By Meltdown | WRIF
Leigh Kakaty from Pop Evil has always been a straight shooter, and this time around, he’s got a lot to say. With their new album What Remains dropping on March 21st and a massive tour that includes a homecoming stop at the Fillmore on May 10th, I caught up with Leigh to talk about the record, the band’s journey, and what makes this album different from anything they’ve done before.
A Darker, More Personal Side of Pop Evil
Over the years, I’ve had plenty of conversations with Leigh, and while he’s always been open, this time felt different. Right away, he admitted this album was a deep dive into his personal struggles—some he didn’t even realize were there until he started writing.
“Our manager George called me up after a few songs and said, ‘Do you realize what you’re writing about?’” Leigh told me. “I hadn’t even thought about it. But when I went back and just read the lyrics—man, every song was about me, about the darkness I had buried. It was like my subconscious was writing the album before I even knew it.”
He went on to explain that while past albums focused on rallying the troops—lots of we, we, we—this one is filled with I. It’s about personal battles, mental health, and choosing whether to stay in the dark or fight your way to the light. Heavy stuff, but it makes for one of the band’s most powerful records yet.
The Rocking Chair Moment
One of my favorite moments in our conversation was when Leigh talked about what he calls the “rocking chair moment.” It’s something his grandpa used to tell him about—one day, you’ll be sitting in a rocking chair, looking back at your life. Will you be proud of what you did? Or will you regret what you left on the table?
“That’s what drives me,” he said. “I don’t want to sit there and wonder, what if? I want to know I gave everything I had.”
And that’s the energy Pop Evil is bringing to What Remains—a no-holds-barred look at life, the highs and lows, and the lessons learned along the way.
The Reality of the Rock Business
Leigh also got into the realities of being a musician—something fans might not always think about. Sure, touring sounds like a dream, but it’s also a grind. Being on the road means missing out on life at home. And when you do finally get back, it’s like the world moved on without you.
“People don’t realize—yeah, my life looks amazing, but it comes with sacrifices,” he said. “You leave for months, come back, and it’s like people aren’t waiting around. They’re living their lives. And then you’re thrown back into normal life, trying to figure out where you fit in. It’s a mental challenge.”
That disconnect, plus the pressures of the industry, can weigh on anyone. But instead of letting it break him, Leigh channeled it into What Remains—a record that’s both cathartic and brutally honest.
Michigan Roots and a Pop Evil Homecoming Show
Of course, we couldn’t talk without touching on Michigan. Leigh is proud of his roots, even if growing up in Grand Rapids sometimes felt like an uphill battle.
“If you’re from Michigan and you tell someone that, they assume you’re from Detroit,” he laughed. “Grand Rapids? That’s a whole different world. There was always this feeling of having to prove ourselves. And that’s part of what fuels me to this day.”
Speaking of Michigan, Pop Evil’s upcoming show at the Fillmore on May 10th is already circled on their tour calendar as one of the biggest nights of the run.
“That show is going to be special,” Leigh said. “We’re bringing everything we’ve got for that one. If you’re a Pop Evil fan, you don’t want to miss it.”
What Remains? A Band Stronger Than Ever
After everything Pop Evil has been through—the highs, the struggles, the personal battles—one thing is clear: they’re still here, and they’re stronger than ever.
“This band is in a better place now than we’ve ever been,” Leigh told me. “We hold each other accountable, we push each other to be better—not just on stage, but off it too.”
And that’s what What Remains is really about. It’s not just another album—it’s a statement, a chapter in their story, and proof that no matter how dark things get, there’s always a way forward.
Pop Evil’s What Remains drops March 21st, and trust me, you’re going to want to hear this one. And if you’re anywhere near Detroit on May 10th, get to the Fillmore. This is going to be one for the books.
See you there!
