Sarah Grace McLaughlin, better known by her stage name Bishop Briggs, is a British-American singer and songwriter who has made a name for herself in the alternative music scene. Her single “River” peaked at number 3 on the US Alternative Chart and has been streamed more than 485 million times on Spotify. She has also released two albums, Church of Scars and Champion, that showcase her powerful vocals and emotional lyrics. But who is Sarah Grace McLaughlin, and how did she become Bishop Briggs? Here is a brief overview of her life and career.
Early Life and Influences
Sarah Grace McLaughlin was born in London on July 18, 1992, to Scottish parents from the town of Bishopbriggs, which later inspired her stage name. When she was four years old, she moved to Tokyo with her family, where she sang in public for the first time at a karaoke bar. She realized she wanted to be a performer and started writing her own songs at the age of seven. She moved to Hong Kong at the age of 10, where she lived until she was 18. She continued to pursue music throughout her youth, participating in school talent shows and performances. After graduating from Hong Kong International School, she moved to Los Angeles and attended college at Musicians Institute.
Sarah Grace McLaughlin grew up listening to a variety of music genres, ranging from Motown artists to The Beatles. She was also influenced by female singers such as Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, and Amy Winehouse. She described her musical style as “trap-soul”, combining elements of hip-hop, electronic, and soul music.
Breakthrough and Success
Sarah Grace McLaughlin adopted the name Bishop Briggs in 2015, when she started performing in Los Angeles. She recorded her first single “Wild Horses” in July 2015, which gained popularity after being featured in an Acura commercial during the Super Bowl. In January 2016, she released her second single “River”, which became a viral hit on Spotify and Hype Machine. It also reached the top 10 on several Billboard charts and received critical acclaim for its catchy chorus and dynamic production.
Bishop Briggs continued to release singles throughout 2016 and 2017, such as “The Way I Do”, “Be Your Love”, “Dream”, and “White Flag”. She also toured extensively, opening for Coldplay, Kaleo, Alt-J, Bleachers, and Passion Pit. She made her television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in May 2016, performing “River”. She also performed at several music festivals, such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and Bonnaroo.
In April 2018, Bishop Briggs released her debut album Church of Scars, which featured 10 tracks including her previous singles. The album debuted at number 29 on the Billboard 200 and received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. It showcased Bishop Briggs’ versatility as an artist, exploring themes such as love, loss, empowerment, and resilience.
In July 2019, Bishop Briggs released her second album Champion, which featured 12 tracks including the lead single of the same name. The album was inspired by her personal experiences of heartbreak and healing. It also displayed a more pop-oriented sound than her previous work, incorporating elements of rock, R&B, and gospel. The album peaked at number 25 on the Billboard 200 and was included in The Young Folks’ Top 50 albums of the year.
Personal Life and Tragedy
Bishop Briggs is married to musician Landon Jacobs, whom she met in college. They have a son together, who was born in August 2022. They announced their pregnancy in a Paper Magazine interview, which also featured a maternity photoshoot.
Bishop Briggs faced a devastating loss in January 2021, when her sister Kate died of ovarian cancer at the age of 30. She had been diagnosed the previous summer and passed away on January 19, 2021. Bishop Briggs shared the news on social media with a home video of her sister, writing “I miss you” with crying emojis.
Bishop Briggs honored her sister’s memory through song, releasing two singles dedicated to her: “High Water” and “The Art of Survival”. She told Nylon that Kate was “the biggest ray of light” who walked in gratitude every day. She also said that even though she’s no longer with her sister physically, she knows that she’s not alone.
Future Plans and Projects
Bishop Briggs continues to make music and perform for her fans around the world. In May 2023, she announced that she was going on tour with Mister Wives later that year. She also hinted at working on new music in an Instagram post.
Bishop Briggs is a talented and inspiring singer and songwriter who has overcome many challenges and achieved many successes in her career. She is also a loving and devoted mother, wife, and sister who cherishes her family and friends. Sarah Grace McLaughlin is more than just Bishop Briggs, she is a champion.
