Pops Magellan has released her third and final performance video from the famed EastWest Studios with the release of “Drive Complaining” featuring Robert “Sput” Searight and Artur Menezes. “Drive Complaining” is an immensely funky track that takes listeners on a journey as the quartet trades solos and riffs while locking in on this soulful ride.
The technical ability displayed on the track will make any avid musician stop and take notice, while its joyful vibe and danceability is sure to summon any listener to the dance floor. This duality of harnessing deep musicality while making songs that are instantly enjoyable for a broader audience is becoming Magellan’s calling card.
“‘Drive Complaining’ has this strange count in the first chorus that usually throws drummers off. At the end of the session Sput said something to Noa Kahn, who played on “Deep Thoughts”: ‘I like to internalize the tune so I can really play with it.’”
Pops selected each of the musicians for this session with the utmost intention. Leaning on the deep connection she shares with frequent collaborator Artur Menezes, she also brought on Robert “Sput” Searight, an artist whose legacy has inspired generations. The result reflects her commitment to bringing together voices that not only elevate and challenge the music but also infuse it with trust and joy.
“It means a lot to me that incredible players like Artur, and legends like Sput, believed in the music and brought their magic into it. Artur and I have been collaborating on different projects for a while, including his last EP covered vol. i, which I produced and played bass on. We have a real chemistry on stage, and I really love working with him.”
With a busy year ahead for the Brazilian-born bassist, composer, bandleader, and musical director, Magellan is grateful for having the opportunity to perform these songs in the iconic location of EastWest Studios with the group of musicians she assembled to capture this momentous moment.
“This session set the bar for my live performances and for what I want to keep building from here. It really is a big moment for me. As independent artists, I believe in creating our own opportunities, building the scenarios where we can play what we imagine, and have fun with it.”
Stream “Drive Complaining” Live at EastWest Studios: HERE
Credits:
Pops Magellan: Bass
Artur Menezes: Guitar
Curtis Crump: Keys
Robert Sput Searight: Drums
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Thai Long Ly
@ EastWest Studios
Jacob Kell – Assistant Engineer
Directed by Frederick Cochran
Film Produced by Tirith Pictures LLC
Shot with an ultra-wide Laowa 11mm
Thomas Cochran – Video Assistant
Production Manager: Anna Beatriz
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.
For More on Pops Magellan:
By: Bass Magazine