An Exclusive Interview with Buford Pope

What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in music initially? Was there a specific moment or experience that fueled your passion?

“My musical journey began in a record store at the age of 15. A friend introduced me to Bob Dylan, and his singing left me completely blown away. I had never experienced anything like it before. While I continued to listen to his music, it took another 15 years before I gathered the confidence to start composing my own songs.”

Could you characterize your musical style and the genre(s) you associate with? Are there specific artists or musicians who have played a significant role in shaping your sound?

By listening to the songs of Bob Dylan I discovered other great storytellers, such as Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, The Band, Tom Petty, to name a few, they have all shaped my style and I have borrowed a lot of their skills, but hopefully it all comes out sounding like me. Up until today, I have released nine albums, and I’m currently in the final stages of completing my tenth. I’d say that the sound might differ a bit from every album, the only thing that is the same is probably my songs.

Share with us the inspiration behind your most recent single. What triggered the creative process for this specific piece?

” My most recent single is titled “If The Blues Were Gone” and can be found on the album “A Brand New Leaf.” It primarily explores hard times and setbacks in life, emphasizing the importance of appreciating the good moments. I went through a period of indifference, and when I finally turned over a new leaf, I took a deep breath and wrote this song. ”

In what way do you anticipate your latest song resonating with your existing fan base and attracting new listeners? What message or emotions do you aim for listeners to glean from the song?

” That is hard to pinpoint, as people interpret music in their own ways. If a listener can resonate with the message and enjoy the sound, I’d be more than happy. In my view, it’s impossible to convey something authentically without drawing from personal experiences. I strive to comprehend the subject matter thoroughly, making it difficult to have a specific aim; I hope I don’t come across as too dull. ”

How does this track contribute to the overarching narrative or theme of your upcoming album or project?


” Overall, I believe the album title “A Brand New Leaf” captures the emotion, despite only a few songs being written before the decision to turn them into an album. ”

Maintaining creativity and motivation can be challenging. Do you have any rituals or habits that you find instrumental in sustaining your artistic drive?

” I went through a period where, every time I had writer’s block, I bought a new guitar. I finally realized I had to stop doing that. My drive comes from life itself and how challenging it can be just being alive. The best way for me to release that tension is to write about it. I have a lot of songs that probably only worked as meditation, and I don’t have any plans to let them go. ”

Do you have any upcoming projects or releases that you’re particularly enthusiastic about? Can you offer any teasers or details?

“I’m in the final stages of completing my tenth album; the recording will hopefully start this spring, and I’m really excited about it. I don’t have any teasers that are listenable, and the details are something that you will hopefully take your time to find out.

Thanks for having me in this interview; I really enjoyed answering these questions, and I sincerely appreciate your support.”

www.bufordpope.com

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