Interview: Buford Pope

Where are you from?

” Originally, I’m from a small island in the Baltic Sea, which is part of Sweden. Now I live in the southern mainland ”

What is your earliest memory of music?

” My musical journey started in a record store when I was 15 years old. A friend of mine introduced me to Bob Dylan, and when I heard him sing, I was completely blown away. I had never heard anything like it. I continued to listen to his music and discovered other artists in his genre. However, it took me another 15 years before I had the confidence to start composing my own music ”

When did you start being an artist?

” I was very late at it, I was in my thirties ”

How would you describe your style?

” My style is probably known as Americana, it’s a lot about storytelling ”

Are there any particular themes or messages that you often explore in your music?

” Well, I write mostly about life itself and the state I’m in ”

What is the meaning behind your stage name?

” My stage name hailing from a movie, when I heard it, I thought it resonated very well with my music ”

What is the story behind your most famous song?

” It’s challenging to pinpoint my most famous song, but I’ve received positive feedback on my latest release titled ‘If The Blues Were Gone,’ featured on the album ‘A Brand New Leaf.’ The song primarily explores setbacks, emphasizing the idea that it’s impossible to appreciate the good without experiencing the bad.”

What is the hardest thing about being an artist?

“As an independent artist, you are always striving to discover new marketing partners and opportunities. However, this also makes you susceptible to being misled. I’ve personally experienced a few years of teaming up with the wrong individuals. The key is to trust your instincts. If your heart doesn’t provide guidance, listen to your gut. And if both of those sources leave you uncertain, it might be wise to heed both.”

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

” To be able to find comfort in just writing a song or sitting around with the guitar ”

What are your goals for your music career?

” To keep myself busy and play as many shows as I can, as long as it gives me that feeling that nothing else can provide.”

What do you like to do in your free time (outside of music)?

” If I wasn’t an artist, I would probably be a chef, I like being in the kitchen, listening to music and just see what comes out of the pan ”

Do you get involved with charities or causes that are important to you?

” Yes, I guess I do ”

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

” I’m a lousy speller and have a bit of dyslexia, so sometimes I change words in sentences if I don’t know how to spell them, but people probably already know that ”

What does a typical day look like for you?

” I also work with old used cars, and I’ve set up my studio in the same building. If you need to reach me, you know where to find me when I’m not on tour.”

Do you have any upcoming projects we can be excited about?

” Yes, there will be a new album out next year, and I have started performing with a new band ”

What are some of the standout tracks on your latest project?

” I was hoping you could tell me that, I’ve lived with all these tracks for a long time. But to name a few ” If The Blues Were Gone ” Childhood ” and ” Nothing In The World ”

What are your favorite topics to write about?

” Primarily about life itself, and hopefully, themes that people can relate to.”

How do you deal with creative block or artist block?

” I went through a period when I bought a new guitar every time I struggled with writer’s block, but I finally realized I had to stop doing that. Sometimes I just take a break, and sometimes you just have to dig in harder.”

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

” My granddad once told me that the best way to get to know someone is to lend them some money. He was right in many ways; you have to pay attention to whether a person is trying to take advantage of you. ”

What was the best show or tour you have ever been on?

” In 2019, I embarked on a three-week tour in the US, covering around 4000 miles. I played numerous gigs and had some live radio performances, which was amazing. However, when I was on my way back a year later, the pandemic brought it to a halt. ”

What’s been your favorite moment of your career so far? Where can people find your music online?

” My favorite moment of my career is actually right now. ”

I sincerely appreciate your support and thank you for having me in this interview

Here are some links:

www.bufordpope.com

https://www.facebook.com/bufordpope