The Working Poor's songs are Magic Realism. Borrowing from the 1960's South American literary movement, their songs' narrations often delve into the surrealism of the subconscious. Unlike the literary movement, their story is set in Oakland, CA. Eli Hammond writes the bands lyrics. His writing partner was Carl Jordan, the former band's guitarist. The two also fronted the short lived but popular L.A. band, Nasscar Poets. The bassist, Arnold Chao, is an emerging visual artist and musician who has collaborated and been friends with Hammond and Jordan since they met in UC Santa Cruz in '92. Tracks and CDs are available online.

Currently, The Working Poor is on hiatus, while Arnold Chao records a few solo tracks -- some in collaboration with Eli Hammond, Krisnadi Poejosoedarmo, and Matt Edelman.