Interview: Bishop Briggs talks touring with Coldplay, and the story behind her new single “Pray (Empty Gun)”

By: Amrit Sandhu –

Bishop Briggs.

During a time where music is going in a million different directions, Bishop Briggs is a unique voice in the crowd. Coming off a string of dates as the opener for Coldplay’s ongoing “A Head Full Of Dreams Tour”, the UK singer’s natural coolness, profound lyrics, and powerful voice makes her hard to ignore. And with her new single “Pray (Empty Guns)”, which appeared on the hit MTV show Scream, this 24 year old is just getting started.

In our new interview, Bishop Brigs talks about the story behind “Pray (Empty Guns)”, being discovered, and life on the road with Coldplay.

Many of your fans discovered you through Shazam. Are there any songs/artists that you’ve discovered via Shazam?

Yes! Most recently it was Cobi – “Don’t You Cry For Me”.

So far you’ve released four singles from an as of yet unannounced upcoming album. What has been the writing and recording process been like, and when can we expect to see an album?

When we first began writing, we were in a small room in my producer’s mother-in- law’s house with a little Yorkshire terrier named “Ollie”. It was just these four walls and we created. Throughout this past year, nothing has changed in that room. I hope it never changes because it’s important to remember where you began and know who you are when the door is closed behind you. If you come to our shows, you’ll hear the music we’ve recorded but for an album it’s all about the right timing!

Your voice is so powerful, and your single “Pray” is much softer, is that what you intended?

It depends on what you define as softer! I hope that when the chorus hits, you feel the strength and power behind it but I do think lyrically, it’s going to a much more vulnerable place.

What is the story behind “Pray”?

That was at a time where I had to take the higher ground, despite the negativity surrounding the situation. I think it’s important to lean into the light as much as you can, no matter how consuming you feel the dark can be.

“Pray” was on MTV’s show “Scream” are there any TV shows that you’d like to see your appear on?

I was so honored to be on “Scream” and I am thankful for any future opportunities that may come up!!

Which song is your favourite to play live? Why?

It’s one of our unreleased songs called, “Dead Mans Arms” I feel possessed when I sing it!

You’ve very active on social media, where you very often retweet and respond to fans on Twitter. How important is fan interaction on social media to you?

It’s the most important. I don’t want there to be a barrier when I am letting people in on the most personal music I’ve ever written. If I’m laying it all out there, I want us to be on the journey together. Plus where would I be without their support?

What is it like touring with a band like Coldplay? What was it like the first time you opening for them?

It was surreal and you find yourself physically gulping at each stage you see. Not only that, everyone in the band and crew on the tour are extremely kind and supportive. I think that makes a huge difference.

Is there any fun stories of touring with Coldplay you would like to share?

What’s happens on the road, stays on the road!