motivations and more.
Full Q&A along with links and a video of Connor performing One More Minute on WSMV Today.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I come from a small town in Tennessee called Monterey and my only opportunities to sing were usually at a church function, that’s where my passion for singing began. Now when I am creating or learning a new song, I reference back to my earlier days of growing up and singing gospel music. I try to create that same feeling when working on a new song. I’m always looking for new ways to learn and new styles because I think that’s the only to evolve your sound and become a better musician. Right now, I’m working on creating an Americana pop sound that’s a unique blend of several different styles of music with gospel being one of them.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Music has always been a huge part of my life and no matter what I am doing in my life music is still somehow tied to it. It’s my biggest passion, and there are so many different things that motivate me to keep pursuing music. There are times when I question whether I should stop or not but then something always reminds me I have to keep fighting and pushing to do what I love and I think that becomes more clear the older I get.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
I feel right now I am in that state of deciding who I am as an Artist and what I want my sound to be. Each single I release I am trying to make a more definite statement of who I am. I’m excited to be working on new music right now and hope that I can continue to create and build a sound that speaks volumes to different people. My dream is to do what I love full-time.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
It almost helps you stand out a little better because there are so many people creating digital style music these days, which not to say one day I won’t, but right now I want to develop real emotion-filled music like artists used to do. I do feel we are beginning to come back into the musical era of genuinely talented musicians where music is at the forefront. Technology is a fantastic resource especially for creatives or anyone for that matter. It’s an excellent tool for sharing and connecting with people around the world, and as an artist sharing new music, I’m thankful for technology.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
I am the most active on my Instagram @connorbishopmusic and my facebook page connorbishopmusic.
Anything else before we sign off?
Go DOWNLOAD my new single “One More Minute” 🙂