In Pittsburgh’s vibrant music scene, one artist has made waves through his Gaga-like melodies and theatrical flair. Pop Baby, recently nominated for Best Pop Artist/Group in Pittsburgh City Paper’s ongoing “Best of PGH” readers’ poll, has captivated audiences with his impressive dance moves, engaging social media persona, and iconic platinum locks. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the rising star to discuss his journey, creative process, and what lies ahead for this homegrown talent.
KRISTI YANG: Congratulations on your nomination for Best Pop Artist in Pittsburgh City Paper! How does it feel to be recognized for your contributions to the local music scene?
POP BABY: Thank you very much. It is such an honor to be recognized by my hometown for my music. I take great pride in being a Pittsburgh-native artist who has made a path in the crowded music industry.
KY: Your journey to stardom, from an aspiring artist to an iconic pop sensation, is truly inspiring. Could you share the key moments and challenges that shaped this remarkable journey?
PB: My journey has had many ups and downs. From being dropped and rejected by record labels to my first viral moment, it's been quite a rollercoaster. The biggest challenge I’ve faced so far is being an artist who doesn’t fit a mold. Standing out is not always easy, but you just gotta keep moving forward. My most favorite moment this year was playing my first headlining sold-out show at The Forge Urban Winery in Homestead. Great venue and it was a concert I will never forget.
KY: Pop Baby music videos have become cultural touchstones. What's your creative process for developing these visual masterpieces?
PB: I get inspired by what I’m feeling in a moment. Just like the music, the visuals need to tell a story. When I want to direct music videos, I want it to be a dramatic representation of what I’m feeling and not thinking too hard about it.
KY: Your lyrics often touch on deeply personal themes. How do you balance vulnerability with your larger-than-life stage persona?
PB: I believe they go hand-in-hand. When you take moments to step outside yourself and be more open with the fans, it creates a stronger relationship, which can influence your stage presence as an artist. The fans and the art are what fuel me, and seeing their eyes light up when they hear my music puts me in a good mood.
KY: Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your unique sound?
PB: I’m very artistically influenced by Lady Gaga, Kesha, and Panic! At The Disco. They all have high-fashioned, theatrical appearances and over-the-top lyrics. However, my biggest muse is Mariah Carey. She is a one-of-a-kind talent who can write, sing, produce, and perform a song with such class and poise.
KY: Your fashion choices are always bold and eye-catching. How important is image to your artistry, and who inspires your style?
PB: Image is key in this business. My style, just like my music and videos, really just goes along with how I’m feeling in a certain moment. I never was hiding behind my fashion; I was screaming with my fashion. My style inspiration definitely comes from David Bowie or Elton John. I just think both of those legends have such eye-opening styles you can’t get enough of, and that’s exactly what I love to do, too.
KY: This wouldn’t be a Pop Baby interview if we didn’t talk about your social media presence. It’s not just engaging—it's a testament to your connection with your fans. How do you use platforms like TikTok and Instagram to foster this strong bond?
PB: I try to make my content all about them. Everything that goes into it is all about making the fans, who we call the “Classmates,” feel like they’re a part of the journey and like they are being heard for their ideas and feelings instead of it being all like, “Look at me, look at me.”
KY: The song "Karen" has become an anthem for addressing challenging individuals. Is there a specific Karen who inspired this track, and how do you personally handle the Karens in your life?
PB: Haha. It’s actually a funny story. Before becoming well-known, I used to work at Dunkin’ Donuts, and I dealt with difficult customers all the time. When COVID hit, the term became huge in pop culture, and I took my personal experiences and combined them with seeing viral TikToks or YouTube videos and made it into a fun little tune. Normally, with negative people, I often tune them out. Sometimes, the best thing to do when someone is giving you a hard time is to just give them silence.
KY: As an artist who's redefined pop music in Pittsburgh, what advice would you give to up-and-coming local musicians?
PB: Never give up because you never know what’s in store for you. Don’t be afraid of doing the work, and just stay true to who you are, people will see it.
KY: You're known for your high-energy live performances. What can fans expect from your upcoming show at Mr. Smalls on July 26?
PB: Lots of music, new choreography, and some fun surprises.
KY: You're also playing the New Castle Music Festival on Aug. 3. How do you prepare for such a major event?
PB: Rehearsals every day, hydrating, and remembering why I started to do music in the first place.
KY: What's next for Pop Baby? Any hints about upcoming projects or collaborations you can share with us?
PB: All I can say is… just buckle up. New music is on the horizon.
As Pop Baby continues to push boundaries and redefine pop music in Pittsburgh and beyond, his journey serves him as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere. With his dancey tunes, high-energy performances, and strong connection to his “Classmates,” Pop Baby is not just a rising star—he’s becoming a cultural icon in Pittsburgh’s evolving music scene. From their humble beginnings at Dunkin’ Donuts to performing at renowned venues and earning nominations, the Baby of Pop’s journey is a testament to creativity, determination, and one’s ability to stay true to themselves. With new music on the horizon and upcoming performances at Mr. Smalls on July 26 and the New Castle Music Festival on Aug. 3, the Classmates have much to look forward to.
Written and Interviewed by Kristi Yang
Photography by Colin Tierney and Emily Conners
Production by Mark Bluemle
Special Thank You to the Pop Baby team for making this all possible!