POP EVIL’s New Musical Chapter: Insights from Leigh Kakaty

Festival Highlights: Sonic Temple in Columbus

This weekend, the Sonic Temple festival in Columbus, Ohio, served as a backdrop for exciting revelations from POP EVIL frontman, Leigh Kakaty. During an interview with Ronni Hunter of 99.7 The Blitz, Kakaty discussed the band’s future plans, particularly regarding their upcoming album, the follow-up to 2025’s “What Remains.”

New Beginnings: Writing for the Next Album

Kakaty revealed that the band has been holding off on new music until now, stating, “We’ve been kind of putting everything on the back burner.” He noted the evolution of music release strategies since the band’s inception, emphasizing the need to adapt to a changing industry. “It feels like we just released this record, but we start actually writing here in the next few weeks. So we’re excited.”

A Shift in Creative Dynamics

With recent changes in the band’s lineup, including the addition of bassist Joey ‘Chicago’ Walser and drummer Blake Allison, Kakaty expressed enthusiasm for a fresh collaborative approach. “Even before they joined the band, we had discussions about writing together,” he shared. He acknowledged his past role as the primary songwriter but is eager to explore new creative avenues with his bandmates. “You can only write the same kind of melodies for so long, and you’re, like, ‘Hey, I want some new energy.’

Personal Growth Reflected in Music

Discussing the emotional weight of their previous album, Kakaty noted, “The last album was a little more personal for me. I had to get some of the personal stuff out to move forward.” He reflected on how the band supported him through this process, allowing for a deeper exploration of his experiences. “But now it’s time to kind of… for the first time in a long time, I really don’t know what we’re gonna write this record. And that’s exciting.”

A Healthy and Supportive Environment

Kakaty emphasized that the current lineup feels like the strongest in the band’s history, both musically and personally. “We really feel like this is the best lineup POP EVIL’s ever had, and we’re in the best space, certainly the healthiest space, we’ve ever been in.” He believes that this internal stability will give the band the best chance to evolve and succeed in a competitive rock scene.

Celebrating “What Remains”

In March, to commemorate the first anniversary of “What Remains,” POP EVIL released “What Remains (Midnight Edition).” This edition not only expanded the album’s legacy but also introduced new tracks, such as “The Decay,” and a revamped version of the classic anthem “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” showcasing the band’s modern rock flair.

A Defining Album in POP EVIL’s Journey

Originally recognized as POP EVIL’s most emotionally raw and uncompromising work, “What Remains” delves into themes of personal struggle and resilience. Kakaty’s introspective lyrics and the album’s heavier tones mark a significant evolution in the band’s sound, blending arena-ready rock with deeply personal narratives.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

As POP EVIL prepares to embark on this new writing journey, the band is poised to explore uncharted territories in their music. With a renewed sense of creativity and a solidified lineup, fans can anticipate an exciting next chapter that promises to reflect both personal growth and musical evolution.

FAQs

When can fans expect new music from POP EVIL?

Leigh Kakaty mentioned that the band plans to start writing new material in the coming weeks, with hopes of a fresh album in the near future.

What themes will the new album explore?

While details are still under wraps, Kakaty expressed excitement about approaching the writing process without preconceived notions, hinting at a potentially diverse range of themes and musical styles.

What is “What Remains (Midnight Edition)”?

“What Remains (Midnight Edition)” is a special release commemorating the first anniversary of the original album, featuring new tracks and reimagined classics.

How has the band’s lineup changed?

The recent additions of Joey ‘Chicago’ Walser and Blake Allison have brought new energy and dynamics to the band, allowing for a more collaborative writing process.