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POP EVIL


BIO:
Since re-releasing their ?rst record in 2008, Pop Evil has developed their following the hard way. They have toured the US continuously since their ?rst release, playing nearly 400 shows in two years and only taking time off to record their new album, War of Angels. Leaving no stone unturned, no fan's question unanswered, and no road untraveled, the group pulled themselves up from their bootstraps and built themselves into a radio rock powerhouse that conjures the dirtiest hooks of the hard rocking 70?s, the hair metal 80's and the grunge - fueled 90?s…?ltering it all through a modern prism coupled with a philosophical and spiritual outlook. War Of Angels is a testimony to Pop Evil's resilience. Having been down a major label route fraught with the frustrations felt by far too many bands, the group has emerged with a Top 5 Active Rock single. They toured with Papa Roach and Judas Priest and created what Spin Magazine called one of the "10 Best Moments of Rock on the Range" where in front of tens of thousands of their heartland of the U.S.A. rock fans, they ceremoniously tore up their old contract and announced a new dawn. With an output that easily appeals to students of Guns N' Roses, Pantera, Motley Crue and Aerosmith, Pop Evil is still nevertheless possessed with a talent, charisma and overall musical aesthetic that is decidedly and distinctly their own. They have put their stamp on the hard rock landscape with assured con?dence and expert precision. "We?re just a bunch of guys that grew up together and are hungry for rock n? roll," frontman Leigh Kakaty simply states. "There are no othersecond options for us. It?s just music. That?s what we?ve done, this is where we've always wanted to be, and grind is what we?ll continue to do." Coming from Michigan, one of the states in the nation hit hardest by the economic downturn, Pop Evil knows something about hardship and the heart that it takes to persevere, to overcome and to conquer. They know the meaning of hard work, too. Their indie debut, Lipstick on the Mirror, resulted in a re- release through a major label and several inroads on rock radio but it's been word-of-mouth and live shows that have really driven the recently renewed momentum behind the band as their unique story continues to build. "We?re just a good old fashioned Midwestern band that believes in grassroots and doing it from the ground up" Kakaty explains. "We?re the same band that?ll rock your face with some heavy metal riffs then bring out the acoustic guitar and play some ballads." Their very monicker represents something of a lifestyle to these ?ve men. "Pop" represents the band's impressive hooks and well-crafted choruses while "Evil" conjures the more aggressive, hard rock side of the band. The band is a true mixture of pop sensibilities and "evil" sounding rock n' roll. It's not so much about distancing themselves from the mainstream as it is about forcing the mainstream to come to them, on their own terms. "I think all ?ve of us didn?t really ?t in, in our own ways, growing up," Kakaty reasons. "Pop Evil is kind of our way of saying, "this is our fraternity, our home.'" The songs on War Of Angels re?ect the various shapes, colors and emotions represented in a Pop Evil performance. The album provides a brilliant showcase for Kakaty's impressive range and various approaches, the guitar showmanship of Dave Grahs and Tony Greve, the solid bottom end of Matt DiRito and the rhythmic pulse of drummer Dylan Allison. "Last Man Standing" is a shot across the bow, serving notice to the rest of rock radio-land that Pop Evil crafts music of a higher caliber. "It's amazing to see the reactions we get from the fans and how much the song means to them. That is priceless," Kakaty says. "Bosses Daughter" was co-written with the legendary Mick Mars of Motley Crue. "It's got that rockin' vibe where it picks up and just doesn't stop," points out DiRito. "I get such a kick out of playing it live. I feel like I'm in Motley Crue. It becomes my Nikki Sixx moment!" Other standouts include "Monster You Made," which addresses some hard times and points to the power of positive thinking to overcome obstacles. There's also "Broken & Betrayed" which has beautiful melodies and incredibly memorable singalong harmonies. "Next Life" is perhaps the album's most re?ective song, particularly for Kakaty, who lost his father earlier this year. "Obviously it?s a very personal piece for me as well." "And the list goes on with every song," he adds. "I don?t think there?s any one I love more than the other, I usually listen to the song that best ?ts my mood." With a career-de?ning sophomore album in their arsenal, Pop Evil are primed and ready to take their rightful place in the hard rock pantheon amongst their contemporaries and heroes. "We want to be known as a band with great music and a great live show," DiRito says. Pop Evil is no ?y-by-night, fair-weather band. War Of Angels is just one more giant leap in a career that has been built on a solid foundation and is intended to continue onward. Kakaty concludes, "at the end of the day, we want our fans to know that we've sacri?ced our personal lives for them. We want the people who listen to our music to know that they've become our new family. That's why we?ve given up so much to do this. They are loved. Music is Love!"

