Photo by Jabari Jacobs

From the moment we first heard Bishop Briggs’ compelling breakthrough single “Wild Horses,” we knew this girl had it going on. Intrigued by her soulful voice and dope-ass beats, with all but a few songs released to her name, Bishop Briggs quickly turned heads (including ours). From her former home of Hong Kong and Japan, the London-born Scot, now repping Los Angeles, has been showing her sheen worldwide. After we caught her live show at The Troubadour last June, it was crystal clear that Bishop Briggs was a rising star. Her debut track “Wild Horses” reached #1 on Spotify’s US Viral Chart and #2 on Spotify’s Global Viral 50 charts, with airplay on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 Show and a prized spot in Acura’s 2016 TLX and ESPN’s NFL Playoffs ads. 2016 has seen Bishop Briggs tour with Coldplay, Passion Pit and Kaleo. She’s also performed on national television with spots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night With Seth Meyers. It goes without saying that Bishop Briggs kicked some serious ass in 2016, and she’s only going to continue slaying in 2017.

We caught up with Bishop Briggs, recapping her spectacular year. Check out the interview below!

In three words, describe 2016 for you.

Soulful
Heartbreaking
Transcendent

What have been some highlights for you in 2016?

This entire year has been a highlight for me. I don’t think I’ll ever forget leaving my first session with Mark Jackson and Ian Brendon Scott. I was sitting in the car listening to a voice memo of “River” and for the first time I felt like I was being myself fully. That was the beginning of everything because life is bleak if you aren’t being authentic.

What would you say attributed to your growth in 2016?

I think I just try my best to take in every single second and appreciate. I practice gratitude every single day and I think that is hugely important for any personal growth.

What advice would you give to other bands/artists seeking growth and success?

Have standards and always have something to prove. I had many experiences where I was being sold the dream but I knew deep down in my gut that I deserved better and that it wasn’t the right situation for me — although I desperately wanted it to be. It’s okay to wait for the right people, the right music and the right moment. I still feel like I have just as much to prove as I did a year ago playing in coffee shops! I think it’s important to always have that hunger. Last piece of advice is to be kind and authentic to yourself.

Bishop Briggs at The Troubadour

What reoccurring dreams have you had in 2016? What does it all mean!!!!????

I love analyzing dreams. Did you know that?! It’s one of my favorite things to do with friends. There is so much underlying symbolism! I haven’t had any reoccurring but I have used plenty of dreams to help with lyrics so read between the lines and you’ll know what my dreams have been about!