1. Hello, thank you for your time, please introduce yourself in a few words!
Hello, my name is Bishop Ivy. I’m a singer-songwriter and producer based in Pittsburgh, USA.
2. Please give us an update about – new single, new album, tour dates, new videos?!
My new single “the park” just released one week ago! I also put out a few short videos on my Instagram I made myself with a depth-sensing camera. The song is out everywhere.
3. Name 5 things we all should know about you as an artist?!
- “Bishop” is my real middle name, and “Ivy” is a song by Frank Ocean.
- I’m working to combine music with coding and engineering. My first project was creating an electronic glove from scratch that lets me control my music gear wirelessly.
- I’m from the United States, but have never been in one place for too long. I was born on the West Coast and grew up on the East Coast and in Texas.
- I used to be a street performer around age 14-15
- My new singles are written and produced all by me at home.
4. What fashion style or brand would best describe your music?
I’m still trying to figure out my fashion sense. I want (at least for music videos and posts) to dress like how my music sounds. In my music I like juxtaposing organic elements with synthesized. In fashion I like combining earthy-toned things that look rugged with more futuristic elements. I love iridescent accessories.
5. Tell us more about your songs! Topics! Message!?
My songs are about whatever I’m going through when I write them. My new upcoming record is mostly a break-up record because that’s what was on my mind during the writing process. I also write some about caring more for myself and enjoying my own company. My first EP “All Things Temporary” was based around when my family moved across the country when I was 16. My second EP “LIMBO” was about scattered memories of being in the last year of high school.
6. Beside music, do you have any special talents?
I have a few other hobbies, but nothing I would say I’m especially talented at outside of music. I like taking photos, riding my bike, and learning about art.
7. Being on stage feels like….!
It feels like trying to balance a broomstick straight up in my hand. It’s a constant focus to not screw up what I had planned. In my shows I constantly switch from one instrument to another and use loop pedals while singing. There are a lot of things that can go wrong. I don’t think much about how I’m feeling, but instead about the technical elements of the show. I’d like to automate more of it in the future to allow myself to be more present on stage.
8. How did you learn to sing/ to write/ to play??
I took lessons in singing and playing instruments growing up. Production was more self-taught, though not completely. I would receive pointers along the way from my vocal or guitar teachers. Writing I taught myself. I think writing comes much from practice and exposing yourself to the best writing you can find. I’m still learning new techniques for singing, writing, and playing.
9. A question you’d like to answer, but never been asked in an interview before?! + Answer pls
I’m not a street performer anymore, but I have all this knowledge about it that I wish I could pass on to someone else. Like: always make a nice sign with your socials or website. You can probably get one made for like $30 with Fedex or something. Always put a few of your own dollars in the bowl when you start. If you have a speaker, you’re probably louder than you think you are, so be a little quieter than you think you should be. Oh, and never let a stranger speak into the microphone, ever.
Instagram: @bishopivy