Latest Articles


Bad Wolves & Pop Evil to Embark on Co-headlining 'The Animal Instinct Tour' Photo Bad Wolves & Pop Evil to Embark on Co-headlining 'The Animal Instinct Tour'
by Josh Sharpe - August 20, 2024

Platinum-certified hard rock group BAD WOLVES have announced their co-headlining “THE ANIMAL INSTINCT TOUR” with fellow hard rock outfit Pop Evil. The U.S. tour will kick off on November 6 in Cincinnati, OH and stretch to November 30 in Lexington, KY. It will feature special guests Sierra Pilot and ...

The Black Moods to Embark on U.S. Tour This Summer Photo The Black Moods to Embark on U.S. Tour This Summer
by Josh Sharpe - May 01, 2024

The tour will include festival appearances at Colorado City Music Fest (Hilldale, UT) and Brat Fest (Madison, WI). The Phoenix, AZ-based modern rock trio are also excited to announce they’ll be returning as a headlining act at Roger Clyne & The Peacemaker’s annual Circus Mexicus festival set in Puer...

WAKE ME Annouces New Single 'Finger On The Trigger' Photo WAKE ME Annouces New Single 'Finger On The Trigger'
by Michael Major - March 01, 2024

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The Stowaways All-Star Band Lineup, Kid Kapichi & Onboard Tattoo Parlor Join ShipRock Photo The Stowaways All-Star Band Lineup, Kid Kapichi & Onboard Tattoo Parlor Join ShipRocked Lineup
by Michael Major - October 31, 2023

ShipRocked 2024 updates include the announcement of The Stowaways All-Star Band lineup, featuring Michael Starr, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Roy Mayorga, Keith Wallen, Hayley Cramer, Elias Soriano, Emily Armstrong, and more. Kid Kapichi has also been added to the lineup, and the onboard tattoo parlor wil...

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Oxymorrons Drop 'Look Alive (Netic)' Upcoming 'Melanin Punk' Album Photo Oxymorrons Drop 'Look Alive (Netic)' Upcoming 'Melanin Punk' Album
by Michael Major - August 17, 2023

Oxymorrons’ new single also pays tribute to a fallen member of their chosen family, sharing, 'for those who wonder what (Netic) is - Netic Rebel, a founding member of the band Game Rebellion, was an integral part of the AfroPunk movement, playing a vital role in building the festival's legendary leg...

Oxymorrons Announce 'Melanin Punk' Album & Drop 'Graveyard Words' Single Photo Oxymorrons Announce 'Melanin Punk' Album & Drop 'Graveyard Words' Single
by Michael Major - June 27, 2023

Accompanying the announcement comes the project's electrifying third single, 'Graveyard Words,' which boasts more of the band's diverse influences and innovative musicality. 'Graveyard Words' merges the captivating sounds of drum and bass with nods to the unique vibe of Turnstile meshed with a littl...

Dark Below Release New Single 'Make Believe' & Announce Tour Dates with Rehab and Sco Photo Dark Below Release New Single 'Make Believe' & Announce Tour Dates with Rehab and Scotty Austin
by Michael Major - June 21, 2023

The song features a massive, wall of sound vibe – Thanks to producer Malcolm Springer (Matchbox 20, Collective Soul, Fear Factory, Josey Scott).  The song was recorded at East Iris Studios in Nashville, TN.  The band is influenced by Chevelle, Breaking Benjamin, and 10 Years – and that heavy alterna...

Oxymorrons Release Explosive New Single 'Enemy' Photo Oxymorrons Release Explosive New Single 'Enemy'
by Michael Major - January 26, 2023

Shot and directed by Michael Danners / IamEyephotos, the “Enemy” video contrasts the sonic mood of the song by showcasing the band's fun, light-hearted side. The video captures that ethos while playing off of the single cover art which introduces one of Oxymorrons new mascots, Ramel “Mel” the Melani...

