Skating Polly: The Ferocious Heart of Alternative Rock

Skating Polly is a dynamic American alternative rock band celebrated for their raw, genre-blending sound and fiercely independent spirit. Hailing from Oklahoma, the group has built a formidable cult following through relentless touring and a prolific, critically acclaimed discography that defies easy categorization.

Early career

Skating Polly formed in 2009 in Oklahoma City when stepsisters Kelli Mayo and Peyton Bighorse, then just 9 and 14 years old respectively, began writing songs together. Their self-taught, minimalist approach—initially using just a toy guitar, a bass, and a keyboard—resulted in the homemade 2010 album Taking Over the World, which established their signature blend of punk energy and melodic grunge.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived with their 2014 album Fuzz Steilacoom, produced by Exene Cervenka of the legendary punk band X. This collaboration brought them wider recognition in the punk and alternative scenes. Their subsequent signing to El Camino Media and the release of 2016's The Big Fit further solidified their reputation, leading to tours with acts like Kate Nash and the release of their acclaimed 2017 album The Make It All Show, produced by Brad Wood.

Key tracks

Ugly — This early track encapsulates their raw, youthful energy and DIY ethos, becoming a fan favorite at live shows.

Little Girl Blue and the Battle Envy — A standout from Fuzz Steilacoom, it showcases their matured songwriting and the influence of their collaboration with Exene Cervenka.

Hail Mary — A driving, anthemic single from The Make It All Show that highlights their powerful harmonies and grunge-rock dynamics.

Play House — This later track from 2021's Chaos County Line demonstrates their evolution into a more nuanced, yet still visceral, rock sound.

Following The Make It All Show, the band expanded to a trio with the addition of brother Kurtis Mayo. They have since released a series of well-received albums, including 2019's New Trick EP produced by Louise Post of Veruca Salt, 2021's Chaos County Line, and 2023's Lost Wonderfuls, continually refining their potent mix of punk, grunge, and power pop.

Fans of Skating Polly's energetic and raw alternative rock may also enjoy the melodic punk of Veruca Salt, who share a similar spirit of fierce, guitar-driven femininity. The grunge-inflected songcraft of The Breeders offers a clear parallel in skewed pop structures and noisy textures. The DIY intensity and vocal interplay of Bikini Kill resonate in Skating Polly's foundational energy, while the catchy yet abrasive rock of Sleater-Kinney mirrors their artistic progression and powerful dynamics.

Skating Polly's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across a network of independent music radio stations and online rock radio streams that champion authentic, guitar-based alternative sounds. Their frequent airplay on college radio and specialty alternative rock radio stations is a testament to their enduring appeal and vibrant creative output.

Listeners can discover the fierce and catchy discography of Skating Polly by tuning into the alternative rock stations featured on our website. Their essential tracks are regularly in rotation on onairium.com, offering a direct portal to their unique brand of American rock music.