Bad Pollyanna are an overtly theatrical pop/ rock song writing duo that consists of multi talented singer, model, fire artist, burlesque dancer and all round exhibitionist Olivia Hyde and, hailing from Finland, classically trained and rather eccentric bassist Nikki Kontinen.
Although Olivia and Nikki have been writing music since early childhood both freely admit that it is when they come together that the magic really happens. Influenced by filthy pop, dramatic industrial metal, gloriously decadent theatre and even eastern genres Bad Pollyanna's dedication to producing powerful and unusual music will always be their first priority. However, the visual aspect of the band comes a close second. Even before a song has been completed Olivia and Nikki' s imaginations are running riot with how the song's music video will look, what kind of imagery might be used on the CD if the song should be a single and, most importantly, how it will be presented on stage.
With co-founders who are so passionate about visual theatre their live show couldn't have been any other way. Where the venue allows Bad Pollyanna delight their audiences by using fire artistry, angle grinding, aerial displays and performances that often push boundaries of normalcy and decency- well Olivia isn't called 'Bad' Pollyanna for nothing. The band's charismatic frontwoman makes no secret of the fact that she lives out her fantasties as well as cathartically facing her demons in her music and lyrics...
Indeed, the name of the band came from a nickname of Olivia's- one which sprung from her positive and light hearted approach to life combined with her unapologetic fascination with erotica, fetish, provocative fashion and the alternative lifestyle. For more about where the band name came from and how it relates to their art please see the FAQ section.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this fascinating band is how they came about:
Having been in and out of various projects for some time Olivia and Nikki decided to form their own band where they wouldn't have to compromise their ideas. Despite their music being simply bass and vocals at this point the songs were put on a myspace profile so that the pair could begin to find musicians who shared their tastes. Within four weeks the band had been invited to Los ANgeles by an experienced producer and his Grammy Award winning engineer to record a demo at the world famous Henson Studios in the heart of Hollywood. Then with money raised from Olivia's singing school (link below), Nikki's session work (link below) and a small loan they got on a plane to California. Using some of Los Angeles' finest session musicians (including Kelly Osbourne's guitarist Mat Dauzat who continues to work with the band), Bad Pollyanna made their first recording. Within three months the band had filmed a music video, set up their own record label and unleashed their unique brand of theatrical, industrial pop rock upon the world.
Not bad for a couple of musicians from Leeds!
How you can help
Despite label interest Bad Pollyanna are still, by choice, an independantly funded band. Although it should be made clear that they are not opposed to being involved with a label in the right circumstances Bad Pollyanna have no intentions of compromising their artistic integrity with interference from outside sources nor do they wish to become trapped in an unfairly biased contract.
Even though the tracks and music video do not have a set price for download we ask you to give a voluntary donation of whatever you wish to pay for them. Although the money raised will help to pay for gigging and merchandsising costs, it will ultimately be used for the recording of the album 'Catharsis'- a concept album telling the story of a person who turns their seemingly hopeless circumstances around by fighting their personal demons through music.
If you donate £100 or more your name will be featured in the 'thank you' list on the sleeve of the physical E.P. AND the album once it is made.
Thank you for your generosity! Olivia and Nikki look forward to meeting you. To contact the band regarding an appearance, interview, potential collaboration etc. please email badpollyanna@googlemail.com or alternatively call 07738 366290. To book a singing lesson with Olivia please mail info@oliviahydecoaching.com or call 07590 256140.
(read less)Bad Pollyanna are an overtly theatrical pop/ rock song writing duo that consists of multi talented singer, model, fire artist, burlesque dancer and all round exhibitionist Olivia Hyde and, hailing from Finland, classically trained and rather eccentric bassist Nikki Kontinen.
Although Olivia and Nikki have been writing music since early childhood both freely admit that it is when they come together that the magic really happens. Influenced by filthy pop, dramatic industrial metal, gloriously...
(read more)
