Poliana Magalhães, professionally known as “Pops Magellan,” is a dynamic artist and highly sought-after touring and session bass player based in Los Angeles. Originally hailing from Brazil, Pops embarked on her musical journey at the tender age of eight. By twelve, she was already performing professionally with her family’s corporate event band.
Her early immersion in Brazilian music and rock and roll, along with significant influences from funk and grunge-rock, has shaped her into a versatile and proficient bass player. Pops’ impressive resume includes performing and touring with renowned artists such as Adam Lambert, Willow, Avril Lavigne, and Travis Barker, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the music industry since relocating to Los Angeles in late 2019.
Before her move to the United States, Pops was the resident bass player for the Brazilian Late Show ‘Adnight,’ where she performed with major Brazilian artists. Her exceptional musicianship has earned her features in gear promotions and reviews for renowned brands like Fender and Darkglass Electronics.
Currently, she is dedicated to developing her debut EP, DAMAGE, which explores themes of isolation through an innovative fusion of music and visual art. The first single from the EP, “Misunderstood,” dropped on August 2nd. Each track on the EP is complemented by a visual counterpart, creating an immersive and cohesive artistic experience. Poliana’s ability to transcend traditional musical boundaries and her continuous pursuit of creative excellence make her a remarkable and influential talent in the music industry.
Early Influences and Background
Please share your musical journey with our readers and how the bass became your instrument of choice.
When I was eight years old, I watched my dad and brother jamming in the back room of our house in Brazil. I remember asking my dad if I could play bass. He said no because my hands were too small and suggested I try the piano instead. But I won the argument and started playing bass.
Who were some of your early musical influences, and how did growing up in Brazil impact your music?
Brazilian music has been a huge influence on me. Artists like Djavan, Elis Regina, Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil, Tim Maia, and Ed Motta were constantly playing in our house. Additionally, my parents loved rock music. Every weekend, we traveled to visit family and would listen to entire albums by Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Marvin Gaye, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Black Sabbath, Nirvana, and more.
When did you make the move from Brazil to Los Angeles? What inspired you to pursue music internationally?
I actually moved to Los Angeles from Europe. I had been living in Lisbon, Portugal, for almost five years before making the move to LA. Since I was a child, I’ve always had a strong drive to take different paths than those around me. I never felt like I fit in with the environment and the expectations placed on me, especially as a woman. I wanted to explore how people live, think, and feel in different places. Music has been a constant in my life since I was eight, and I’ve always known I wanted to be a bass player. To grow and evolve, you need to step out of your comfort zone.
Session Work and Collaboration
What has been one of the most challenging and rewarding projects you’ve worked on as a session musician?
One of the most challenging projects was playing for Moein, one of the biggest Persian artists. It was a completely new style of music for me, with different song structures, time signatures, and a large number of songs to learn in a short period of time. It was like learning a new language. As for the most rewarding, I’d say all of them in different ways. Every gig and project I’ve worked on has shaped who I am and how I see and feel music. From the not-so-glamorous gigs to the most glamorous, they are all important. Picking just one wouldn’t be fair.
You’ve collaborated with high-profile artists across various music styles. What is it like to work with such diverse talents, and how do these experiences influence your own music?
It’s an amazing experience. I chose to be a musician not just for the music, but also because I’m curious and love meeting people and learning from them. Music has given me the opportunity to work closely with some of the most amazing artists and creatives of our generation. It’s mind-blowing, and I love absorbing and learning from them—their techniques, skills, and how they see and treat their art. Working with creative minds is like landing on a different planet every time.
You’ve worked with two of our favorite musicians, Lari Basilio and Nik West. Tell us more about those experiences.
Lari and I have been friends for a while; we met in Brazil around ten years ago. When I moved to LA, she invited me to play with her at the Yamaha Grand Stage at NAMM 2018, and after that, we did a lot together, including her first European tour in March 2023. Lari was one of the first people in LA to open doors for me, and I’m so grateful to have played and learned from her.
When I first moved to LA, I got a call to play as a house bass player in a tribute to Betty Davis in Pittsburgh for Black Women Rock, subbing for Zuri Appleby. Nik was one of the lead acts that night. At the end of the show, we all jammed together on one of Betty Davis’s most iconic songs. Sharing the stage with Nik, playing two basses, was incredible. I couldn’t believe I was doing such amazing gigs so soon.
