For those people that haven’t heard of you before could you tell us a bit about yourself your story?
Hi, I’m Chris Pope, songwriter, singer & guitarist with The Chords UK …I originally started with The Chords. We formed in 1978 in South East London.
The band went onto Make 7 Top 75 singles & a Top 30 album for Polydor Records 1979 – 81.
I went onto form ‘Gatecrash Heaven’ in the 80’s. We based ourselves in NYC 88- 89 and also lived & worked in LA.
Over the last 15 years I’ve made 3 Albums as Pope/Chris Pope :
- Grace of God
- Tall Tales & Cheap Thrills
- ‘Peace Of Mind’
Since 2015 I’ve been working with The Chords UK. We’ve released 2 albums
- ‘ Take On life'(2016) & ‘
- Nowhere Land'(2018)
- 2 EP’s ‘
- Get Famous'(2015) &
- ‘ The British Way Of Life (2019) ‘
Who inspired you to get on stage and perform?
Seeing The Who in 1974 made me want to pick up a guitar, learn to play, form a band & write songs.
Are there any particular artists or albums that have stuck with you and informed your sound?
Yes.. A lot of 60’s /70’s British acts (The Beatles, The Kinks, David Bowie, The Clash)
Albums wise: Dylan, Springsteen, Tom Petty and the above already listed ..
Could you tell us a bit about the writing/recording of “Now It’s Gone”?
It was the first song I ever wrote in the summer of 78. Originally released in the summer of 79.
Re-recorded in 2019 by The Chords UK. A harder more ‘in your face’ version .. how the band play it live nowadays.
A song about a girl I knew back when I was 15 -16. Remembering our relationship, what we made of it all and how we drifted apart.
What is the most interesting venue you have performed at?
The Rainbow Theatre, London … CBGB’s NYC
What do you think makes a good live performance?
Power, energy, delivery and honesty!
What do you think is missing from today’s music industry?
Melody & more guitar-based music.
Here at Artistic Echoes, we are always on the lookout for new artists do you have anyone to recommend?
The Theme and The Aim ( both London based acts)
What plans do you have for the rest of the year?
Recording The Chords UK’s third album.
Playing all The Chords ‘So far Away ‘ album on its 40th-anniversary tour.
Find Out More:
Website: http://popemusic.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChordsUK
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/thechordsuk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrispope99
