In-Photos: Behind The Scenes Of Poppy Ajudha and Mahalia’s “Low Ride” Video

23-year old Poppy Ajudha is back with a new single that will be at the top of your jazz and soul playlists. Hailing from South London, Poppy’s music journey started during her childhood – listening to classic Motown artists, roots reggae, and soul. With her creative upbringing, the songstress has created a unique sound that’s paired with bright and socially conscious songwriting. Her intimate love song ‘Low Ride,’ featuring BRIT nominee Mahalia, dropped with a music video that’s just as romantic and powerfully feminine.

We were able to chat with Poppy about everything from her new single, working with Mahalia, and so much more. Check out the behind the scenes shots from their new video below…

‘Low Ride’ is such a great song, and a great collaboration between you and Mahalia! How did you two end up working together?

We had been following each other on Instagram for quite a while, and then I got booked to support on her European tour. Mahalia is the sweetest, most genuine person, so we got on straight away. 

Besides this new song with Mahalia, you also got a lot of positive feedback for your song ‘Disco Yes’ with Tom Misch. What do you enjoy most about collaborating with other artists?

I guess the inspiration that you draw out of each other. As solo artists, we can often have tunnel vision towards our goals, but when we work together, we learn so much about each other and the craft.

How did you come up with the concept for the ‘Low Ride’ video?

The video concept is based pretty closely to the lyrics, and it felt perfect to recreate that in an abstracted fantasy world. 

When did you know that you wanted to pursue music as a career?

I’ve wanted to as long as I can remember, it was always my dream so sometimes its kind of crazy when I think about it now, that I’m actually living the way I always wanted to. It never really felt attainable as a kid, but hard work and determination do prosper. 

If you hadn’t gone into music, what would you be doing right now instead?

The grand opening of ‘Poppy’s Pancake Parlour’. 

As a singer-songwriter, what’s your approach to creating a song? Do you find it easier to start with lyrics or music?

Depends on the song, sometimes I’ll start with playing around on the guitar or piano, and that will inspire the feeling of a song… it will take me to a place. But I also write endless short-form poems into my phone at all hours of the day. So sometimes that will come first, and I’ll build the chords around them. 

In your music and social media, you don’t shy away from talking about feminism and other social issues. How important is it to you for your music to have a message?

My music is the message. It wouldn’t be me without it. My identity is what I have to say, and that doesn’t really feel like a choice, if I feel it I have to talk about it, it naturally integrates itself into the music. 

After starting this year off strong with ‘Low Ride,’ what else are you looking forward to in 2020?

I’m so excited for this year, and what’s to come, I have so much music I’d love to share and can’t wait to be touring again. 

Make sure to check out the Poppy Ajudha visual for her ‘Low Ride’ featuring Mahalia below…