Poppy Ackroyd

Poppy Ackroyd is a performer, composer and producer from London, currently based in Brighton. Classically trained on piano and violin, she fell in love with the piano beyond the keyboard, discovering the world of sound that can be made from other parts of the instrument. As well as conventional playing styles she employs extended techniques, utilizing the piano’s strings and frame as well as the keyboard, and the body of the violin as well as the strings. By manipulating and multi-tracking recordings of these sounds, the resulting compositions build into a cohesive, expressive and unique sonic world.

Across her back catalogue, from 2012’s ‘Escapement’ to 2021’s ‘Pause’ she explores themes both personal and abstract, and drives all aspects of the creative process herself down to making etchings for the album covers. This commitment to her craft is felt clearly in her inimitable and intimate live shows.

Ackroyd signed to One Little Independent in 2017 and she is published by Manners McDade. Performing on violin, piano and keyboards, her work with Joe Acheson’s live project Hidden Orchestra has taken her all over the world. Her collaborations with animators and filmmakers have been multi-award- winning and her music has been used extensively in TV, radio, documentaries and films, as well as by leading dance companies.