Bishop Briggs

Sarah McLaughlin introduced her stage presence, Bishop Briggs, to the world just nine months ago. After only playing seven shows under this new name, Bishop got the chance to open for Coldplay on nine dates of their summer tour.

Her moniker, an ode to her parents, is inspired by the Scottish village where they were born. She, on the other hand, was born in London, moved to Tokyo at age 4, and then six years later, made the move to Hong Kong. She journeyed to Los Angeles when she was 18 to attend college at the Musicians Institute, and began performing shows around the city to gain insight into being a live performer. A few days after former A&R (Artists and Repertoire) manager, George Robertson, saw her perform at Songwriter’s Round, she was in the studio with producers Mark Jackson and Ian Brendan Scott writing what would become the song that launched her career. Since the release of that first song “River” last January, she’s released four more songs; “Wild Horses” in April, “The Way I Do” in May, “Pray (Empty Gun)” in August, and “Be Your Love” in September.

WHERE SHE GREW UP - BORN IN LONDON, MOVED TO TOKYO FOR 6 YEARS, THEN TO HONG KING - IMPACTING HER CREATIVITY

For me, it's all I've ever known and I'm just so thankful to have been given the opportunity to live in such inspiring places. I think it all depends on what's happening in your household. I was still doing average kid things but it just so happened that you can see the majestic Tokyo Tower in the background! I have always been creative and I was most definitely a lone wolf growing up. I was always in my own world and I loved writing about everything.

FORMAL / NOT FORMAL MUSIC EDUCATION

I was actually in a gospel children's choir while living in Japan! That was when I really dived into soul music and learning about harmonies. But other than that little stint when I was super young, I wanted to do my own thing. When I moved to Hong Kong, my mum gifted me singing lessons with Christine Samson as a Christmas present. I went to her studio every Saturday for 8 years! The less formal side of this training was trying out for every audition and anything singing related event I could.

PATH TO BEING INVOLVED IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY Growing up in Japan, it was very common to go to Karaoke Bars! My dad would get up there and sing Frank Sinatra. I saw this light in his eyes and I wanted a piece of it! I’ve known I wanted to be a musician for as long as I can remember because there is nothing else that makes me feel more alive or fulfilled.

THE START OF WRITING MUSIC

I have always been writing songs but I don't know if my audience (a.k.a. my mum, dad and sister) were that into them. They were very supportive but I wouldn't hear them singing back the song that I wrote. This was before I really learnt about "hooks"! Regardless, it was, and will always be, an outlet for me (with or without the hook)!

GETTING INSPIRED WHILE OUT AND ABOUT – VOICE MEMOS & NOTES 


I have written lyrics on the back of an envelope that had my rent check inside! I will always find a way to remember it and I try to tell myself, ‘If it does get lost in any form, then maybe it wasn't the strongest that I can do’. I've noticed a strong concept or lyric or melody will stick if it has depth, but that being said, always have your rent check envelope handy at all times because you never know!

I was actually in a gospel children's choir while living in Japan! That was when I really dived into soul music and learning about harmonies. But other than that little stint when I was super young, I wanted to do my own thing. When I moved to Hong Kong, my mum gifted me singing lessons with Christine Samson as a Christmas present. I went to her studio every Saturday for 8 years! The less formal side of this training was trying out for every audition and anything singing related event I could."

LYRICS – INTENTIONALLY SITTING DOWN TO WRITE VS HAVING IDEAS IN YOUR HEAD AND THEN THEY SPILL OUT

I try to write every single day. Whether it's just in my notes on my phone or it’s singing into my voice memos. I try to make it a habit. Whenever I sit down to write, I think it's important that whatever is in your head is let out and put into a song. Sometimes it has to be put out there to lead to another idea or something greater. Having the intention to write is the first step to putting it all out there.

DOES WRITING COME EASY

I think when it comes to the things you value, it never comes easy.

You are always going to want it to be the best it can be and I've learnt the importance of digging deep into every single emotion you felt in that situation or moment. I think it's most difficult when you are going into that space of your soul that has to be emptied for a lyric.

FAVORITE PART OF WRITING / MUSIC CREATION PROCESS

My favorite part of the creation process is performing! That's when you get to feel what you've written and share it with others who have probably gone through what you've gone through. It's when I feel most free.

REPRESENTATION THROUGH HER MUSIC’S VISUALS

My top priority is to be represented authentically because I feel if you are genuinely yourself, you can't lose. This is the person I am when I close the door, when I am in private. This is the most vulnerable I've ever been in my writing and I try to carry that transparency over to any visual that may come along with it.

VISION OF MUSIC

My vision of music hasn't changed at all. I still see it as this pure, magical thing that I am always in awe of and trying to grasp.

Photography by Cina Nguyen | Interview by Heather Hawke