Bishop Battle

Bishop Battle’s new track “Fly Away” builds up with an exotic synth-pop opening, driving to an infectious pop hook at 00:55. Depeche Mode and Erasure come to mind as stylistic comparisons as the listener digs into this electronic-pop gem.
Battle comments, “I wish I could take full credit for my creative output,” Bishop explains. “Often, I hear music in my dreams, or shortly before/after waking up. Sometimes things come to me at random times, and although I don’t know what they are exactly about at the time, I know how they make me feel. My objective with any song, and “Fly Away” was no different, is that I have to figure out a way to accurately convey that emotion not only in my lyrical and musical approach, but also my performances.
“This is actually the first song I wrote that wasn’t a “rock” song, and although I typically prefer to let my listeners determine what a song means so that it will speak to them and their situation, I wrote this one for my wife (who I’ve been married to for 16 years). She’s always been asking for one, but they had never come to me in the past! However, I prefer complexity and depth, so although I chose to write about romance, I also wanted to convey the sorrow that often comes with an enduring relationship. It’s not always easy to be there for each other, but the fact remains that even when it’s not easy, it’s certainly easier together. I think portraying that security amongst the chaos in this track is why I believe it will relate to many who listen.”

Having focused primarily on sports in high school, Bishop Battle did not begin his formal music training until attending Chipola College in Marianna, Florida, where he held a double major in both Vocal Performance and Theatre Performance. Upon transferring to Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida in 2002, Bishop’s initial stay there would be brief, as he also served in the Marine Corps reserves while attending school, and was called upon to deploy to Iraq as a machine gunner. After returning from the war, Bishop would go on to obtain his baccalaureate degree from FAMU, where he also played running back for the FAMU Rattlers.
Upon graduating from FAMU, Bishop spent a year working as an English teacher, using the time for his wife to finish college, as well as an opportunity to build up their savings to move to Los Angeles. After the school year was completed, Bishop began his acting career in California, where he joined the Screen Actors Guild, and appeared in film and television shows such as “Lions For Lambs,” “Criminal Minds,” and “The Unit.” While in Los Angeles, Bishop also sang professionally for “The Voices of Christmas,” a renowned seasonal a cappella company.
In the summer of 2006, Bishop was in the process of developing a music project under the name Forgotten Discipline. Through a mutual friend, Bishop’s tracks were pitched to Floridan bassist Brian Buckalew, who was immediately drawn to Bishop’s use of vocal layering and rich instrumentation. Likewise, Bishop found Buckalew’s melodic, eclectic bass style to be highly complimentary, and the two musicians quickly melded and began collaboration. However, many of the tracks were not completed, mostly due to technological constraints at the time and the availability of other dedicated musicians to bring the project to fruition.
After failing to successfully complete the unfinished Forgotten Discipline album, Bishop and Brian seemingly went separate ways, as Bishop left Los Angeles and rejoined the Marine Corps as an Officer. Brian had gone on to produce a solo album under the name Day of Awakening, launching the debut instrumental under the album name “Open Heart.” In 2012, Brian began production of his second Day of Awakening album, but instead of producing a strictly solo instrumental album, Brian envisioned a collaborative effort, tapping into talent he had come to know over his years as a musician and producer. Bishop’s strong dynamic vocal range and introspective and creative lyrical approach are what led Brian to attempt to reconnect with Bishop, who had altogether abandoned songwriting, performing, and recording, with the exception of volunteering in his church worship teams.
Reinvigorated by Day of Awakening, Bishop quickly began work, adding lyrics and vocals to many of the album’s tracks, some of which Brian had not originally intended for vocals to be on at all. After performing the finished Day of Awakening album live in Florida and Alabama in the summer of 2014, Bishop and Brian began talks of resurrecting what they had started with Forgotten Discipline years ago. From there, the Alternative Rock band Continua was born, with Bishop acting as the frontman. No longer constrained by a lack of technological advancements, work on the debut album continued though 2015, leading to their self-produced debut album “Daybreak”. Continua’s sound includes use of instrumental and vocal layering, minor tonality, and combining guitar & bass driven tracks with electronic synthesizers. - VENTS Magazine

