Spotlight on...Andrew Bishop--the King of Cool

Author: Lucie Greene

Andrew Bishop '05 seems to be one of those people who simply epitomizes "cool."
You know? The sort of person who, with casual indifference, manages to display a skill for singing and performance, possess a distinct gritty voice with amazing stage presence and then - almost by accident - perform in one of the most-followed groups on campus, Penelope. The band has that rare quality of mystery - everyone knows Penelope, everyone is impressed with their music, and yet band members appear restrained in the amount of exposure they allow.
This point, however, looks only to have worked in their favor, instilling a popular recognition for the group as being on a higher level than what you would normally expect from a typical college band - and all this with a degree of elusiveness that ensures that they are continually sought after.
The Middlebury Campus attempted the same level of composure and aforementioned "cool" upon meeting with Bishop, Penelope's lead singer, in The Grille. He arrived on time, looking casually yet glamorously unkempt, ready to talk.
His image stood in bleak contrast, however, to the vision of a post-gym complexioned interviewer, complete with uncoordinated outfit and sneakers pouring out of a sports bag. Not, shall we say, quite achieving that goal.
The Middlebury Campus: So Andrew, where are you from?
Andrew Bishop: I'm from New York City.
The Campus: How did you first get into music? Did you have any formal music education at all?
A.B.: Well, when I was in fourth grade, my mother made me join the choir at school.
I went to an Episcopalian school that used to be an all-boys choir school. So I sang with them every Sunday in a little soprano voice.
The Campus: I see. So how did you get involved when you first came to Middlebury College? How did you form Penelope?
A.B.: At the end of last year, I met this kid, Allen Wilcox '04.5, and we exchanged a lot of music - you know, different bands, artists that we liked - and we found a lot of parallels. We e-mailed a couple times over the summer, and when we got back to school, I met a lot of Allen's friends who were serious about starting a band. I guess we just started practicing together. I don't really remember vividly how we "took off." It just seemed like a very natural development.
The Campus: I suppose it helps that you all get along so well.
A.B.: Yeah. I mean we're really good friends, definitely.
The Campus: And how do you think you'd categorize your style?
A.B.: I don't really want to box us into a specific genre. And to be honest, I can't. I just don't know what we are yet. I feel like the sound changes with every new wave of songs we create. We're becoming a little more interested in an indie-rock sound these days, a little heavier, but I don't know. At times we just want to drop beats.
The Campus: You're also quite distinctive with your use of electronic music, aren't you?
A.B.: Yeah, definitely.
The Campus: OK, so what would you say were your major influences?
A.B.: Uh, God. (Look of exasperation). All of the music I own. "Yo La Tengo," "Built to Spill," "Pavement," "The Cure." God, there are so many! I'm not sure!
The Campus: And what about you specifically? Who do you aspire to, or even just admire as a singer?
A.B.: I don't know. (Looks pained). Thom York is a GOD, but don't put that because it sounds so clichÈ. I just think he's really good. Morrissey! (Relief).
There's one. In terms of music, I suppose I'm into good independent rock. But I feel like I'm really eclectic... Ian Curtis! There's another one. (Looks embarrassed to be comparing himself to people of this caliber, which is ironic, given that his voice is actually pretty good).
The Campus: There definitely seems to be a real emphasis on the music being professional, and of a really high standard in the band. Would you say that was true?
A.B.: Yes, I'd say so. We don't ever really wanna release anything until it's really polished. Although it's not always the case - we have these three songs right now that we're playing around with for the Sepomana festival that are fairly open. I feel like we just feel better spending more time on things, to be satisfied with ourselves.
The Campus: So do you write a lot of your own stuff, or is it mainly covers?
A.B.: We do about five covers but the rest is all us.
The Campus: Who does most of the writing?
A.B.: Lyrically, it's split between me an Al, but he writes the music. I mean, I've only had my guitar a few months and I'm just getting into the stage where I can play along.
The Campus: Wow, and sing at the same time? (OK, given, that's a stupid question. It just occurs that this must actually be more difficult than it looks and the words just spill out).
A.B.: Yeah, I know.
The Campus: You're obviously very popular here. Where can you see this all heading?
A.B.: All I know is that the amount of dedication in this band is astounding. Sometimes I get this weird pang of fear that I am the only one who wants something serious to develop out of this band, but then I realize how much and for how long these guys have wanted this. They have incredible commitment to making music. And I think if we keep that mindset, we can pretty much do anything.
The Campus: There was rumor of you guys recording an album. Do you think that will happen?
A.B.: Well right now, we all want to, so that's a good sign. All the guys have been in various bands before, but since coming here and being in Penelope I think they feel like they're reaching new levels, or the level they'd all wanted to be at anyway.
The Campus: Well, good luck.
A.B.: Thanks.
"Penelope" will be at the Sepomana festival on Saturday, May 3.