Hiya Poppy thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.

What made you decide that music is a thing for you?

To be honest, there wasn’t a point where i decided, it has been a natural progression for me. At heart I would say I am a multi skilled Performer.

Introduce us to you all and your musical history.

Over the years I have trained and worked on various projects in the world of performing. My journey in music started when me and a friend started Northern Soul DUO and Band Sal & Pops/ Passion and The Veins (band) Over this time they accumulated over 3.7 million views across their YouTube channel, has worked with Cosmos Music Label and released singles with The Northern Soul Orchestra, which have been played on Radio 6 Craig Charles Funk and Soul show, Radio London and Radio Stoke to name a few.

When the pandemic lockdown hit, it was the perfect time for me to start spreading my creative wings as a songwriter. I was seen or should we say heard, by a couple of local musicians who then asked me to join forces and so the band ‘Yoodoo Voodoo’ was formed, the music was all original, inspired by disco, soul, funk, 90s Madchester, 80s pop and soul.

Now i writing and producing my own music with Scott Evans a local producer. Lyrically and musically id say they are songs diverse. Lyrically i tough on many subjects, personal, general life and humanity. I keep an open mind, listen and read different opinions and views, with all the changes and challenges the world throws at us its the way

What was life like for you before music?

I am from Stoke on Trent, with very close family routes, i am the middle of 3 sisters. As a family we were all heavily into sports, i did gymnastics, acrobatics and netball. Later, it was my mum that saw my talent  and love for music, dancing, acting and singing therefore guided me into the path of performing, i auditioned and gained parts in local productions/shows from the age of 11, then went on to train at college and university in musical theatre. Musical theatre was never the route i wanted to take, it was either, actress or singer. After leaving Uni that was when my northern soul journey started.

What’s the biggest thing you have learned from someone else in the industry? 

I have never met him but Jim Carrey is someone i have learnt a lot from, watching clips of him, giving advice etc. Its shone a light on who i am as a person and the reason i do what i do. He said he realised he performed, made people laugh to “FREE them FROM CONCERN”. I realised that i do that and get so much out of seeing people happy and laughing. We all have a character/s we play in daily life depending on what we do and who we are with. The complexity of humans really fascinates me. 

The place i feel most freedom is on stage. Before, i do get extremely nervous but as soon as the music kicks in I’m at home. 

What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?

A song????? i can’t say a song but an artist has got to be Beyonce I was obsessed as a teenager. Still listen to her now but not as much. 

right now I’ve been majorly inspired by an independent artist, called Ren, love his lyrics and message.

 Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?

So in my career I would say I’m at the best place I’ve been, over the years I’ve learnt so much from people I’ve worked with and connected with. But now it’s the right time for my solo era. I have struggled with confidence and believing in the ability I have. We all have the little monkey in our head telling us we aren’t good enough. Don’t get me wrong it comes back now and again but not as much anymore. I really can’t wait for people to see and hear the new music I have coming up. I’d love to tour in different countries with my music. Travel while working is the absolute dream!

2 truths and a lie? 

I can recite the whole of “shrek”

I went in a wheelchair to watch Lee Evans even though I didn’t need one. Because it was the only ticket left to see him 

The thought of eating chocolate makes be sick

If you could wish for one thing to aid your career what would it be?

I would love to have a good team of people around me, who’d like to work together to build a career for all parties involved. have fun a long the way, guide, teach and keep each other motivated. 

Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….

No, im not really a worrier. I tend to deal with things as and when the arise. I believe we all are entitled to an opinion. We all have different lives, different stories and reasons we believe what we do, so i don’t judge.

Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If not why not?

I believe some conspiracy theories are far fetched. However, i am very open minded, and don’t believe everything i hear. i think some people who are speaking out about certain subjects are getting labelled conspiracy theorists, but i think that’s because they’re getting to close to unveiling the truth. that’s all ill say. 

What was the worst experience on stage?

I actually haven’t had a bad experience while performing as Poppy Blond. But as a young performer i did once have a coughing fit and had tears streaming down my face.

Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about. 

I’m such an open person i don’t think there’s much people don’t know about me, maybe the fact i love stand up comedy, i would have loved to be one, maybe i will when im older.

What are the next steps you plan to take as a band to reach the next level?

GIG GIG GIG. Personally performing live is what i love best. We’ve started to live in a digital world so getting people back together in a room is what its all about. I really hope community spirit doesn’t die out and we can keep supporting each other in person and not just behind a screen. From experience watching a gig or show is something we all need. An hour or two of escapism is so important.

Whats your thoughts on Elon Musks contribution to the world?

Not going to lie, i don’t know too much about him, I have watched a few of his interviews and he seems alright. I hope he has good intentions, just hope we don’t all have to have robots doing everything for us and end up becoming couch potatoes. with no purpose.

I hear you have a new music, what can you tell us about it.

I do indeed this one is called Misty Blue Eyes. It starts with a phone call to someone who isn’t picking up. Who is it? Well, I have had a few experiences where people can’t or won’t look at me in the eyes, and have seemed to focus on other physical aspects of my body. So finding someone who isn’t scared to look deeper is very important. For me, when it comes to connection with a partner, it’s all about the eyes. The eyes are the key into someone’s soul, helping to determine your connection.

So could it be Misty blue eyes who has found the key to mine?

What was the recording process like?

A couple of different ways.

One process, begins with myself putting a demo together, either using garage band samples or playing a SIMPLE bass line (im not a bass player). Then I send them over toScott (Producer) who produces the music behind the songs.

Process number 2 starts with Scott creating the music and then me writing the lyrics.coming together to then listen, change, repeat until it’s where I want it to be. It’s great working with someone who understands you. I have also found that gigging unreleased songs is so important, as its helped guide a couple of my songs into a better place. I can’t want for you to hear them.

What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?

How much gigging them a couple of times first helps a lot, to hear how they sound and feel when performing them on stage is very important. i have come up with new melodies and lyrics while on stage, its great. see what works and what doesn’t, how the audience react and get their feedback to is majorly important.

Would you change anything now it’s finished?

Nope, no point regretting it, its out there. Let’s see what people think.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?

The Names BLOND… Poppy Blond

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The post RGM INTRODUCING – WE INTERVIEW POPPY BLONDE WHAT HAPPENED? first appeared on RGM : REYT GOOD MAGAZINE.