In Conversation With #160 - Bishop Ivy
Alt-pop artist Bishop Ivy has just released his new EP ‘parasocial’ - which is the result of the songwriter realizing he would often write to people, without any expectation of response. Whether it was writing to a partner or writing to himself, it was as if he was writing to ghosts. The word “parasocial” describes a type of one-sided relationship people have with those who aren’t aware of the relationship, like celebrities or even fictional characters. He took a moment to talk to us about how the EP came together.
Hey there Bishop Ivy, how are you? So your EP is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Hello, it’s relieving and scary. This is my favorite music I’ve ever made, and it’s been just for me for over a year now, so it’s hard to let go of. I’m excited to be able to show it off, though. I’m really hoping it resonates with people.
It is titled ‘parasocial’ - does that have a certain meaning behind it?
Yes, I found myself writing to people that I didn’t expect to say anything back to me: either some other person or to myself. It felt like writing to ghosts. I think the term “parasocial” fits, which refers to one-sided relationships people have with celebrities or fictional characters. And to me it sounds like “paranormal,” which definitely fits the aesthetic of the record.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
For the most part this record was made at my old apartment in south side, Pittsburgh. Before I lived there, parts were recorded in my college dorm, or at my parents house. I didn’t work with anyone for this EP with the exception of mixing and mastering (done by Apollo LTD). It was written and recorded in a period of isolation that came from COVID. During the summer of 2020, I lived alone in Pittsburgh with nothing to do but record that record and no one to see but myself. I think that might have given it its haunting character.
What are the key themes and influences on the EP?
For the most part it’s a breakup album - I used songwriting to process a breakup I went through, and a lot of those songs were on the record. It’s also about learning to be on my own and take care of myself. The lowercase songs (“parasocial,” “the park,” “tunnel vision”) are mostly about the break up, and the upper case songs are mostly about myself (“STAND UP,” “CAN’T IMAGINE"). Aesthetically I was going for something reminiscent of James Blake, Frank Ocean, Radiohead, and Porches.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the EP? If so, which one and why?
I have a lot of favorites; it’s hard to pick. There’s one in “the park” which I especially like. “My eyes stay dry, but they’re drooping lower” referring to the long-term consequences of trying too hard to remain stoic and refusing to face a problem.
Now the EP is out there - what next for you?
I have a few more videos to release for this project! I just did an exciting performance which was captured on video, and we have one more music video left. After that, I’m working on the next EP, which is already written.