Pom Pom Squad

Mia Berrin initiated Pom Pom Squad as a solo project at the age of eighteen while attending New York University’s Clive Davis Institute. Originating from Long Island, New York, and growing up in Detroit, Michigan, and Orlando, Florida, Berrin’s early work included performing solo and later with an initial band lineup. The extended play “Hate It Here” was released in 2017, marking an early milestone in her musical career. Berrin, identifying as African-American, Puerto Rican, Jewish, and queer, integrates her identity into her music, contributing to a distinctive artistic voice.

Following initial releases, Berrin reformed the band with bassist Mari Alé Figeman and drummer Shelby Keller, with Alex Mercuri later joining as the permanent fourth member. This new configuration released the EP “Ow” in September 2019, which garnered attention and led to bookings for multiple SXSW showcases and supporting tour dates with groups like The Front Bottoms and Disq in 2020. Although many of these engagements were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pom Pom Squad released a series of covers and an original single, “Red with Love,” during this period, maintaining their presence in the music scene.

The band signed with Berlin independent label City Slang in March 2021, culminating in the release of their debut full-length album, “Death of a Cheerleader,” in June 2021. Produced by Sarah Tudzin, the album was supported by singles “Lux,” “Head Cheerleader,” and “Crying.” Post-album release, Pom Pom Squad embarked on extensive tours, opening for artists such as Illuminati Hotties, Fenne Lily, PUP, Bartees Strange, Pvris, and Poppy. They also performed at an NPR Tiny Desk Concert at SXSW in 2022 and had their song “Shame Reactions” featured in the film “Do Revenge.” Their second album, “Mirror Starts Moving Without Me,” recorded at Electric Lady Studios, was released in October 2024 to positive reviews, featuring singles “Downhill” and “Spinning,” and influenced by a darker aesthetic and diverse musical styles.