Hailing from Rotherham, UK, Pope has emerged as a prominent figure in London’s vibrant folk scene since 2020. Prior to his ascent, he embraced the troubadour lifestyle, honing his craft in Beijing while immersing himself in Chinese culture for many years. Only upon his return did he embark on an independent journey, crafting his distinctive brand of modern folk, characterised by sweeping vocal harmonies reminiscent of Jeff Buckley and Bon Iver, coupled with delicately intricate fingerpicking akin to The Tallest Man on Earth. His songwriting is further enriched by textured ambient drones, drawing inspiration from the meticulous soundscapes of 00s post-rock luminaries like Sigur Ros, Sun O)), and Mogwai.
In early 2021, amidst the pandemic’s turmoil, Pope released ‘Stormy Seas,’ garnering acclaim from esteemed platforms such as Mahogany and Alexrainbird Music. His subsequent releases have consistently amassed thousands of streams, with tracks like ‘Punchline’ and ‘At Once’ finding placement on Spotify’s “Fresh on Friday” and Apple’s “New in Alternative” playlists. A frequent performer, Pope recently graced the stage of St Pancras Old Church in London alongside Alex Francis.
This year heralds a new chapter in his career. Signed to Revolver Records, Pope has been diligently working on a series of releases culminating in an album or extended release titled ‘True to Form,’ of which ‘Black Bird Fever’ is a noteworthy inclusion.
Amidst the backdrop of a challenging bereavement, his latest compositions delve into the tumultuous realm of grief, imbued with the dark yet delicate textures and poignant lyricism for which he is increasingly recognised.
‘Black Bird Fever’ is available now via all major platforms.
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