PinkPantheress and all the nice things she’s been doing lately
We’ve been following British Artist PinkPantheress moves. This year, she released a remix project for her debut mixtape to hell with it, and jumped two feet into the live music world, including her standout first show in Paris. Right before she flew over to the US for her debut North American shows, she also unveiled single “Where you are ” in collaboration with Willow Smith. So, let’s talk a bit about all these lovely things.
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Phenomenon PinkPantheress – who became a sensation with her UK garage, two-step, pop and alt-rock influenced tracks such as “Just for me” and “Break it off” – is a spokesperson for her generation. Having spent her childhood and teenage years listening to hardcore, pop punk or Alternative R&B, she’s now created her own : a contemporary fairy tale musical universe with (with hints of dark horror creative direction) hinting at her complex persona. Her sound is bouncy, yet deeply melancholic while her lyricism deals with themes like past lovers experiences, love lost, guilt and loneliness. She undresses tones of emotions always ultimately her vulnerability. “And that's 'cause lying's a big problem of mine / But I still do it, now I'm by myself again / I tell so many that I can't see them end… They say I should be honest more, one day, I'm sure / I'll figure out the reason I was telling lies for” (I must apologise).
Talking about her life and personal struggles, we hear and feel that she is putting herself into question, a growing process leading to self- evolution, a progressive energy shifting. There are glimpses of joyful liberation, for instance when she takes a few steps back and realizes she’s no longer moved anymore by the person that was causing her suffering and overthinking. One feels a lot of layers of distinct sensations while listening to PinkPantheress’ music.
Let’s also talk about some of her latest moves. Figure Pink Pantheress had her first french gig at La Machine du Moulin Rouge a few weeks ago in Paris, with its first part rhythmed by British-South Asian singer Nayana IZ – and its after party. 99GINGER and IFFY FM curated an afterparty; the two cultural entities linked up to celebrate a full French-British line-up composed of Sam Gellaitry, PinkPantheress b2b Saunders, Kirou Kirou b2b Vanna, Ray Fiasco, Nadia Keira in b2b with Jjess, Pink’s own official DJ. The afterparty was hosted by American rapper GoldLink, a huge supporter of PinkPantheress since day 1. Goldlink also joined Pink for a surprise performance of “Evian” alongside his own track “Crew” during the main show, much to the audience’s joy. Sam Gellaitry also jumped on for an unreleased track, keeping the crowd on their toes.
More recently, PinkPantheress has released melancholic track "Where You Are", featuring Willow Smith. Sentimental, airy and nostalgic single came up as a collaboration between the two artists after a fan commented the track’s snippet earlier posted on TikTok by Pink: "I think Willow Smith should be on this track." Produced by Pink herself, alongside top producers Skrillex and Mura Masa, the track showcases Pink's teenage rock influences as it features a sample of Paramore's "Never Let This Go". The track was unveiled along with a video shot in Los Angeles. It depicts a vivid night-time club scene and focuses on the feeling of loneliness while being in a crowded place.
« So please tell me where you are, are, are, are, are, are, are Now my life's a downward spiral, got my broken heart recycled Please tell me where you are, are, are, are, are
I've lost sight of what to do, don't spend one day in my shoes, now »
Back in February, Pink Pantheress also released a Remixes project for her debut mixtape to hell with it. 15 artists gathered to re-create the tracks according to their own style and sensitivity. Among them, romantic pop rock alternative singer Powfu and Berlin based Dj and producer LSDXOXO, who brought “Pain” into a fantasy video game-like melancholic atmosphere. Sango added a baile-funk vibe to “I must apologize”, while Tommy Gold made a dystopia out of it. Canadian producer Wondagurl deepened “Valentines” with dark and emotional musical layers while Sam Gellaitry saturated “Passion” with pastel colors and an enchanting angelic lo-fi sound blended with raw acoustic guitars. We also discovered Manchester producer and DJ Anz on her “All my friends know” remix, an aerial UK-bounced R&B track. One of the best.
And with that, we’ll let you find your favourites...