Upcoming Music and Musical Direction:
Your upcoming EP is said to be a fusion of an eclectic mix of genres. Could you tell us more about your new EP and elaborate on how you blend Funk, Rock, R&B, and Brazilian rhythms into a cohesive sound?
My EP balances unique bass sounds, catchy melodies, deep lyrics, and technical prowess. For me, the vibe comes first. I don’t aim to showcase skills but to make good music that reflects who I am as an artist. I had fun writing lyrics and melodies, and playing instruments I wasn’t familiar with. All the ideas stemmed from my experiences and feelings rather than the technical aspect of my playing. It became easier when I stopped thinking about genres. When I started my first tune, I didn’t know what it would become—I just knew it would be groovy. Naturally, all the different rhythms and elements started coming together piece by piece. I’d think, “What if I add this Brazilian percussion here and this grunge guitar riff there?” I believe the fusion of genres is limitless, and it’ll be cohesive as long as it’s created spontaneously.
You involved artists like Astyn Turr, Taylor Graves, and Justin Brown in your first single to be released. How do you choose your collaborators, and what do they bring to your music?
It depends on each song. Sometimes, I already know who I want to play on a track, but I also like to see what opportunities come my way. For example, I’ve known Taylor Graves since I first moved to LA in 2019, but I never thought we’d make music together. Recently, we were hanging out at an event, and I was telling him about my project. He said he’d be happy to help, so I texted him the next day, and he definitely took “Misunderstood” to the next level. The synth solo at the end of the song is him—first take!
What was the inspiration behind the music?
Life.
What was the songwriting and recording process like?
It usually started with a bass idea and drums. Drums are my favorite part most of the time. I programmed everything at home and sent demos to the musicians and collaborators to listen to. We went back and forth with ideas, got into the studio to record, and that’s basically it.
What do you hope your fans/listeners take away when listening to your music?
I hope they feel hope, motivation, and inspiration, and feel like dancing. I also hope that they learn something from it, but whatever happens, I just want to bring positive experiences to my fans and listeners.
Touring Experiences
You’ve recently returned from touring with Artur Menezes, supporting some legendary names like Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Gales, and Kingfish. Can you share a standout moment or lesson from this tour?
I learned a lot from everyone on this tour, from guitar licks to tour logistics. One standout moment was witnessing the dynamic of Eric Gales, LaDonna Gales, and their dog Crown. They’re on the road together, and it’s inspiring to see how strong they are together. It’s so important to have a solid team and support system on the road.
Currently working with Adam Lambert, you’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of artists, like Adam Lambert to Willow and Artur Menezes. How do you adapt your playing style to fit different genres and stage setups?
I care to listen to details, prepare for the gig, and try to see from their perspective and what the music is asking from me. I also believe it’s because I grew up playing different styles of music in my family’s corporate band, so I had to dive into various styles from early on. In the same shows, I’ve had to play everything from Andrea Bocelli to Kool and the Gang, Samba to Nirvana.
Advice for Aspiring Females Seeking to Work in the Music Industry
What advice would you give to young females in your home country of Brazil or anywhere else who dream of a career in the music industry in an international capacity, whether as a solo artist, session musician, or producer?
You can do it, and nothing can stop you from chasing your dreams. Keep going, and you will make it. There are a lot of people who will support you along the way.
How do you maintain your creative momentum and stay inspired amidst a hectic touring and recording schedule?
It’s really hard to find balance, especially with a busy touring schedule. Right now, my project is my priority, so I focus on tour opportunities that align with my goals and inspire me. Traveling and experiencing new things always give me a boost of inspiration to create new music when I get back home.
RELATED STORY: Tone Talk with Poliana Magalhães
Future Plans and Aspirations
Looking beyond your new music, what are your long-term goals for your music career? Are there any other genres or projects you’re eager to explore?
I want to keep making and releasing music, playing shows with my band, collaborating with other artists, and producing for others. I also want to play, work, and tour with artists I believe in and admire.
As you continue to evolve as an artist, songwriter, composer, and producer, how do you see your Brazilian heritage influencing your future works?
Growing up in Brazil taught me resilience from day one. My upbringing and the experiences I had back home helped me develop empathy and the ability to see things from different perspectives. Being an immigrant multiple times as a Brazilian has taught me a lot about perspective, acceptance, and finding creative solutions. These experiences shape me as a person and definitely translate into my music. I believe they bring authenticity and uniqueness to my current and future work.
CONNECT WITH POPS MAGELLAN
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