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:

Discography

Album Year of release
Last Call 2007
Daylight 2008
The Bedroom Demos 2009
Goodbye, Goodnight 2009
Hello, Love 2009
The New England Sessions 2010
Ron Pope Live & Unplugged in New York 2010
Whatever It Takes 2011
Atlanta 2012
Monster 2012
Calling Off The Dogs 2014

References

  1. Mosely, Davia. "Star Quality: Rocker Comes Home to Georgia on National Tour". Star Quality: Rocker Comes Home to Georgia on National Tour.
  2. Harrison, Shane. "Live Music Picks". Live Music Picks. Atlanta Journal Constitution.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Ingram, Bruce. "Internet Rock Star Ron Pope Hits the Road". Internet Rock Star Ron Pope Hits the Road.
  4. "Announcing Wellfleet From The District". Announcing Wellfleet From The District. Pop Culture Madness.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Crandall, Sarah. "Keeping The Faith: Ron Pope Relies on Fan Loyalty to Promote Music". Keeping The Faith: Ron Pope Relies on Fan Loyalty to Promote Music. Encore Online.
  6. "Ron Pope Translates Online Success Into Major Label Deal". Ron Pope Translates Online Success Into Major Label Deal.
  7. Sciarretto, Amy. "Ron Pope to Release "Whatever it Takes" on April 12th". Ron Pope to Release "Whatever it Takes" on April 12th. Artist Direct.
  8. Kaufman, Al. "CD Review: Ron Pope - Whatever it Takes". CD Review: Ron Pope - Whatever it Takes.
  9. "Ron Pope Announces New Album Whatever It Takes". Ron Pope Announces New Album, Whatever It Takes, Set for an April 12th Release.

External links