Irish electro-pop artist St. Bishop – aka Stephen Bishop – prepares to release his shimmering new single Sleep It Off out now via Veta Records.
The single combines sweeping electronics and anthemic hooks with Bishop’s rich, sultry vocal tone to create a sound that feels beautifully cinematic. Bishop flourishes with an unapologetic charisma throughout, reminiscent of the likes of Troye Sivan or Years & Years. Of the track, St. Bishop explains,
“its about about the hunt for social gratification. Over the years, social media has been something that I love to use but also something that triggers anxiety. As soon as anyone asks how you’re doing you pretend that you’re fine. If you do decide to open up, you sugar coat it and ‘sleep it off’ but you don’t, you lie there in your own sadness and let it take you over. From talking to friends I know that most people who use social media feel the weight of these pressures.”
In this interview spotlight, I chat with St. Bishop about the latest music, technology, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
When I started writing my own songs they all were sounding a little dark and almost verging on an Indie Rock kinda vibe. I wasn’t quite happy with the sound I was achieving & in general just wasn’t sure if that was how I wanted my music to sound.
I started working with long term producer & friend Sean Behan and over the years we have written and developed the St. Bishop sound.
I like to make music that is very honest and true to my experiences & surroundings, music that makes you feel understood & also that you can dance your ass off to. I guess that’s why I love pop music.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I studied music in college (BIMM Dublin) and initially wasn’t sure if I wanted it to be my career but knew that I was super passionate about it and just wanted to learn more.
College was a very explorative time for me and a long journey of personal struggles, growth and acceptance. I started writing music about my experiences and just had the urge to share it.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
I guess I have always loved pop music but have definitely explored other avenues throughout the years.
I grew up listening to pop acts like The Scissor Sisters, MIKA & Pink alongside soul artists like Stevie Wonder & Otis Redding. The music I was reared on informs a lot of what I am writing & enjoying now.
Currently LOVING anything that Troye Sivan does.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
Performance is a huge thing that drives this project – I have been dancing around my bedroom since I was a kid and unknown to myself was practicing for the moment I took things from my bedroom and to the stage.
Being on stage is one of the best feelings in the world to me – it is where I feel my best, most comfortable and most free.
This entire journey through music is for those live moments where you get the payoffs – moments when I get to harness all of the emotion & experiences leading up to that point & then dance around singing songs that I am really proud of.
What was the last song you listened to?
Grace Lightman – Repair Repair.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyls are v hip & cool but im broke so I don’t have many, CDs are kinda old now too but if my friends release their music on CD I’d defo buy it so yeah I guess MP3s – most people just stream music online anyway so it’s easier.
I would like to release a Vinyl someday – it would be hip & cool.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I use Spotify so I can only really speak for it.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
I guess it’s about getting your music onto the right platforms and to the right ears. I think ultimately if you’re working hard, creating something honest and something that people will enjoy you will find a following along the way. It just takes time to cultivate.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
I use instagram a lot. Its kinda like my diary even though at times I had it and delete the app I still use it a lot and enjoy connecting with people on it.
Everything that has been released is on all major streaming platforms & new music is well and truly on its way!! (EXCITING)
