Ron Pope

Ronald Michael "Ron" Pope (born July 23, 1983) is an American pop and rock singer-songwriter. He was raised in Marietta, Georgia, United States,^[1] and is currently based in New York City. In 2005 he wrote the internet hit "A Drop in the Ocean" with Zach Berkman. Its success led to Pope pursuing a career as a solo artist; his music is now recognized internationally.

Background and career

Pope was raised in the Atlanta suburb of Marietta. There he attended East Cobb Middle School and Joseph Wheeler High School.^[2] He began playing the guitar at an early age due to an obsession with Bruce Springsteen and became more serious with the talent in high school where he formed various bands.

After high school, he attended Rutgers University for two years to play baseball.^[3] After a career-ending injury, he transferred to New York University in 2003 to pursue his other passion, music. After joining a songwriting circle with fellow students, he met friends and future band mates, Zach Berkman and Paul Hammer. From there, they created The District with Chris Kienel, Will Frish and Mike Clifford. Following success as a college band, the band toured America for two years and recorded three albums: The District, The District Does Christmas, and Last Call. In December 2010, The District reunited to record "Wellfleet"^[4]

In March 2008, Pope performed on MTV's TRL as a featured up-and-coming artist.^[5] Independently, he wrote, produced, and released four full-length albums: Daylight (2008), The Bedroom Demos (2009), Goodbye, Goodnight (2009) and Hello, Love (2010).

In May 2009, Pope signed a year-long recording contract with record label Universal Republic,^[6][3] with whom he released two singles, "A Drop in the Ocean" and "I Believe". After leaving the label he has produced & released his music independently.

Television placements

Pope performed on MTV’s TRL in March 2008. He has had two songs placed on FOX's So You Think You Can Dance^[7] in both Canada and the US. He was featured in the season three premiere of The Vampire Diaries on The CW. "A Drop in the Ocean" was performed on the UK television show Made in Chelsea by the British reality star Caggie Dunlop, and also in the fourth season of 90210. He also guest starred in season 3 episode 17 of Nashville (2012 TV series)

Reviews

Pope has received various reviews complimenting both his songwriting and guitar playing. "…he is a sentimentalist who can rip a guitar to shreds" wrote one critic.^[8] Another noted, "This fresh talent, purely through word of mouth, is already catching the attention of many".^[9] Another stated, "the mesmerizing words that softly pour out of his mouth are powerful enough to silence even the loudest crowds at any given venue."^[5] Other notable press quotes include:

• "...Atlanta succeeds with its memorable melodies - arpeggiated ballad "I Do Not Love You", the moody picking of "October Trees" and anthemic anthem "City in Motion", are pop with heart and soul" - Total Guitar

• "The Georgia native has not only taken the failing music industry by storm and given it a new (and refreshing) light, but has given those who dream about finding success through heartfelt and genuinely good music a revitalized sense of hope." - The Berklee Groove

• "The success of internet sensation Ron Pope makes it clear that it's time to stop mourning the death of the music industry and celebrate instead the arrival of a new generation of self-empowered musicians." - Daily Mirror

• "...full of delightful feelings of musical euphoria in songs such as “Lick My Wounds” and “Empty Page” before switching to delicate masterings like “Explain” or “Silver Spoon”, each of which could respectively silence an arena. It’s music wizardry and Pope’s vocals stand on par with the greats that have been years before." - Gigging Northern Ireland

Discography

References

External links

• Official website
• Ron Pope profile on TheMusicNinja