Talking with Poppy Baker

Written By Robyn .

Poppy Baker is a classical and jazz trained songwriter who’s made a name for herself performing with BBC Big Band, selling out PizzaExpress Piano Lounge and playing at multiple jazz festivals. She is currently in the studio, recording her debut EP, and performing at PizzaExpress Chelsea later this year on the 29th October 2026. We spoke to Poppy about her journey as an artist, her approach to composing, and the advice she'd offer aspiring musicians.

When did you realise you were a musician?

I've been so lucky to have been brought up in a music-filled house, so I've always had the privilege of having music in my life. The moment I knew came during my first choir performance at 11, when I truly felt the impact of music. As I was too scared to sing in front of anyone, my mum tricked me into auditioning for my local choir, and I never looked back.


What are your greatest influences when writing music, are there any artists or movements that consistently inspire your creative direction?

I love so many artists and composers that it's really hard to pick just a few! I'm a massive fan of musicals, film music, and contemporary music. Artist-wise, I am inspired by Amy Winehouse, Elton John, Billy Joel, Emma Nissen, Imogen Heap, Kate Bush, and Laufey, among others. I am, however, constantly inspired by what happens around me rather than by events in my own life. But sometimes, when big emotions take over, I write from these as they always produce the best songs for me.

Can you talk us through your creative process, from initial inspiration to final piece?

To be honest, I write in a different order each time. Mostly, though, I find a progression I like and work from there. Every time I write a new song, I aim for a different key and style to make sure I’m trying lots of things.  When it comes to lyrics, before writing, I will come up with a story or topic I'd like the song to be about, then, while recording myself, I will improvise ideas over the progression until I come up with something I like. 



I love musical theatre.

I played Lilli Vanessi in a production of Kiss Me Kate


Is there a particular emotion or message you hope people to take away from your work, who are you speaking too, and what do you want them to know?

I just want people to feel seen by my music. I don’t want to write to provoke any specific emotion, but just for people to enjoy. Everyone interprets music differently, and I think that's beautiful.




What advice would you give to emerging artist who are trying to find their own style/voice?

Only take inspiration from other artists, don't copy them. It's wonderful to learn techniques from other artists, but knowing what truly makes you happy in music will make it a truly enjoyable experience for you, and that will shine through to your listeners. 



If you could invite three people to a dinner party, who would they be, and why?

I think…Marilyn Monroe, I’d just be in awe, Freddie Mercury, cause its Freddie Mercury, and Sara Millican, cause she’d make me laugh the whole night.


Where are you going next? What are your future plans?

Hopefully big places! I am performing at PizzaExpress Chelsea on the 29th October for an evening of jazzy tunes, original music and covers, which will be so much fun and tickets are available now! I am currently in the studio recording my EP, which will be released shortly, and then hopefully onto my debut album! So I’m going to say keep an eye out! 


Want to see more of Poppy?

Visit her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppybakermusic/

And her Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6UOpr0FQ8NKVLxtBgwLyaR?si=kbTw9IniS7iYy3yNI64wng

Robyn .