We’re happy to premiere “Visceral,” the latest track from Bishop Battle, the Cincinnati-based artist who impressed previously with “Fly Away.” Showing a nocturnal atmospheric pull in the initial verses, “Visceral” captivates right away, holding some reminiscence to acts like Erasure and Depeche Mode. The chorus introduces a vocal yearning with more anthemic percussive spirit, the uptick in vocal intensity and general melodic involvement resulting in an effervescent burst of sorts. As such, “Visceral” succeeds in alternating between fairly nocturnal verses and a catchy, relatively more lit-up hook. Look out for another release from Bishop Battle early next year. - Obscure Sound

Bishop Battle’s new track “Fly Away” is a consuming effort, starting with a lush and airy synth lead that bubbles inward. “Let’s fly away,” Bishop sings, prompting the entry of percussion, and the start of an emotive synth-pop success, driving to an infectious pop hook at 00:55. Bishop’s vocals are polished and pack the high-pitched range of a consummate pop singer, all while retaining an admiration for a captivating atmosphere.

“I wish I could take full credit for my creative output,” Bishop explains. “Often, I hear music in my dreams, or shortly before/after waking up. Sometimes things come to me at random times, and although I don’t know what they are exactly about at the time, I know how they make me feel. My objective with any song, and “Fly Away” was no different, is that I have to figure out a way to accurately convey that emotion not only in my lyrical and musical approach, but also my performances.”

“This is actually the first song I wrote that wasn’t a “rock” song, and although I typically prefer to let my listeners determine what a song means so that it will speak to them and their situation, I wrote this one for my wife (who I’ve been married to for 16 years). She’s always been asking for one, but they had never come to me in the past! However, I prefer complexity and depth, so although I chose to write about romance, I also wanted to convey the sorrow that often comes with an enduring relationship. It’s not always easy to be there for each other, but the fact remains that even when it’s not easy, it’s certainly easier together. I think portraying that security amongst the chaos in this track is why I believe it will relate to many who listen.”

“Fly Away” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of August 2018’ Spotify playlist. - Obscure Sound

“Daybreak” presents a captivating, bustling electro-pop sound complementary of Bishop Battle, who has impressed with tracks like “Fly Away” and “Visceral” in the past year. The Cincinnati-based artist shows a more upfront sound here, one grabs from the beginning with frantic synth and bass and never lets go. The bridge at 02:10 is nicely done, with dark choir vocals and a more ominous melodic shift adding nicely to the atmosphere, fondly reminiscent of Erasure’s best structural shifts. From there, the track finishes in exciting fashion, as whirring synth arps and an emotive vocal performance brings it to close. It looks like another stellar year ahead for Bishop Battle. - Obscure Sound

Then at 7pm Bishop Battle, who is signed to Exquisite Noise Records, takes the stage playing what I guess you might term pop music with a bit of an edge....his vocals were nonetheless sharp and he was able to convey plenty of charisma. - Love Letter to Columbus

Recording artist, songwriter, musician, actor, and Marine Corps veteran, Bishop Battle has released his latest single “The Ransom (Part 1)”. The track somehow manages to be nostalgic but modern at the same time. Drawing from what sounds like influences from Darkwave, with a dash of added pop power and 21st century production, this track may just be one of the best things I have heard all year. I didn’t have to listen long to know that this was my kind of music. I really like music that is dark and edgy, and Bishop Battle is definitely that. The entire arrangement, with its cascading piano notes, manages to evoke a heart-wrenching poignancy. It’s the kind of achievement you have no choice but to respect, regardless of your genre preference. In nearly every instance, Bishop Battle’s judgment when it comes to guiding the musical arrangement or choosing the vocal nuance, is spot-on.

