Pearl & the Oysters

Pearl & The Oysters is a whimsical and breezy pop duo founded by lifelong partners and musical companions Juliette Pearl Davis and Joachim Polack. Both were born and raised in Paris, France, and their musical journey has taken them from their homeland to Los Angeles, via Florida. Joachim Polack, also known as Jojo, grew up in a musical household where his parents' taste in music significantly influenced him. He started with the violin as a child and later developed a passion for rock and pop music during his teenage years. He formed various bands in high school, where he met Juliette Pearl Davis. The two bonded over their shared love for the Pixies and a 60s music compilation titled "The Get Easy! Sunshine Pop Collection." Juliette Pearl Davis, or Juju, had a more hands-on introduction to music, coming from a family of musicians, particularly her father, who was a music enthusiast. This familial influence sparked her passion for music, leading her to pick up the trumpet and attend a conservatory with Polack while simultaneously studying musicology at university. Now in their mid-30s, Davis and Polack have a symbiotic relationship, balancing their rigorous musical education with a joyful exploration of creativity. They consistently write songs and make music alongside their studies, with musical education being the spine of their creativity. Pearl & The Oysters was born largely out of rebellion against the rigidity of their academic training, aiming to create lo-fi music with zero budget on a laptop and have fun with it. The duo released their self-titled debut album in 2017 while still in Florida. It was a vivaciously twee early step with futuristic synth-laced flourishes that did not fit into any production trend at the time. This was followed by "Canned Music" in 2018 and "Flowerland" in 2021, which eventually garnered the attention of Stones Throw Records. Their debut on the label, "Coast2Coast," was released in 2022 and bolstered their breezy pop standing even further, reflecting their journey from Florida to Los Angeles. Pearl & The Oysters' sound is influenced by a variety of vintage gear and a colourful palette of retro influences, including ‘70s Brazilian pop, Haruomi Hosono’s Pacific, and the space-age sound of Stereolab. Their music is characterised by sugary bubblegum pop that offers something for everyone, challenging listeners who delve into its offerings or providing a surface-level sheen inspired by 60s garage rock with jazz flourishes and synth weirdness. Their fifth album, "Planet Pearl," is one of their most realised visions to date, feeling like a very US album and one of their most intimate and true to their artistic vision. The duo's ambition is longevity and to simply exist in their happy bubble, with their deep musical bond and insatiable curiosity driving their continuous exploration and experimentation in the studio.