Prince Bishop

Prince Bishop as a band name might give you the wrong impression. Perhaps it sounds like a move in a game of chess or even a character from Game of Thrones. However, it’s a name that pays homage to the area from which the band originates. That being the North-East of England, or County Durham to be precise.

Those from the area or who have visited the historic city of Durham will know that it is referred to as the Land of the Prince Bishops. “It’s about local history and the kind of religious history and the Prince Bishops,” said frontman Ben Trenerry. “I’ve always had a thing about regal band names like Prince or Queen, and I just kind of wanted to say something about where we’re from.” A fitting tribute to the majestic Northern area. Ben adds: “When we recorded the album, we didn’t even have a name for the band settled. It was just that I had some songs. I had some friends who I had played with in other bands. I’ve done a lot of solo stuff prior to recording, and it just naturally came together.”

It’s still early days for the project, who following the release of their new album All Is Due, are looking to make their live debut soon. “We’ve reconvened this year. We finished the album off before the pandemic,” said Ben. “Between finishing the album, we had a bit of an issue with line-ups. So, we got a new line-up together and got all that formalised, and up and running. Then, of course, the pandemic hit, and it was like - oh, my goodness, what does this mean? It’s taken us a bit of a while to get going again.”

With a regrouped band and a new album in the bag, it’s all systems go for Prince Bishop. “We’re chuffed to be back rehearsing and playing regular. We’re dead excited about having the album out in November,” said Ben. “It’s just lovely to share the music. We’ve no expectation and no idea what people will think.”

PRINCE BISHOP

think we are probably quite a difficult band to pigeonhole into one thing or another. Which, for me, as a songwriter, is kind of the way to do it. Because why do you want to sound like anyone else.”

The artist’s songwriting has been partly inspired by his personal beliefs. “I’ve practised a form of Buddhism for about 20+ years. So, that kind of worldview that I have really informs my writing. What became the title track is the last song on the album. It felt like it represented everything that preceded this in a succinct way,” said Ben. “I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason. I think, possibly in light of what’s happened in the last couple of years, there are probably more and more people who have come around to that way of thinking.” Ben adds: “People want to see change, and I think I’m a big believer that change comes from within.”

Although Prince Bishop spans many genres and have progressive rock undertones, there is one style that resonates with the group. “I think the blues really informs everything we do. Rock music, it all comes from the blues. I don’t know, there’s something about All Is Due that feels quite bluesy. It underpins everything both sonically and thematically,” confirmed Ben. With the album release imminent, the band is looking for opportunities to perform their latest release on the road. “We were hoping to do a launch gig on the actual launch date. I’ve spoken to The Cluny in Newcastle about booking it, but unfortunately, we just couldn’t we couldn’t get everyone available on the same date. So, I think it’s probably going to be January time,” said Ben. “I can’t wait to get to gigging. I think the material really comes to life,” concluded Trenerry.

All Is Due, the debut album from Prince Bishop, will be released everywhere on Friday, 25th November.