Interview with Buford Pope
Buford Pope is a folk singer.
Why did you want to do music professionally?
"My genuine passion for music began in a record store when I was 15 years old. A friend introduced me to Bob Dylan, and I was completely captivated. Through his music, I discovered other remarkable storytellers. However, it wasn't until another 15 years later that I began composing my own music. To date, I have released nine albums, and I'm currently in the final stages of completing my tenth."
What inspires your music?
" I draw inspiration from various aspects of life, including movies, stories, and conversations with everyday people. Additionally, music serves as a significant source of inspiration for me."
What things get you in the mood to write songs or do lyrics come spontaneously?
"I almost always write music, and I have about a hundred unfinished songs just waiting to be penned down. That's a good thing if you ever get writer's block."
How do you want your music to affect people?
"It's impossible for me to predict how people should be affected by my music; we all have our own way of interpreting what we hear and see. If someone could relate to a specific song and find comfort listening to it, that would make me very happy."
Do you test out your songs before releasing them? How do you do this?
" No I don't, and I don't think I ever will do that, it's my art, created from myself and my thoughts and how I perceive things. "
How do you prepare for a gig?
" I still love everything about a gig, from packing the bag and tuning the guitar, to bring out the cords and do the soundcheck. I always take a moment before showtime to go through the lyrics in my head, so I can stay focused.
What is your favorite song that you've written?
"I think that favorite songs always appear on the album you're working on. I've got a few on my upcoming album that I'm really excited about releasing."
Has there been a reaction to one of your songs that you've been surprised by?
"I once received emails from a lady asking about a song that I performed. She mentioned having a special connection to it, saying it reminded her of herself. She continued sending emails that eventually became very personal."
What are some ways that you promote yourself?
"I'm quite lazy when it comes to social media and promoting myself. I suppose I'm content with just being able to write songs and play my shows. Nowadays, you can find everything online if you dig deep enough; that's how I discover my favorite artists."
What would you say has been the biggest challenge of your career?
Teaming up with the wrong individuals is probably something that every independent artist has to deal with. I went through a period when I constantly made wrong decisions, maybe because I was also an easy prey craving more attention."
What have been your favorite places to tour?
"I have had the opportunity to tour in many countries, and one of my favorite places is Italy. Many people are into my genre, and it's amazing to travel the landscape from town to town, playing music, enjoying tasty food, and savoring great wine."
Are there advantages to being an independent musician?
"I've always been independent, even though I once tried hard to sign with a bigger label. No one can tell me what I should or should not do, and that's essential to me. If I can't go my own way, I don't think I could maintain the level of creativity I have. Writing music brings me joy, but with pressure from others, I don't think it would be as fulfilling. I initially picked up a guitar because I felt I had something to say, and that feeling still persists. When I receive appreciation from others, I save it like currency in my bank, withdrawing it when I need it.
Thank you for having me in this interview; I sincerely appreciate it."