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Interview: Buford Pope

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest album, and what themes or stories you aimed to convey through your music?

« My latest release was written over a considerable period of time, and it primarily explores setbacks and everyday occurrences that people encounter in life on this planet. It also delves into themes of love and the enigmatic nature of life. »

Music often has the power to transport people to different places and times. Can you describe a moment in your life when a particular song or album had a profound impact on you?

I remember many years ago when I first heard « Desire, » an album by Bob Dylan. I was obsessed with the atmosphere and sound. In my opinion, Dylan was at the peak of his singing career. Emmylou Harris added magical harmonies, and Scarlet Rivera played the violin as if the songs were written just for her. The lyrics transported me to different places and created vivid imagery, as if I were in a movie. At that time, I wasn’t yet composing music, but it’s probably the reason why I later wanted to connect with people through my own songs.

Many artists have rituals or routines they follow before performing or recording. Do you have any unique or quirky pre-show or pre-recording rituals that you find help you get in the zone?

« At the start of my career, I used to feel very anxious before stepping onto the stage, so I would always take a moment to mentally run through all the songs. A few years later, I overcame my nervousness, but then I realized I couldn’t perform without that adrenaline rush, so my routines have been evolving constantly.”

Your lyrics often tell a story or convey a message. Can you share the story behind one of your songs and the inspiration that led to its creation?

Melodies keep emerging; the trick is to have something meaningful to write about – something you genuinely want to express. For example, I once wrote a song for my mom, and it flowed naturally. I didn’t overthink the writing process; I quickly finalized it and recorded it. The song is titled ‘Heavenly Mama’ and can be found on the album ‘Too Young To Be Old.’

If you could curate a music festival with a lineup of your dream artists, who would be the headliners, and what would the theme of the festival be?

« It would take me too many hours to pinpoint, and I would be embarrassed if I accidentally excluded one of my favorite artists. To keep it short, I would kick off the entire festival with Charley Crockett, one of the most compelling artists I’ve ever heard. He would set the festival on fire, and the theme could be as simple as celebrating good music. How about that?

Music can be a powerful tool for advocacy and change. Are there any social or political causes that you’re passionate about, and how does your music play a role in promoting these issues?

« Good question. I’ve never really thought about that. People often interpret songs differently, so I’m quite selective about ensuring I convey my intended message, in case someone questions me. I once wrote a song titled ‘The Wailing Wall,’ which can be found on the album ‘A Brand New Leaf.' »
« This song discusses the existence of numerous religions in the world, which is perfectly acceptable. However, imagine if we could all embrace a single, unified religion based on love. That might have been the original purpose. It might sound whimsical, but personally, I’m not concerned about that. »

The music industry has evolved significantly with technology. How do you see artificial intelligence and emerging technologies impacting the creation and distribution of music in the future?

AI might be something we can’t avoid as everything changes and expands. I’m trying to maintain a positive outlook and embrace all the benefits rather than criticize the drawbacks. In the past, you had to be signed by a label to release an album, but now it’s an open field for everyone. It’s more challenging to stand out in the crowd, but there’s still a chance.

Many recording artists evolve over time. How do you see your musical journey changing and growing in the next decade?

« I can’t provide a definitive answer to that, as it’s challenging to assess your own progress, whether it’s good or bad. I suppose I’ll continue doing what I do; I’m sincerely grateful for the opportunity to create music and perform my songs. I’ll just buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Thank you for having me in this interview; I genuinely appreciate your support. »