Riding the wave of her recent sold out shows at the Baked Potato (Los Angeles) and the Blue Note Rio and São Paulo, Brazilian sensation Pops Magellanhas released an electrifying performance of her single “Misunderstood” filmed at EastWest Studios in Los Angeles.
“This live session felt like climbing for years, finally reaching the top of the hill, and planting my flag,” says Magellan. “All the years I’ve put in, all the patience… It marks the beginning of something greater. A reminder that nothing else is out of reach.”
The deeply soulful and groove-filled track, written, arranged, and produced by Magellan, features the masterful drumming of Robert “Sput” Searight (Ghost-Note, Snarky Puppy), the talented Taylor Graves (Thundercat) on keys alongside Curtis Crump (Dann Ocean), the rich vocals of Laila Annelle, and Artur Menezes on guitar. But at its core, Magellan’s bass leads the ensemble as her adept grooves and chordal work sets the vibe of the highly emotive track.
“The bass is where everything started. “Misunderstood” is psychedelic soul with a jazz-fusion vibe. I like how the bass works the flow of the song connecting all the pieces along the way. It carries the energy from the start but still lets it evolve.”
The video performance is the first of three recorded songs that Pops will be releasing over the next two months, with “Deep Thoughts” (Featuring Noa Kahn) being released on August 7th and “Drive Complaining” (Featuring Sput and Artur Menezes) out on August 14th.
For Magellan, the thrill was not only attributed to filming in the historic EastWest Studios but also working with the talented musicians she enlisted for the performance.
“Performing these songs with these artists, in a room like EastWest, was a dream younger Pops couldn’t even imagine. Taylor’s solo feels like he’s abducting you, it’s huge. The energy builds in ways you don’t expect, and then it takes off and lands back where everything started. Sput delivers everything he got. His involvement and intention make the pocket work like no one else.”
Credits:
Performed by
Pops Magellan – Bass
Robert Sput Searight – Drums
Taylor Graves – Keys
Artur Menezes – Guitar
Curtis Crump – Keys
Vocalist – Laila Annelle
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