Poppy

From Internet Sensation to Metal Innovator

Introduction

Poppy, born Moriah Rose Pereira on January 1, 1995, has established herself as one of the most versatile and boundary-pushing artists in contemporary music. Her journey from viral internet phenomenon to respected metal innovator demonstrates her remarkable ability to continually reinvent herself while maintaining a distinct artistic identity. Known for her genre-defying artistry and surreal persona, Poppy has evolved from a viral internet sensation to a celebrated alternative music icon. Her journey reflects reinvention, experimentation, and artistic defiance.

Early Career and Digital Breakthrough

Poppy first gained widespread attention through her eerie and cryptic YouTube videos. These featured her robotic persona delivering unsettling monologues in a minimalist, futuristic aesthetic that intrigued audiences globally. Her uncanny valley-esque content quickly built a cult following, establishing her as a unique presence in the digital space. This initial character—an android-like figure speaking in monotone about existential topics—captivated viewers with its blend of innocent presentation and often disturbing undertones.

Musical Evolution

Poppy's music is as eclectic as her persona. Her discography spans genres such as pop, heavy metal, industrial rock, experimental pop, and hyperpop. She has been compared to artists like Grimes and Charli XCX for her avant-garde approach to sound. Her debut EP Bubblebath (2016) introduced bubblegum pop elements, but subsequent works like Am I a Girl? (2018) and I Disagree (2020) showcased her transition into heavier rock and metal influences.

Her third studio album, I Disagree (2020), marked a turning point in her career by fully embracing industrial metal and rock elements. It became her most successful album to date, charting on the Billboard 200 and earning critical acclaim. Recent releases like Zig (2023) highlight her continued exploration of alternative sounds.

Negative Spaces: A New Chapter

Released in November 2024, Poppy's sixth studio album Negative Spaces marks another evolution in her artistic journey. Produced by former Bring Me The Horizon keyboardist Jordan Fish, the album blends alternative metal, metalcore, and industrial elements while maintaining Poppy's signature experimental edge. The record has received widespread critical acclaim for its cohesive sound and powerful songwriting, with many reviewers considering it among the strongest metal releases of 2024.

The album follows her high-profile collaborations with Bad Omens on "V.A.N." and Knocked Loose on "Suffocate" - the latter earning Poppy her second Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance. With singles like "new way out" and "they're all around us," Negative Spaces solidifies Poppy's position as a major force in the modern metal landscape.

Collaborations and Recent Projects

Poppy's collaborative spirit has led to several notable partnerships. Most recently, she teamed up with Japanese pop-metal band BABYMETAL on their new single "from me to u," released in April 2025. The track will appear on BABYMETAL's upcoming album Metal Forth (releasing June 13, 2025) and features Poppy's distinctive screams alongside BABYMETAL's signature kawaii metal style. The accompanying music video showcases a futuristic neo-Tokyo setting with dramatic visuals, including Poppy transforming into a dragon.

In addition to her music, Poppy launched her surrealist variety show "Improbably Poppy" on Veeps in 2024, further expanding her creative output beyond traditional musical formats.

Artistic Identity

Poppy's artistic identity is rooted in mystery and reinvention. Initially keeping her personal life guarded, she explained that she wanted audiences to focus on her creations rather than personal details. Her stage name originated as a nickname given by a friend, and she often changes her appearance to match the aesthetic of each album era.

Her influences range from J-pop and K-pop to Elvis Presley and Blondie, reflecting her diverse inspirations. Poppy once described her music as "music [that] makes you want to rule the world," encapsulating its empowering and boundary-pushing nature.

Discography Highlights

Album Release Year Key Features

Bubblebath (EP) 2016 Introduced bubblegum pop; included hit single "Lowlife"

Poppy.Computer 2017 Featured electropop; listed among Rolling Stone's 20 Best Pop Albums of 2017

Am I a Girl? 2018 Transitioned into nu-metal; collaboration with Diplo

I Disagree 2020 Fully embraced industrial metal; critically acclaimed

Flux 2021 Showcased alternative rock influences

Zig 2023 Explored electronic-coded sounds

Negative Spaces 2024 Alternative metal/metalcore; produced by Jordan Fish

Upcoming Tour: "They're All Around Us" 2025

Poppy is currently embarking on her "They're All Around Us" North American headline tour in support of Negative Spaces. The tour started in March 2025 and continues through April, hitting major venues across the United States and Canada.

North American Tour Dates:

• April 9, 2025 - Nashville, TN - Brooklyn Bowl Nashville

• April 10, 2025 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre

• April 12, 2025 - Orlando, FL - House of Blues Orlando

• April 13, 2025 - Tampa, FL - The Ritz Ybor

• April 16, 2025 - Houston, TX - House of Blues Houston

• April 17, 2025 - Austin, TX - Emo's Austin

• April 19, 2025 - Phoenix, AZ - The Van Buren

• April 22, 2025 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre

• April 23, 2025 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern

European Tour (Supporting BABYMETAL):

• May 10, 2025 - Brussels, Belgium - Forest National

• May 12, 2025 - Hamburg, Germany - Barclays Arena

• May 13, 2025 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - AFAS Live

• May 16, 2025 - Frankfurt, Germany - Jahrhunderthalle

• May 17, 2025 - Berlin, Germany - Velodrom

• May 19, 2025 - Krakow, Poland - Tauron Arena

• May 20, 2025 - Nuremberg, Germany - Arena Nürnberger

• May 22, 2025 - Dübendorf, Switzerland - Samsung Hall

• May 25, 2025 - Madrid, Spain - Palacio Vistalegre

• May 26, 2025 - Barcelona, Spain - Sant Jordi Club

• May 28, 2025 - Paris, France - Adidas Arena

• May 30, 2025 - London, UK - The O2 Arena

Festival Appearances (Summer 2025):

• June 6-8, 2025 - Nürburg/Nuremberg, Germany - Rock Am Ring/Rock Im Park

• June 11, 2025 - Hradec Králové, Czech Republic - Rock For People

• June 12, 2025 - Nickelsdorf, Austria - Nova Rock

• June 13-15, 2025 - Derby, UK - Download Festival

• June 18, 2025 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Copenhell Festival

• June 25-28, 2025 - Oslo, Norway - Tons Of Rock

Legacy and Impact

Poppy's ability to seamlessly blend genres while maintaining an enigmatic persona has solidified her as a trailblazer in the alternative music scene. She challenges conventions both musically and visually, inspiring fans and fellow artists alike to embrace creativity without limits.

As she continues to evolve artistically, Poppy remains a symbol of defiance against categorization—a true testament to the power of reinvention in modern music.

Connect with Poppy

• Official Website: impoppy.com

• Instagram: @poppy

• YouTube: Poppy

• Twitter/X: @poppy