Pop Evil Announces 2023 'Skeletons' Album & Headlining Tour Photo Pop Evil Announces 2023 'Skeletons' Album & Headlining Tour
by Michael Major - December 09, 2022

The album features the singles, “Eye of the Storm” landing at the #5 Most Played Song on Billboard, and single, “Paranoid (Crash & Burn).” The album also includes guest performers such as Ryan Kirby from Fit for a King on “Dead Reckoning” - a song brought to the table by bassist, Joey “Chicago” Wals...

Dark Below Share New Track 'Hate Being Human' Photo Dark Below Share New Track 'Hate Being Human'
by Michael Major - November 22, 2022

The song was produced by Malcolm Springer (Matchbox 20, Collective Soul, Fear Factory) and Jason Schrick for JPS Productions at East Iris Studios in Nashville. Noted music manager Jeff Hanson (Creed, Alter Bridge, Paramore, Sevendust) has joined the team to help take the band to the next level....

Pop Evil Releases 'Paranoid (Crash & Burn)' Single Photo Pop Evil Releases 'Paranoid (Crash & Burn)' Single
by Michael Major - September 30, 2022

Hard rock group Pop Evil released their single, “Paranoid (Crash & Burn).” Following “Eye of the Storm” which recently reached #1 at Active Rock, “Paranoid (Crash & Burn)” oscillates from something more melodic and rhythmic to pure aggression — that “get out of my head” scream is certainly going to ...

Dark Below Release New Track 'Tense' Photo Dark Below Release New Track 'Tense'
by Michael Major - July 21, 2022

The current lineup has been together since 2016 and includes Josh Campbell (Guitar/Vocals), Josh Grove (Bass/Backing Vocals), and Quin Koldan (Drums). New single “Tense” was produced by Jason Schrick and award-winning producer Malcolm Springer (Matchbox 20, Collective Soul, Fear Factory). Watch the...

Zillion Releases New Single 'Potluck Lunch for the Cannibals' Photo Zillion Releases New Single 'Potluck Lunch for the Cannibals'
by Michael Major - June 10, 2022

The track follows ZILLION’s previous single “Pocket Boy.” ZILLION has also previously announced that he will be supporting Pop Evil this summer on The Vortex Tour along with Oxymorrons. The tour is set to kick off June 24th and will be making stops in Grand Rapids, Houston, Tulsa, Green Bay, Indiana...

Shinedown Releases Soaring Anthem 'Daylight' From 'Planet Zero' Album Photo Shinedown Releases Soaring Anthem 'Daylight' From 'Planet Zero' Album
by Michael Major - June 01, 2022

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ZILLION Announced As Support For Summer Tour With Pop Evil Photo ZILLION Announced As Support For Summer Tour With Pop Evil
by Michael Major - April 26, 2022

Today ZILLION is thrilled to announce that he will be supporting Pop Evil this summer on The Vortex Tour along with Oxymorons. The tour is set to kick off June 24th and will be making stops in Grand Rapids, Houston, Tulsa, Green Bay, Indianapolis, Seattle, and more. Plus, listen to the new single 'P...

ARTIFAS Announce THE RESUME GAME TOUR with Special Guests Modern Mimes Photo ARTIFAS Announce THE RESUME GAME TOUR with Special Guests Modern Mimes
by Michael Major - April 25, 2022

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Them Evils Share New Track 'Burner' Photo Them Evils Share New Track 'Burner'
by Michael Major - March 30, 2022

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by Michael Major - March 25, 2022

The Planet Zero World Tour begins in Bonner Springs, KS on September 3, kicking off a 20-date U.S. run of shows that will see the record-breaking, chart-topping band bring their new music, #1 hits, fan favorites and biggest stage show yet to cities from coast to coast in support of Planet Zero. List...

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by Michael Major - January 26, 2022

Planet Zero serves up an incisive look at the issues at hand: cancel culture run rampant, the corrosive effects of social media on mental health and society, and the increasingly toxic division among those of differing ideologies. Listen to the new single now! Plus, check out Shinedown's upcoming to...

Artifas Shares New Single 'Legacy' Photo Artifas Shares New Single 'Legacy'
by Michael Major - December 20, 2021

American Hard Rock band Artifas was formed in 2011 in Jackson, TN by lead guitarist Cody Criswell and lead vocalist Scottie Somerville. The band also includes guitarist Mikey Miller, bassist Anthony Mattox, and drummer Jared Wainscott. Listen to the new single now! Plus, check out upcoming tour date...

Shinedown Announces The Revolution's Live Tour Photo Shinedown Announces The Revolution's Live Tour
by Michael Major - December 13, 2021

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