Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Jake Wangner
We got to chat with musician Bishop Ivy about his musical influences, his single “The Park” and advice he has for aspiring musicians.
Was music a large part of your life growing up?
Definitely. I’ve loved singing for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was always looking for more ways to be a musician, and I kept adding on to what I do; it started with just singing, then it was singing and guitar, then it was recording, songwriting, etc. I was always on the lookout for more ways to manipulate sound and create music. I’m not really the best at any one thing, but I’m interested in everything related to music, and always have been.
Tell our readers about “The Park.” What story are you telling through the song?
“The Park” is my favorite breakup song that I’ve written. It’s specifically focused on not being able to break from being nostalgic, which is something I write about all the time anyways. The whole metaphor of a park represents the good memories that are hard to let go of. I say that I’ve locked myself inside of those memories, living in the past rather than the present.
“The Park” touches on coming to terms with heartbreak. Was writing “The Park” cathartic for you?
It was certainly part of a cathartic process. A lot of the more therapeutic aspects came from the journal-writing that led up to the songwriting, but I likely would have put that off if I wasn’t intending to make a song with it, so the act of songwriting encouraged me to face what I was feeling and try to articulate it. That song was written over several months; a verse in spring, a verse in early summer, a chorus here, a bridge there. I took a long time to process everything.
You often experiment with your music. Has studying music, electrical engineering, and computer science been helpful in terms of learning new techniques/skills?
I’m just now getting to the point where I’m skilled enough to make programs or devices that are actually helpful for me in creating music, so yes, definitely. I’ve made a custom electronic glove that I control software with for my live shows, and I’ve developed my own Instagram filters for my music page. I’m also working on more experimental live show ideas that are very based on the technology. So far, I haven’t used custom tech to write new music, but that may come soon.
Who are some artists that you’ve been particularly inspired by lately?
I’m in love with Porches’ new singles. I’ve been a big fan of his since Ricky Music. His work sounds so vibrant and colorful to me. Some of my new songs are directly inspired by his production. I’ve also been listening to Vegyn and Mk.gee for their amazing production. I’ve been getting into Playboi Carti too. I love his overall aesthetic as an artist.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
First of all, I still feel like an aspiring musician, so if I’m speaking from experience, that label tends not to go away, and I’ve been playing for around 10 years. It often takes a long, long time to make things happen, and it’s those that just keep playing that end up reaching their goals. Never stop looking for more ways to grow as an artist; always continue to refine your craft. Make sure your output is just as exciting as your favorite artists’.