St. Bishop: "Over the years I’ve been figuring out my sexuality and my identity. I've come so far and I love who I am"

Since 2017, St. Bishop has blazed an R&B/pop trail with bold, unapologetic statements about empowerment, reflection and self-love. The Monaghan native, real name Stephen Bishop, has now moved on to the next step of his ascent to stardom with his first EP St. Bishop.

"I had been writing songs with the intention of going towards an EP throughout Covid," Stephen tells Hot Press, smiling. "I was putting together different ideas. Once lockdown was lifted we were able to go to the studio with producer Alex O’Keefe and work it out in person. It was great to be in the same room with everyone and hear all of the sounds finally come together."

This new EP is not only a continuation of St. Bishop’s previous works, but also a further progression of the themes and styles of his music.

"It's definitely an evolution of my other work. I found a lot more possibilities for what I was able to do with my vocals on this EP. A lot of the subject matter is about my personal growth and finding self love. It's about progressing on this journey into adulthood and the relationships that surround all of that. So in terms of subject matter and just sonically it is a step forward."

The singer cites pop duo Joan and Australian artist Troye Sivan as major influences behind the new project.

"The rhymes, and the drum beats, and the synths that they use is just like ear candy. There's always something new to grab your attention," he explains, grinning.

"I was definitely listening to a lot more pop music at the time of writing this EP. Just having a lot more fun with the different sounds and the different synthesisers we were using and that was a huge help in creating the sonic palate of the EP. Together I think we've made something that's really hooky and grabs your attention but it also delivers on representing the emotional value of the songs."

These new songs also show the true openness and genuine vulnerability that the rising star has developed towards his sexuality.

"Over the years I’ve been figuring out my sexuality and my identity. I started this whole music thing when I was 21 and that was about the time that I came out. I've been battling through that internalised homophobia and what goes into making your identity but know I've come so far and I love who I am."

What's next for the emerging singer/songwriter with a penchant for manifestation?

"I'm moving towards an album for next year which is a scary thing to think about but saying it out loud might will it into existence!"

St. Bishop will play The Workman’s Cellar, Dublin, on Saturday April 23rd.

Listen to the new EP St. Bishop below: