For 15 years, Brazilian-born Pops Magellan has been gaining notoriety for her work with artists such as Adam Lambert, Willow, Avril Lavigne, Adnight Show, Artur Menezes, but she is now stepping out of the rhythm section shadows and into the spotlight with her debut solo EP, Damage.
Having graced the stages Wembley Stadium, Royal Albert Hall, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Crossroads Guitar Festival, Global Citizen, and the Adnight TV show, Magellan has honed her craft as a bassist and composer while sharpening her skills through a wide range of genres. On Damage, these influences come through in full force, as she blazes a trail all her own through Motown grooves, funk fusion, R&B, electronic, psychedelic, and Brazilian vibes.
“This EP is about putting my voice out into the world so that my sound becomes increasingly unmistakable,” says Pops. “It is the journey of deconstructing and reconstructing oneself.”
Damage displays virtuosic instrumentals with soulful vocals throughout the six tracks all composed by the multi-faceted artist. Perfect for the dancefloor, yet innovative musically to gain the respect of even the staunchest musicians, Magellan ignites a new voice that pushes boundaries with her bass-driven vision. It’s no wonder that Magellan has received continual high praise from publications such as Bass Magazine, No Treble, Bass Empire UK, TMDQA, Arte Sonora Portugal, Guitar Girl Magazine, and Guitar Load in support of the album.
From the opening effect-laden, funk journey of the title track, to the Parliament Funkadelic-meets-Zapp and Daft Punk dance anthem of “Funk Karma” to the deep pocket of “Drive Complaining,” to the soulful R&B power of “Misunderstood,” to the electronica funk odyssey of “Deep Thoughts,” to the groove-fusion feel of “Misunderstood,” this album is cohesive from front to back without ever tapping the breaks.
Recorded in Los Angeles, Damage features Taylor Graves (Mac Miller, Kimbra), Justin Brown (Thundercat), Astyn Turr (Thee Sacred Souls, Scary Pockets), Artur Menezes, Swatkins (Allen Stone, Scary Pockets), Noa Kahn (Adam Lambert), Stanley Randolph (Stevie Wonder).
What They’re Saying About Damage:“For years Pops has been on the radar of the bass world, but now is her time to break through a shine with Damage. From a bass standpoint, this is one of the most exciting debuts of the year, but for any listener, this is an infinitely enjoyable album that will keep you moving. A stellar first showing from someone who is on the forefront of the future of bass. – Jon D’Auria, Editor-In-Chief, Bass Magazine
“Pops is one of those artists you can’t slot into one category, but that’s exactly why she’s great. Her musicianship easily combines funk, dance, disco and rock vibes, with perfectly complex and executed bass riffs that somehow stand out and settle into the mix. Watching and hearing her execute her creations is an experience that reminds me why I love music and the freedom it allows” –Tim Dove, A&R, Music Man and Ernie Ball
“There are plenty of players with chops, but Pops Magellan brings something deeper. She’s got the technique, the tone, and most importantly, the pocket. Her playing and songwriting remind us that groove and feel are still alive. And while a lot of players say they play funk, she’s one of the few who truly makes it feel funky. Plus, she’s cool af!” –Artur Menezes
“Poliana’s superpower is tastefully knowing what’s needed while also bringing her unique funky punky groove and style to the music.” Peter Dyer, Musical Director (Adam Lambert, American Idol, Sabrina Carpenter, Katy Perry)
“Pops plays with a sense of groove and tone that’s straight-up contagious, it moves you. Her new EP captures that energy perfectly.” – Josh Paul, Bass Player, Daughty, Suicidal Tendencies
“The bass world always craves and welcomes fresh new voices. Pops Magellan is indeed that, with an obvious influence from the godfathers of funk bass, but pushing the music forward with her own unique style and modern production approach.” –Derek Frank, Bass Player (Shania Twain, Gwen Stefani)
“Pops is the hardest working bassist in town! From sold out tours around the globe to now dropping her first EP. I’m so proud to be a part of her journey.”
–Taylor Graves, Co-producer, keys, (Thundercat, Mac Miller)
“Pops writes bass lines that feel classic while also sounding like they’re from a funky distant future. Her creative sound design and the stellar musicians she surrounds herself with on this EP make it a super captivating listen every time” –Zack Cramp, A&R, Seymour Duncan
“A soulful journey from front to back that demonstrates Pops’ natural prowess not only as a bass player, but also as a bandleader and composer” – Bass Magazine
“Once in a while, an artist comes across my path and redefines what it is to create a new sound. The challenge was accepted and conquered. Our accomplishment is nothing short of epic. This project was special.” –Randy Emata, Mixing and Editing, Engineering, Co-producer
The Damage Live at EastWest session further amplifies Pops’ vision of immersive performance. The series highlights the dynamic interplay between world-class musicians and Pops’ cinematic direction, expanding the sonic and visual universe she continues to build. Watch those sessions: HERE
Damage Tracklist
- Damage
- Funk Karma (feat. Swatkins, Artur Menezes, Justin Brown, Chris Payton)
- Misunderstood (feat. Astyn Turr, Justin Brown, Taylor Graves)
- Drive Complaining
- Deep Thoughts (feat. Noa Kahn)
- Misunderstood Instrumental
Stream the album: HERE
High resolution pictures: HERE
About Pops Magellan
Pops Magellan, also known as Poliana Magalhães, is a Brazilian bass player and producer based in Los Angeles, with a solid career spanning Brazil, Europe, and the United States. She is one of the first Brazilian women to build an international career as a side musician, musical director, and producer, bringing representation, artistic authenticity, and determination to her work.
In the U.S., Pops has performed and recorded with artists such as Willow, Adam Lambert, Avril Lavigne, Travis Barker, Larry Braggs (Tower of Power), Cimafunk, Lari Basilio, and Mark Owen, among others. She has graced iconic stages including Wembley Stadium (for 90,000 people), Royal Albert Hall (London), the Greek Theatre (Los Angeles) and The Late Late Show With James Corden.
In Brazil, she was the bassist for the late-night TV show Adnight on Rede Globo, where she performed with artists such as Anitta, Ludmilla, and Ivete Sangalo, and toured internationally with the band O Teatro Mágico. Her most recent work as a producer and arranger includes the EP Covered Vol. II by Artur Menezes.
In 2024, she began releasing her debut solo EP, DAMAGE, written, produced, and arranged entirely by her, presenting her sonic identity and unique style alongside world-class musicians. Her solo project debuted to two sold out shows at the legendary The Baked Potato in Los Angeles, followed by performances at Blue Note São Paulo and Blue Note Rio. In July 2025, she will release a live session recorded at EastWest Studios, featuring Taylor Graves (Thundercat), Sput (Ghost-Note, Snarky Puppy), Noa Kahn, and Artur Menezes, a performance that reflects Pops’ commitment to craft, collaboration, and creating work that honors the past while pushing forward with clarity and intent.
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By: Bass Magazine