Waking Lions-Interview with Pop Evil drummer Hayley Cramer

I’m sitting in the small green room at the back of the Brass Monkey in Ottawa, and waiting for the ultra-talented Pop Evil drummer Hayley Cramer. After a short wait she bounces into the room, looking cheerful and relaxed, and swipes her blonde hair off her face as she shakes my hand and introduces herself. We both have a good chuckle at the phallic doodles on the walls the bands have left behind, and sit down on the leather couch, and soon we are having more like a friendly chat rather than a scheduled interview.

The current tour is Cramer’s first with Pop Evil, as is the band’s most recent album, and for the sounds of it, transitioning to an all-male band, who have been together for almost twenty years, has been a breeze.

“One of the bands I was in around 12 years ago was managed by someone who happens to be friends with the management of Pop Evil, and he heard they were looking for a new drummer. He also knew that at the time I was looking for a band, so he connected the dots and told me he thought I would really like the Pop Evil guys, and they would like me, so he just arranged for me to try out for the band.” Cramer said. “I sent in my tape, did a little mashup video of myself playing, sent it in and literally within ten to twenty minutes the phone rang and they asked how soon I could come over.”

After four studio albums, several singles, and 17 years together, Pop Evil released their fifth, self-titled full length album earlier this year. The record was produced by a California producer Kato Khandwala, who tragically lost his life due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in April.

“I think the general feeling was that all the guys finally felt like they were starting the sound the way they always wanted to sound, and that had to do with the lineup, and Kato was a massive part of that. We all just connected, individually and as a band with him. Hence the name. This album just feels like Pop Evil.” Said Cramer.

When listening to the album, a lot of the songs come across very uplifting, almost anthem like. Cramer says the band has certainly grown up over the years, and learned to write happier songs rather than angrier, and finding their more melodic side.

“’Pop Evil’ as an album wants to encourage people to stand up, to find that courage to do what you want, waking the lions. Be legendary, that says it all! And ‘Crime to Remember’ for example is about standing up, speaking up, let’s unite together and be better.” Cramer said. “We are not a political band, but there is so much going on, and we were all kind of distressed about what is happening. You can’t help but to be affected by it. In England it’s Brexit, and it’s so crazy and nobody understands it even to this day. And in America with Trump there’s so much flying around and it can really divide people, when what needs to happen is everyone to unite. A lot of the songs on the album have stemmed from that.”

Cramer stands out in the lineup of current, rising female drummers. She initially started with piano lessons growing up, which often felt like pulling teeth. But when she stepped behind her brother’s drum kit at home in England, she instantly felt at home. She started playing along to the records her brother had, and moved onto learning the songs she didn’t recognize on the radio. Her biggest idol is Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters, whom Cramer had a chance to meet in person at a music festival years ago.

“Taylor Hawkins was a big thing when I was starting to play in the original band circuit. I just looked at him and wanted to be him, both looks and the way he plays. He has such infectious energy when you see him play.” Cramer laughed.

As for being a role model to young female musicians out there, Cramer says she does feel a sense of responsibility. Having joined an all-male band as the only female can be an adjustment for both the band and the person joining, but she says she is proud of Pop Evil for embracing it and giving her the opportunity to be a part of the family, and she feels that needs to happen more in the world in general.

“I also want to prove the world that female drummers can be feminine. I was a tomboy teenager and I was aware a lot of the people have this misconception that I’m a good drummer because of that. No, I’m good because I’m Hayley and I’m MEANT to play the drums.” Cramer enforced. “A lot about being a woman is very rhythmical. If you think about a female role in a community, it’s about bringing people together. There’s something very nurturing, and welcoming to think of. In fact, there is a lot of archaeological evidence the first drummers in the world were women. It makes perfect sense.”

Seeing Cramer on stage behind her drum kit is impressive. Her performance is dominant and energetic, and you can see she is giving her all during the band’s set.

“A woman in charge of an instrument is a powerful thing. It stems back to our roots, and I believe it’s something quite magical and spiritual. I found my place at drums, and that allows me to connect to that energy. I may not ever be able to run as fast as a guy, or lift as heavy weights as a guy, and that’s ok. I’m happy to embrace our differences.” She said. ”People have this idea that you need to be a big muscular guy to play the drums. Look at the amount of smaller people who play drums and are amazing. It’s all about the technique, heart, soul, passion and hard work, and ultimately, dedication.”

Pop Evil has just finished their Canadian tour this week, and will be heading back to the U.S. to tour until February, before heading to Europe.

By Laura Collins