BISHOP, Anna-Mieke

Anna-Mieke Bishop, known professionally as Anna Mieke, is an Irish alt-folk composer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Based in County Wicklow, Ireland, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the contemporary folk music scene, known for her atmospheric, landscape-driven songwriting and cosmopolitan musical influences. Before dedicating herself fully to music, Bishop pursued a diverse path, including studying biochemistry at University College Cork. Her unique approach to composition and ethnoperformance was deeply shaped by her global travels. Her musical background includes learning Māori songs while attending school in New Zealand, hitchhiking through Eastern Europe (Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria) to learn traditional regional folk songs, cycling from her home in Wicklow to the southern tip of Spain and living in Granada or playing cello in the experimental improvisation collective HEX while based in Cork. As a multi-instrumentalist, Bishop weaves intricate musical textures primarily using the Greek bouzouki, guitar, piano, and cello.

In 2020, Bishop was awarded the Next Generation Bursary Award by the Arts Council of Ireland. She frequently collaborates with high-profile artists in the Irish folk and contemporary classical scenes, including Brían Mac Gloinn (of Ye Vagabonds), Linda Buckley, and the Crash Ensemble. An active international touring artist, she has headlined tours across Europe, the UK, and North America. She has also performed as a support act for major international artists such as Wilco, Iron & Wine, Anais Mitchell, and Florist.