Today we’d like to introduce you to Poppy Harlo (Band). They and their team shared their story with us below:
Our band Poppy Harlo formed a year ago in the midst of the covid pandemic, starting with our singer Cooper Jones and drummer Ethan Maxwell after being acquainted by a mutual friend a few years prior. After inviting our current guitarist Sean Michael Howe to join the band we began to play a few shows here and there consisting of small acoustic shows around the south bay as well as a few electric-based shows with fill-in bass players. We did this for five or so months and then became acquainted with Sean and Chad Bierman of the “Familiar Faces” band. For the next two months or so the Bierman brothers would fill in for shows here and there until they officially became permanent members of the band in late 2022. Since then we’ve started writing and performing original songs, playing shows and are looking forward to playing the Redondo Beach Beach Life Festival in early May.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the first 5-6 months of being a band, we struggled to hold on to reliable bass players forcing us to rely on fill-in bass players for many of our shows, leading to last-minute practices, and poorly executed songs before finding the Bierman Brothers. Another challenge we had to deal with was accessibility at shows, as our singer uses a wheelchair. In the early stages of the band, we worried about access to stages, venues etc. and have since adapted, now bringing a portable ramp to most gigs allowing access.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Poppy Harlo’s sound is alternative, shining through both our cover songs as well as originals. We’re primarily influenced by bands of the 90s rock scene, covering artists such as Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, etc. but have influences from the 60s and 70s as well, such as Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. Most of our original songs gain inspiration from alternative bands yet have their own unique flare as well.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
We feel that the most important qualities for success include both creativity and hard work. We know that although we’re primarily influenced by the 90s sound, originality is key and also know that this isn’t always easy, requiring a large commitment on our part.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.poppyharloband.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppy.harlo/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzFzVh3VGLM
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@poppyharloband
