Since her viral emergence over a decade ago, Poppy has lived a thousand lives traversing pop, metal and android-like digital landscapes – and you can hear the ghost of every single one of them haunting her sixth studio album, Negative Spaces. Her most eclectic and yet still her most cohesive work, the record sees Poppy reassert why she’s one of the biggest artists in heavy music today, wrapped in production by ex-Bring Me The Horizon member Jordan Fish. Before heading to Australia later this month for a hotly anticipated run of dates with alt contemporaries Bad Omens, Poppy answered a round of questions for us on her latest evolution, her surreal variety show Improbably Poppy and her discerning relationship with the online world.
Who is the Poppy on Negative Spaces compared to the Poppy who first started out? How do you feel you’ve changed or stayed the same as an artist and as a person through that evolution?
This Poppy is the one that just released an album called Negative Spaces. There is always a before and an after. The “during” doesn’t get spoken about because it’s not as interesting. I don’t think I am the same at all. I’ll never be the same twice.
People have been saying this is a heavier album than what you’ve released previously, but there has always been an alternative thread running through your projects. Has the sound of Negative Spaces influenced how you’ll approach translating your songs into live performances going forward?
Absolutely. And I always think about the translation live. Going into the They’re All Around Us Tour in the US/Canada, it’s the first headline tour I have done in nearly 3 years, so I am quite excited.
You’ve spoken in other interviews about the concept of your heroes disappointing you, which is a theme that appears on this album. How should today’s music fans navigate the line between fandom and idol worship, especially given the role the internet plays in shaping those dynamics?
They should find something they are passionate about and pursue it. When people start imagining narratives and relationships for them based on images or videos they post on a social platform, it will feel strange and they will want to distance themselves from the response. They will want others to just enjoy what they create without the intrusive actions. They will experience inner conflict because they appreciate the spectator but do not want them to cross the line into involving themselves in their personal affairs. So, find something to enjoy.
There’s a surreal quality to much of your work—even more so with the addition of Improbably Poppy to your creative world. Are there any artists, in music or other mediums, whose approach to the surreal has influenced you?
Broader I would say I enjoy the works of, Suzanne Ciani, David Lynch, Judy Chicago.
In surrealism, there’s often a bold trust in the audience to interpret the humor and intent of the artist. Do your fans ever misinterpret what you’re trying to do, and if so, how do you feel about those interpretations?
I am not supposed to explain it to the viewer, I wouldn’t want to get in the way of their relationship to the art. Evoking a feeling is what it’s about.
Your earlier work made a huge impact on internet culture. How have you seen digital culture and identity evolve since then?
There’s too much internet – my attention hasn’t been there recently.
You’ve just launched your Improbably Poppy show, further diversifying your creative pursuits. Is there a boundary or medium you haven’t yet explored but want to challenge yourself with in the future?
Absolutely, I have many.
We usually ask artists what’s next for the upcoming year, but to rephrase it slightly: What do you hope to see from the world in 2025?
Optimism.
Bad Omens – ‘Goodbye, Friend’ Tour
With Poppy & House of Protection
Wednesday, 22nd January
Festival Hall, Melbourne
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Thursday, 23rd January
Festival Hall, Melbourne
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Saturday, 25th January
Riverstage, Brisbane
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Tuesday, 28th January
Hordern Pavilion, SydneyTickets: Ticketek SOLD OUT
Wednesday, 29th January
Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Tickets: Ticketek
MORE IN Music