The facility with which Bishop Battle can summon a seemingly endless number of melancholy hooks is simply stunning. The lyrics are extremely intelligent and thoughtful, without being artsy, evoking a deep mood and subsequent sentiments.

Where the singer-songwriter’s voice reaches for his upper register to amplify the drama, his understated performance-tones in the verses, serves to deepen the emotional impact of the song. It’s a rare thing: an already great song made even better through vocal interpretation. Its epic scale is then further amplified by the soaring string arrangement.

In the end, the most impressive feature of this new recording is Bishop Battle’s voice. His vocals here are nuanced and confident. He is less apt to jump right to his highest range to convey emotion, favoring quieter gradations of tone or variations of grit.

When his voice breaks during the opening chorus of “The Ransom (Part 1)”, the song enters a new stratosphere of beauty. It’s a kind of artistic sincerity, and it is a definitive moment on a track which, taken as a whole, could possibly present a career-defining performance.

Fortunately for the listener, Bishop Battle is such an ambitious musician who produces and delivers quality music creations. Blending synths with strings, and pianos, he still manages to give the song a completely different atmosphere to the sound of his current electronic contemporaries, getting more depth, arcs of suspense and intensity.

And of course, as mentioned before, Bishop Battle also made it to approach the song vocally in a different way – restrained and soft in places, and more powerful, soaring and full of emotion in others. The listener is swept away in the subtle, but grandiose production, and the understated, yet luscious sounds are a delight on every repeated listen.

“The Ransom (Part 1)” is melodic, alternative and progressive music, with a cinematic scope. It leans on the lyric and the vocal for its initial impact, as Bishop Battle imbues the melody with an earnestness that almost aches, but ends up being an all-round gorgeous tune. It will put you in the right mood from the start, to fully appreciate it. - Jam Sphere

An artist must go out into the world to find inspiration for their songwriting. By living an interesting life we allow ourselves to have stories to tell. Putting them into song is our calling. Our recent discovery Bishop Battle has been leading quite the life and is now pouring all that into his music. We had the chance to chat with the intriguing artist to get a look behind the scenes. Enjoy the interview:

So what is the story behind the name Bishop Battle?

Well, I was always told growing up that my surname (Bishop) was interesting and cool, so people have always just called me that. Nobody ever really used my first name, so I stopped even using it when introducing myself, and just went by Bishop. In the Marines, I served with the air wing at one point, and those guys give everyone a callsign or a nickname of some sort. I got Battle, and that’s what those guys called me during my tour there, so I put the two together, and there you go.


How would you describe your sound?

I really struggle with defining my sound; I actually prefer to get feedback from others and use that as a barometer, since I am so close to what I create I find it difficult to compare it to anything else. Currently, I would say the instrumentation aspect of my sound is heavily synthesizer-based, incorporating EDM elements along with pop and alternative music influences. I am aware my voice is unique, so I’ve embraced that aspect of my sound rather than adapt to sounding like someone else, and just work with what I’ve been given to create something that is my own and true to myself. I really find inspiration in many forms of music, so I fully expect and hope to evolve my sound over time. For now, some comparisons I’ve heard are that to what a modern-day Depeche Mode would sound like. I do everything myself, including production, so I’m hoping to team with a producer at some point in my career to help further define my sound, and bring some aspects to it that I’m just not capable of by myself. I believe there is room for growth, and I think there is someone out there who can help me make the most of what I’m attempting to create and develop.


Which artists have had the biggest influence on you?

Radiohead, easily, is my most significant artistic influence, although I have found influences in other artists as well. As for Radiohead, I was drawn to the diverse songwriting by the group, and the exploitation of such a wide range of dynamics, instrumentation, and lyrical depth. I have since looked to other artists from multiple genres to learn from as many sources as possible to further my own growth in my chosen genre.

You seem to have led an interesting life so far. What drives you?

I believe we have all been blessed with gifts, and I am no different. Ironically, my greatest gift may be my drive, or as I call it, my inner fire. I feel like my purpose is to use every gift.

