Poppy – ‘A Quick Q&A with the Unrelenting Force of the Alternative Scene’
It’ll be just over 5 years when Poppy makes her way back down under for THE tour to kickstart 2025 supporting Bad Omens alongside House Of Protection. In that time, the alternative force of nature has released four albums, scored a Grammy nomination and took the world by storm when she teamed up with Knocked Loose for a live rendition of ‘Suffocate‘ on Jimmy Kimmel.
Poppy has done more for the heavy//alternative scene since her arrival in 2018 than most bands could ever achieve in their entire careers – and to say we were stoked to have a quick chat with her would be an understatement.
Hook into our chat and learn a thing or two about what’s yet to come from the heavy music scene’s white unicorn…
Hey Poppy welcome back to Wall Of Sound. We’re excited to see you back in Australia for the first time since Good Things Fest 2019 – do you have a core memory from that tour you can share with us?
I remember walking through Melbourne alone and I bought a pair of boots at a vintage store, and also a bird light. Also the first time I saw Rowing in a pit was during my set there.
Photo Gallery by Luke Sutton @lukeasutton
Since your debut in the heavy/alternative scene with ‘X’ in 2018, you’ve been an unrelenting force unlike any before you. Your inexhaustible approach to doing what you want on YOUR terms is inspiring. What fuels this motivation?
For me it’s about what I want to see myself do next, and staying inspired – it starts and ends there. I am always weary of people who say “I know what I am doing, trust me”. I don’t think anyone knows what they’re doing, so it’s more about clearing the path for you to experiment with people who are aligned with you. That’s what I love the most about making things.
From that initial single, we’ve witnessed the rise of Poppy through your music and the personal accolades and accomplishments that came along with it. From an artist’s perspective, do you have a definitive goal in your career trajectory or are you happy to go with the flow taking in every experience as it comes?
I have ideas of what I’d like to see happen, that gives me direction and a center, but I’m not great at articulating it – I’d rather do it.
The progression between I Disagree, Flux, Zig and now Negative Spaces has seen you dip your toes in different styles and creativity without compromising your authenticity. Is that a difficult task to balance or does having no constraints or preconceived expectations allow you to flourish more as an artist?
Im not quite sure what the expectation is of me, to analyze that seems like a trap. I am very decisive when I see something I like and am drawn towards, whatever may come next remains to be seen.
The heavy scene watched in awe as you and Knocked Loose brought hardcore to the mainstream on Jimmy Kimmel. Now the dust has settled, what’s the biggest take you have from the experience?
My producer Jordan [Fish] was with me that day, and I remember coming inside from the performance, and I’m walking to my green room and he’s right behind me and said “I think that was important.” And I chuckled but I felt that way too. Maybe one of my favorite memories so far.
Would you like to see more mainstream outlets following suit and opening their platforms to heavier acts?
It could be nice, but it seems far fetched – mainstream shuns what they don’t understand, They always want an explanation, I don’t like explaining.
From the outside, your upcoming Australian Tour with Bad Omens and House Of Protection looks more like a friend’s vacation down under than “work”. What are you most looking forward to on this visit with the boys?
Exactly that! Australia with your best friends, who wouldn’t want that?
You’ve collaborated musically with both bands on previous releases [‘V.A.N’ and ‘Scary Mask’ in particular]. Would it be foolish to assume these tracks will be getting a live rendition with guest appearances?
There is potential.
For those who haven’t discovered them yet, what’s two things that make House of Protection a must-listen-to act ahead of the tour?
Their energy is big and their hooks are too.
Lastly, what is your best advice going into 2025?
Do something you didn’t do last year!
Interview by Paul ‘Browny’ Brown @brownypaul
Poppy‘s new album Negative Spaces is out now – stream here
Catch Poppy touring with Bad Omens and House Of Protection in January 2025
Tickets here
Bad Omens – goodbye, friend Australian Tour
with Poppy and House Of Protection
Jan 22th at Festival Hall, Melbourne – NEW SHOW
Jan 23th at festival Hall, Melb – SOLD OUT
Jan 25th at Riverstage, Brisbane
Jan 28th at Hordern Pavilion, Syd – SOLD OUT
Jan 29th at Hordern Pavilion, Sydney – NEW SHOW
