Bishop Briggs: The Forceful Voice of Alternative Pop

Bishop Briggs is a British-born singer and songwriter known for her powerful, soul-infused vocals and dark, percussive alternative pop anthems. Her raw energy and distinctive sound, anchored by hits like River, propelled her to international recognition following its viral success in 2016.

Early Career

Born Sarah Grace McLaughlin in 1992, she spent her early childhood in London before moving to Tokyo and later Hong Kong, where she began performing in local clubs. Adopting the stage name Bishop Briggs, a nod to her parents' hometown in Scotland, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue music, uploading early demos online that quickly captured industry attention.

Breakthrough

Bishop Briggs' career ignited in 2016 with the release of her debut single River. The track's inclusion in a Chevrolet commercial and subsequent viral momentum led to a major label deal with Island Records. The song's success was cemented by a platinum certification in the United States and set the stage for her first major project.

Key Tracks

River - The explosive 2016 single that served as her breakthrough, showcasing her commanding voice over minimalist, stomping production.

Wild Horses - A defiant and anthemic track that further established her signature blend of dark pop and soulful intensity.

White Flag - This 2018 single highlighted a more melodic, expansive side of her songwriting while retaining her characteristic emotional power.

Champion - A later release that embodies her themes of inner strength and resilience, featuring driving beats and soaring vocals.

Her debut album, Church of Scars, arrived in 2018, presenting a cohesive collection of her gritty, gospel-tinged alternative pop. Bishop Briggs followed this with her second studio album, Champion, in 2019, which explored themes of personal struggle and empowerment. After parting ways with her major label, she embraced independent artistry, releasing the introspective EP When Everything Went Dark in 2022.

Fans of Bishop Briggs' potent blend of dark pop and soulful delivery might also appreciate the work of Florence + The Machine, known for dramatic, harp-driven art rock and powerful vocals. The emotive, genre-blending approach of Halsey also shares common ground with Briggs' style. For listeners drawn to raw, confessional lyricism and minimalist production, Billie Eilish presents a compelling parallel in modern pop.

The music of Bishop Briggs, with its anthemic qualities and emotional depth, finds a natural home on alternative and modern rock radio formats, as well as on curated playlists focusing on powerful female vocalists and genre-defying pop.

Listeners can explore the compelling discography of Bishop Briggs, from River to her latest independent work, through the radio stations featured here on OnAirium.com.