Skating Polly

Skating Polly

Skating Polly is a US punk rock band from Oklahoma City, active since 2009. It begins as an impromptu Halloween party jam between stepsisters and multi-instrumentalists Kelli Mayo and Peyton Bighorse. In 2017, Kelli’s brother Kurtis Mayo joins on drums, turning the project into a trio and allowing Peyton and Kelli to concentrate on their own instruments.

Style and influences

The band’s sound draws on grunge, indie pop, punk, punk rock and riot grrrl. Its members are influenced by artists including Johnny Cash, The Ramones, Nirvana, Bikini Kill and NWA. The group describes its music as “ugly-pop”, and its songs are often built from simple, self-taught experimentation with instruments and sounds.

Releases and collaborations

Skating Polly’s breakthrough release is Lost Wonderfuls (2013), which is produced by Exene Cervenka of X and mixed by Kliph Scurlock of The Flaming Lips. Other major releases include New Trick, an EP from 2017 made with Louise Post and Nina Gordon of Veruca Salt, and The Make It All Show (2018), which marks Kurtis Mayo’s recorded debut with the band. In 2023, the group releases the double album Chaos County Line, produced by Brad Wood, and featuring the single “Hickey King”.

Band members and connections

The group comprises Peyton Bighorse, Kelli Mayo and Kurtis Mayo. It has roots in Oklahoma City and is now based in Tacoma, Washington. Skating Polly tours with their father as manager and has also developed a following known as “Pollyholics”.

Recognition and live activity

Skating Polly earns praise from Exene Cervenka, Rosanne Cash and Sean Lennon. The band shares stages with acts including Mike Watt, L7, Deerhoof and Band of Horses. It is committed to reviving riot grrrl and continuing as an active, evolving punk band.

Labels

The band releases music through Go Polly Girl Songs and Melting by 40 Music.