So I am SUPER excited to be publishing this post because the one and only Ron Pope was able to answer some of my questions!

I’ve been a fan of his music for a long time so I’m over the moon about this 🙂

So if you’re having a really chilled sunday and want some afternoon reading then check this out!

I hope you guys enjoy!

When did you first get into writing songs?

‘I started messing around writing songs with my friend Chris when we were maybe 12 or 13. He’d come by my house with his classical guitar and we’d try to figure it out. Our first tune was called “Up In The Night.” It sucked. Then I wrote other songs that sucked for a long, long time.’

Do you have a routine with writing songs? Is it lyrics or music first?

‘I don’t have a set process. Sometimes it’s a lyric, sometimes it’s a melody or a guitar riff or some little piano part. I’m not precious with it; my songs come from all sorts of different places.’

What inspires you to write?

‘Depends on the song. Sometimes it’s a real life experience that I’m narrating from point A to point B; other times it has to do with a particular idea or emotion I want to get across. Sometimes it’s just a feel or a musical thing I want to explore.’

Do you have a favourite track of yours? If so what is it?

‘Right now, I am really having fun playing “Let’s Get Stoned.” That’s probably my favorite tune to play.’

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

‘We played on a tribute for Aretha Franklin earlier this year at Carnegie Hall. During the encore, I felt a big hand on my back. I turned to my left and there was Sam Moore with his arm around me. We sang harmonies into the same microphone during “Respect.” That was pretty surreal. I was like “Oh my God, am I a soul man? I feel like this means I’m a soul man!” “Hold On I’m Comin” and “Soul Man” are two of the touchstones in my life. I felt like the coolest person in the world and like a complete nerd all at the same time.’

What artist/band inspired you to start writing your own music?

‘Too many to name. I always wanted to write tunes and so many artists inspired and continue to inspire me.’

If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be?

‘Alive or dead? Hendrix, without question.’

How would you describe your music in 3 words to someone that hasn’t heard it?

‘Absolutely not reggae.’

If you weren’t a musician what career path would you have chosen?

‘I don’t really have any other skills; I’d be screwed if this didn’t work out. I just knocked on wood.’

What advice would you give someone who is wanting to start writing and releasing their own music?

‘Start by doing something good. If you’re writing songs, wait to release them until you believe what you’re doing is competitive with the artists you look up to. That’s who you’re competing with. You’re not trying to be the best songwriter in Atlanta; you’re trying to become peers with your idols. Don’t jump out of the gate too early; once you release music, it never goes away. Take time and hone your craft.’

Where do you see your music in 10 years time?

‘I hope that we keep reaching more people each year. I’m going to keep making records and touring. I will do what I do to the best of my ability until I can’t anymore. In ten years, I’d like to be more or less just like I am now, but better at all the things I do.’

 

If you want to check out Ron Pope there are some links below to his pages and music;

Official Website – Click here

Facebook – Click here

Instagram – Click here 

YouTube – Click here 

I hope you enjoyed this blog and I will see you soon with another one x