You seem to have led an interesting life so far. What drives you?

I believe we have all been blessed with gifts, and I am no different. Ironically, my greatest gift may be my drive, or as I call it, my inner fire. I feel like my purpose is to use every gift I have to the best of my ability, and to do as much as I possibly can with what I have been blessed with, which I believe is the most sincere way I can show the appreciation for what God has given me. I realize our lives are finite, and I just want to be grateful for the time I have to live it. I like to believe my most interesting days are ahead of me, and just strive to keep my fire burning as bright and hot as I can, for as long as I can.



How does a song come to you? What is your songwriting process?

I find inspirations from many places, ranging from my various life experiences to the people I’ve known, loved or lost. Songs also often come to me in my dreams, or just after waking up. I’ve forgotten far more songs that I have remembered, and of those, they are still frustratingly only a pale shadow of what I heard in my sleep. Lyrically, I find my material from trying to express what I felt emotionally when I heard the music. My attempts still feel futile at expressing exactly what I feel at the time I write my compositions, but I appreciate crafting something as specific as I can to capture that feeling into an audible form, even if it falls short from its visceral origins.


Your vocals definitely stand out. How did you develop such a unique style?

When I was in college training classically as a vocalist, I was often downtrodden by how wonderfully talented the girl and guy to my left and right were, and how they all seemed to fit so well into either the choral or operatic style singing. I struggled greatly to fit in vocally, but during the same time, I discovered Radiohead, and specifically the vocal style of Thom Yorke, who as well had a very unique voice. Although I continued with my vocal training in college to obtain my music degree, I was encouraged by a singer such as Yorke, who was a beautiful singer in his own right, yet undeniably unique. I then committed myself to using my technical knowledge to benefit my own voice, just the way it is, and embrace the timbre of my sound in its organic form. Sure, not everyone will love it because it is unique, but it’s me, and once I accepted my voice for what it is, I found others have to, and that is an encouraging thought.

Give us some advice for other artists creating fresh music?

I’m not sure I am in any position to give advice, or that I’m the right person to be giving it, but since I’m being asked, I would say first to believe in yourself, and the music you are creating. Different and unique is not a bad thing, and just because you don’t fit in with who you wanted to doesn’t mean someone else won’t relate to what you have created, or even better, to what is behind it. I would also say to find out what you excel at, or what you think you can do exceptionally well, and build off of that. Highlight your strengths, while developing your weaknesses. Also, don’t be afraid to delve into some music theory; this may be an art, but building off of expert knowledge can’t hurt anyone!


What does the future look like for Bishop Battle?

I’d be arrogant to think I can control my future or have any insight into it, but I’m an optimist, and I’ll say that although I can’t control my future, I will still do as much as I can with the present to influence it, using the successes of my past as the foundation. From a planning aspect, though, I have some ideas of what I would like to see happen, or what I have in the works. I’m currently working on my next single, “Underrated,” and am incorporating some guitar work from my featured artist on that track, Ghilley Drakar, who is from the band Maiden Cane in south Florida; I have done some work with him in the past, and he is both an incredible musician and human being, so I’m excited about the opportunity to work with him again. He’s a brilliant metal rock guitarist, and a personal mentor of mine, so I’m loving melding his style into this track a lot.

Concurrently, I’m working on an E.P. which is a tribute to the band Nirvana, and will contain some hits from the influential rock band incorporated into my own style and sound; I expect both to be released before the end of the year. My touring schedule is gradually filling up as well, so I’m looking forward to playing more live shows and developing that aspect of my routine. I’m also hoping to do some collaboration work with some other artists I’ve encountered along the way, and see if I can get a couple of music videos pumped out in the next year as well. Either way you look at it, my future looks busy, but I enjoy the work a lot. - Indie Band Guru

Question : Please introduce yourself to our readers ?

Answer : Hi there! My name is Bishop Battle, and I’m a recording artist out of Cincinnati, Ohio. I’ve kind of been all over the place in my life, and try to incorporate as much life experience as possible in my music: I grew up in a rural farming community in northwest Florida, and was a Marine with two tours to Iraq; a college football player, and a professional actor, appearing in television shows such as Criminal Minds and The Unit. I have also taught high school English, and obtained a degree in Theatre Performance from Florida A&M University.

Question : Who or what inspired you to get into the music industry?

Answer : I’m not sure anything really brought me to the industry necessarily, but I have always loved music. The first time I remember singing in public was at a Christmas Party in my home, where “Look Away” by Chicago was playing on the radio when I was 8, and I got the guts to start singing along in my living room. Before I knew it, the room was quiet, and they were all listening to me. I’ve loved performing ever since. As a vocal music major in college, I taught myself how to play the guitar after being taught keyboard harmony in college, and have since learned other instruments to try and become a more intelligent songwriter, as well as a more well-rounded musician.

Question : Tell us about your newest single “THE RANSOM(Part 1)” ?

Answer : I always loved the notion of a concept album, and I love film plots, so I figured I would try to start my own series of continuous story telling over the course of time and combine the two. I plan to release sequels to Part 1 of The Ransom, compounding on a complex plot conveying an emotional story. Part 1 was interesting because I had a big origin story to tell with limited syllables to do so, which I had to rely also on the musical energy to shape the tale into fruition in order to allow the motivations behind the characters to begin to develop. Part 1 may insinuate by the end of the song that the story is over, but unfortunately for the characters, it’s only just beginning…

Question : What kind of responses are you receiving from the release?

Answer : People seem to be pleased with the vocal performance foremost, and I’ve heard very good feedback stating the musical choices were very interesting, almost out of place with what you would expect given the direct lyrical content. I found this to be very encouraging, because I needed a very multi-faceted approach to really bring the true purpose of this song to culmination, and the feedback indicates I at least came close to achieving what I set out to do. The lyrics should tell the story, while the vocal portrayal and musical delivery give it life.

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Question : From what we have heard from you so far your music has several genre classifications. What genre do you consider yourself & whats your favorite music genre?

Answer : I was hoping you could tell me! I have influences all over the place, from my beloved Radiohead, even back to Beethoven or Schubert. For the time being, if I had to choose a sub-genre, I suppose Electropop. Rock music was my first love, but I really love music from many genres, and learn so much from diversifying my listening experiences from time to time. I’m new to being a solo artist, so I fully expect to grow and evolve over time.

Question : What’s the best part of being a music artist?

Answer : This may sound like platitude, but I really enjoy creating, and sharing those creations with anyone who will listen. This is one of the most accurate ways I’m able to express myself, which is why I often don’t share what my songs are about: Not only are many of these close to me and what I feel, but I like giving the listener an opportunity to develop and nurture their own feelings as they listen; whether it be love, excitement, or even pain. Everyone deserves to process music in the way it speaks to them, as I have done with many songs growing up myself.

Question : What are your goals as an artist & what do you want to achieve?

Answer : In the end, I want what every artist wants: I want to be heard, I want to share what I create, and I want to spend every moment I can doing what I love. It’s an unfortunate but honest fact this is a business, so in that regard, I want to build my brand to make it an independently productive commodity, which will enable me to spend more time on my labor of love, which is the music itself. I’d love to get to the point where I’m able to also dabble in other areas, such as getting back into acting, or film scoring. I also understand that the gains are often small, but persistence and dilligence go a long way.

Question : Are you working on any new project?

Answer : I’m always working on something! I have several singles in production, but have been touring a lot lately, so I plan to release my next single by the end of the fall. It’s one I have been performing live, which is nice because it gives me a chance to think of how I want to develop it in the studio. The single is called “Underrated,” and although it’s close, I just get the feeling I’m missing something with it, and am taking my time with it. The song has been well received live, so I just want to make sure it lives up to it’s potential in the studio. - Sounds & Track Magazine